Opinion

Ada-George, Iwofe Roads: Can The Contractors Deliver?

Published

14 years ago

March 16, 2012

The contractor handling the dualisation of Ada-George Road had assured the Rivers State Government that work on the road would be completed this year while work is yet to commence on the dualisation of Iwofe Road. Given their terrible conditions, our staff writer, Calista Ezeaku and photographer, Prince Obinna asked residents of the areas what their thoughts are. Their responses.

Mr Bright Kamalu, business man

Work on the road is in progress. At least, the construction company, has been trying to make sure that some areas are motorable. At least, they are doing something.

The difficulty we encounter is that when people close from work, there will be hold up, but with other small roads around, we can manage it.

We are appealing to government to, at least, ginger the contractor, let them do something between now and December, so that by next year, we know that we are done.

Mr Justice Ichienwo, student, University of Port Harcourt

I think for now, it seems I am the only one feeling bad about the road. I don’t know if other people are also feeling bad. For me, I think that the work on the road (Ada-George Road) is not moving as I expected it. I don’t know if government is owing or if government has not mobilised them (the construction company) or if the problem is from the contractor. So, I don’t know. There is rumour that they (the construction company) need mobilisation. I think if mobilisation is the problem, government should just look into it so that from now till December, the contractor can do something about it.

Whenever there is rain, there will be flood every where. Most of the time, I fold my trouser, remove my shoes, just to cross over to my place. This has lasted for at least a year and two months.

If money is the problem, they should give them the money so that we will know that the contractor is the one owing the people.

Mr Goodness Sunday, treasurer, Keke Owners Association of Nigeria, Ada-George Branch.

This place has been disturbing us for about three years now. Sometimes, hold up will be everywhere, we’ll have no access to go anywhere. Like Iwofe Road, we have not been going there often, right from this year. When it rains, you cannot go there. Like Ada George, even people that are constructing the road are not doing the work the way they are supposed to do it. When you go there, sometimes they will take water and block everywhere, in the name of doing the work.

Nevertheless, we are still hoping they can do something better. For now, our work is not moving well because of the road. I want the state government to talk to the company handling this work (the construction company), that they should fasten this job. They cannot be working one place. It is getting to four years since they started constructing this place, till now the work is not completed.

So, I want government to look into the matter, meet with the director of the company. They should hasten this job so that they can be able to go another place, not staying in one place for about four years without achieving the purpose of coming there.

Government should help even on this Iwofe Road. It is very bad from St John’s down here (Ada George Road junction). I paid N100.00 which is something that I can pay N50.00 to reach. But I paid N100.00. Sometimes, you can stay here for more than one or two hours, you will not able to get motor from here to Iwofe. Not to talk of Eliparanwo, that place is ‘no go area’. We are suffering a lot in this area. So, we need government to come and help us, so that we can benefit from government.

Evangelist Joseph S. Nwodu, missionary.

My experience on this road is so bad, although government is trying. But we ask the government to put more effort to make sure they facilitate the road. The road is too bad, so as a result of it, motorists have increased the transport fare. Sometimes, they will charge you N200.00, from Whimpey junction to Ngbuakali, Eliparanwo. Some other times, they will charge you N100.00. Last night (Tuesday night), we paid N150.00. They (drivers) charge what suits them because of the bad road.

So, I want government to do something this raining season. Otherwise, businesses and social life will suffer, and this will increase the problem in the state. When somebody is not regular in areas of his assignment, you will know that it is a problem. When it rains, people don’t come to church the way they are supposed to because of the bad road. So the nature of the road is affecting moral life of the people.

So, we want government to put more effort on what they have started. Let them try to finish it.

Mr Edward Shan, business man.

I can say the government is trying. The governor is doing fine. Every government must initiate a project and at the beginning of the initiation of the project, there must be some minor hiccups.

So, I think the Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is really trying his best. So, people should learn how to be patient withr government. I believe within the shortest period, the road will be completed. The road is not all that bad. It is a normal thing with any road that is under construction. Of course, there must be some minor inconveniences.

So, I am still appealing to the people to be patient with the government because I believe within the shortest period, the road will be in good shape.

The contractor should try and hasten the job for the convenience of the road users.

Mr Micheal Nwachi, automobile mechanic.

In fact, since this road got bad like this, we have remained jobless. I’m even looking for a job in a company right now because people don’t pass this road again (Iwofe Road). It is only the big vehicles that pass this road. You cannot see any small car pass this road, assuming the person wants to get to Iwofe. They will always be looking for other routes to get to Iworfe. No small car can pass this road. Even the big cars find it difficult to pass the road because the road is terribly bad. In fact, I have never seen a road like this in the whole Rivers State that is as bad as this Iwofe Road.

So, that has kept everybody here off business. Many of them have parked out. These shops here were very busy but if you look at the shops now, you will see that all of them are under lock and key. Only one is operating there because of the road. So,iftis a terrible situation.

You waste all your time on the road, waste your fuel and everything. In fact, we are not happy. We feel very bad, we feel as if we are not part of the state, we not included. This area seems as if we are isolated from what is happening in other areas of the state.

So, we pray that government one day, will remember this Iwofe Road. Though we heard that the contract has been awarded but we have not seen anything happening, nothing. My car gets bad each and every movement. If you fix your thyroid, bolt joint, and shock absorbers, before one or two weeks, you go back to mechanic workshop to do the same job again. So, the road is really making car owners spend more money maintaining their cars. Some have even parked their cars. They use public transport to go out for business because of the way the road has spoilt their cars. So, it is really a bad situation.

We really want government to come to our rescue, because this road is a government road. It is a major road linking so many companies in this area. So, if government will come and put this road in order, the economic situation of the state will be boosted. The companies operating here are paying more tax to the government. So the government has the right (obligation) to come and fix this road.

Marilyn Esien, teacher.

It has been something else going to school with the bad road. We have to trek a long distance because no car is passing this way (Iwofe Road). You have to trek down, sometimes you swim the water with your legs. We (the school) has lost a lot of children because of this road. Parents say their children cannot pay through here so they decided to change their children to other schools. The other ones that are still trying to come, school bus sometimes will sink here. You will now transfer them from one bus to another to pass this place.

Whenever it rains, you have to wait extra two hours for the water to come down or turn round to follow Eliparanwo. So, any time rain falls here, it is ‘no go area’.

So, I want government to do something about this road. At least, let them put it in their own budget that this road is one of the roads they will finish before this tenure finishes.

Mr Livinus Onyenwike, civil servant.

The thing is a very big problem, because going to work, you must have to trek from here to where you can enter motor because no motor will agree to carry you along here because of the bad road.

Let us emulate the western world. Because in the western world where our people go to buy property, things are not like this. If they are like this, they cannot go there to do any thing.

I don’t even believe that this road will still be like this up till now. So, it is not good. We are not animals. We are human beings. We are supposed to emulate good things from the western world. We have the money, we have the resources, we have everything. So, we are supposed to do better things. This road is an eye sour. Many shops are closed. Many people are parking out. If rain falls, flood will take over every where. If you enter the compound where I am living, you will see how we heaped blanks of wood to cross over to our rooms. It is because of bad road, it is not good.

Government must have to do something. We are all human beings. We need good health and good environment.

Opinion

Policy Intervention: More Than Administrative Reform

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This policy intervention proves that education reform is not just about administration, but about restoring dignity, equity, and integrity to the learning process.”

On September 24, 2025, the article” A Growing Emergency: How Marked-Up Textbooks Are Sabotaging Nigeria’s School Children”, written by King Onunwo, was published in The Tide Newspaper. In the said article, the writer expressed pains in what he viewed as ‘a silent but damaging practice’ taking root in homes across Nigeria, one that threatens the academic future of millions of children in primary and secondary schools. From the paintings of the writer, this seemingly minor convenience where older siblings complete their homeworks directly inside their school textbooks, may seem harmless on the surface. On the contrary, it is creating a dangerous ripple effect. What used to be a normal practice—siblings reusing textbooks year after year to ease the financial burden on families—has now turned into a nightmare. The writer could best describe its impact in our educational system as a stumbling block for students, and a ticking time bomb for the education system and to say the least, a source of distress for countless parents.

The core message of the article is that writing homework and classwork inside textbooks has evolved from a harmless household habit into a national educational crisis that is quietly undermining learning outcomes in Nigeria. Specifically, the article argues that: marked-up textbooks sabotage learning by denying younger students the opportunity to think independently, practice problem-solving, and engage meaningfully with lessons. Economic hardship has normalized textbook reuse, but misuse has turned a cost-saving strategy into an educational disadvantage. The problem is systemic, not merely individual, reflecting failures in policy enforcement, public awareness, and educational support structures. Hence, government’s intervention is urgently required, including regulations, awareness campaigns, textbook audits, penalties, and subsidized writing materials.

Violation of education equity was also fingered as children are academically punished due to circumstances beyond their control—birth order and family income. King Onunwo opined that small oversights can cause large-scale damage, and ignoring such “minor” issues threatens Nigeria’s broader educational goals. Ultimately, he called for a national textbook integrity policy to protect learning materials and ensure fairness in education. Deductively, the writer ‘s feelings and emotional tone conveyed a deep concern and alarm, repeatedly framing the issue as a “growing emergency,” “ticking time bomb,” and “quiet academic crisis.” which signals a genuine fear that the problem if unchecked, may have irreversible consequences.

The writer ‘s tone is outrightly that of an advocate, not a neutral observer, speaking with a strong sense of justice, emphasizing on education as a right, meaning that children should not be academically disadvantaged by family circumstances, hence, the need for society to protect educational tools.The repeated calls for “immediate,” “urgent,” and “no time to waste” action showed impatience with delays and excuses. The writer believes every academic term lost worsens the damage. It is not just about textbooks—it is about educational dignity, equality, and systemic responsibility. The closing metaphor (“the handwriting is on the wall”) reinforces the writer’s belief that the consequences are already visible and that failure to act would be inexcusable. By responding decisively to growing concerns around the misuse and rising cost of learning materials, the Federal Government has demonstrated that thoughtful advocacy still matters—and that public interest writing can indeed influence policy in meaningful ways.

The recently unveiled education policy banning disposable workbooks and mandating the use of durable, reusable textbooks is a commendable step in the right direction. It directly addresses the very issues raised by King Onunwo and other concerned writers and parents who have long warned about the silent damage being done to Nigeria’s school children through poorly designed textbook practices and unchecked misuse of learning materials. For years, families—especially those with multiple children—have struggled under the weight of repeated textbook purchases. Worse still, the culture of writing directly into textbooks turned what should have been reusable learning tools into single-use items, sabotaging younger siblings who inherited books already filled with answers, errors, and confusion. The new policy does not merely reduce costs; it restores the integrity of textbooks as reference materials meant to guide thinking, not replace it.

By insisting on standardized, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years, the government has effectively validated the core argument of education advocates: that sustainability, affordability, and quality learning are deeply interconnected. The decision to prohibit the bundling of disposable workbooks—often used as a commercial tactic to force annual purchases—is particularly laudable. It signals a shift away from profit-driven educational practices toward child-centered learning. Equally important is the policy’s emphasis on strengthening assessment and quality assurance for instructional materials. This tackles another long-standing problem: superficial textbook revisions that compel parents to buy “new editions” without meaningful improvements in content. Such practices have eroded trust in the system and placed unnecessary financial strain on households already stretched thin.

Beyond textbooks, the introduction of a uniform academic calendar and the rationalization of graduation ceremonies show a broader sensitivity to the hidden costs of schooling. These reforms recognize that education expenses are not limited to fees alone but are compounded by traditions and inconsistencies that quietly drain family resources. This policy intervention is more than administrative reform; it is proof that government can listen, reflect, and act when issues are clearly articulated and grounded in lived realities. It affirms the value of public-interest writing as a bridge between citizens’ experiences and policy action.While implementation and enforcement will be the true test, the direction is encouraging. Parents, teachers, and school administrators must now play their part to ensure that these reforms translate into real change in classrooms across the country.

In acknowledging and addressing the concerns raised by writers, educators, and families, the government has taken a vital step toward protecting the learning future of Nigerian children. It is a reminder that when the handwriting on the wall is read early enough, it is still possible to rewrite the story—for the better.However, kudos to Federal Government for the intervention, but it should not end on the table rather should be given accelerated attention in order to ensure full implementation.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Redefining New Year Resolutions

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Transformation begins the moment intention meets action.”

At the dawn of a new year and throughout its early days, millions of people across the globe make promises to themselves—to improve, to grow, and to transform. The New Year carries a unique sense of renewal, hope, and possibility. It offers a clean slate on which aspirations are rewritten and goals are redefined. But beyond the excitement and optimism lies an important question: what truly gives power to these resolutions, and how can they be sustained to positively impact individuals, families, and teams?

New Year resolutions emerge from different platforms, perspectives, and points of need. For many, the focus is personal growth—acquiring new skills, practicing mindfulness, improving physical health, or cultivating emotional resilience. Others prioritize relationships, seeking to strengthen bonds with family and friends, heal broken connections, or build new ones. Career development also ranks high, with goals such as professional advancement, job transitions, skill enhancement, or entrepreneurship. Financial stability—saving money, paying off debt, investing wisely—remains a major concern, while some individuals turn to creativity, exploring new hobbies, talents, or artistic pursuits.

Regardless of the resolution, a clear roadmap is essential. Transformation begins with reflection—understanding personal values, clarifying what truly matters, and identifying the change one desires to see. This process often involves shedding unproductive habits and mindsets to create room for growth. Setting specific and achievable goals, then breaking them into manageable tasks, increases the likelihood of success. Equally important is establishing an accountability system—whether through self-monitoring, trusted partners, or structured reviews—to sustain commitment over time.

New Year resolutions embody the power of intentional living. They allow individuals and groups to pause, evaluate past actions, and consciously chart a new course. When intentions are clearly defined, it becomes easier to identify growth areas, develop a realistic plan, maintain motivation, cultivate healthy habits, and strengthen relationships. Setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—ensures that resolutions are practical and purposeful rather than vague aspirations. In addition, prioritizing self-care enables the mind, body, and soul to function optimally, providing the stamina needed for long-term success.

Many resolutions require learning something new—whether acquiring professional skills, developing hobbies, or broadening intellectual capacity. For personal growth, this may include learning a new language, reading more books, or gaining knowledge that enhances competence and confidence. Involving family members in shared goals strengthens bonds and encourages collective responsibility. Regular family activities, open communication, shared meals, and intentional time together help instill values such as kindness, empathy, discipline, and accountability.

Career-focused resolutions may involve enrolling in online courses or certification programs, improving digital literacy, or networking with professionals in the same field. Financial growth requires discipline—creating and adhering to a budget, building a savings plan, investing wisely, and paying off debt systematically. When creativity or leisure is the focus, starting a journal or blog, learning an instrument, engaging in arts and crafts, or pursuing writing can be both fulfilling and therapeutic.

For families and teams, resolutions foster unity and shared purpose. When goals are collectively set and pursued, they promote collaboration, trust, and mutual support. Teams that align their resolutions with shared values experience improved productivity, morale, and accountability. Clear communication, regular progress reviews, and celebrating small wins reinforce commitment and sustain momentum throughout the year.

However, common pitfalls must be avoided. Unrealistic expectations often lead to discouragement and failure; goals should be challenging yet attainable. A lack of planning or strategy undermines even the best intentions, while poor accountability increases the risk of giving up prematurely. To make resolutions stick, it is important to track progress using journals, planners, or digital tools; celebrate milestones; remain patient with setbacks; and review goals periodically to adjust when necessary.

As the year unfolds, may our goals, hopes, and resolutions inspire meaningful change. Resolutions are not merely seasonal rituals—they are journeys of growth and discipline. With intentional planning, focused action, and collective effort, individuals, families, and teams can thrive, transform, and make lasting strides toward a better future.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi

Opinion

Trans-Kalabari Road: Work In Progress

Published

1 week ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This Dream project is one of the best things that have happened to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas in recent times.”

This is the concluding part of this story featured in our last edition.

Good road network helps farmers to convey their agro-allied products to commercial hubs where buyers and sellers meet periodically to transact business. Road network engineers and motivates people resident in unfriendly geographical terrains, like riverine areas, to own property and shuttle home with ease. Some people will prefer living in their own houses in a more serene and nature-blessed communities to living in the city that is fraught with pollution, and other environmental, social and economic hazards. Prior to the cult epidemic that ravaged parts of Rivers State, the Emohuas, Elemes, Ogonis, and Etches were known for rural dwelling. Most public servants from these areas do their official and private transactions from their villages. For them it was comparatively easier to live in the village and engage in a diversified economic endeavours through farming, fishing or other lucrative business without outrageous charges and embarrassment associated with doing business in Port Harcourt, where land is as scarce as the traditional needle.

That is why the decision to construct the Trans-Kalabari Road by the administration of Dr. Peter Odili was one of the best decisions that administration took. When Dr. Odili vacated office as the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi took over and awarded contracts for continuation of the road project which in my considered view is the felt need of the people of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. Unfortunately, Rt. Hon. Amaechi’s efforts to drive the project was sabotaged by some contractors some of whom are Kalabari people. The main Trans-Kalabari Road is one project that is dear to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This is because through the road commuters can easily access several communities in the three local government areas. For instance, the road when completed will enable access to eight of the ten communities in Degema Local Government Area, namely: Bukuma, Tombia, Bakana, Oguruama, Obuama, Usokun, Degema town and the Degema Consulate. It will also link 15 of the 16 communities in Asari Toru Local Government Area. The communities are: Buguma, the local government headquarters, Ido, Abalama, Tema, Sama, Okpo, Ilelema, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama, Krakrama, Omekwe-Ama, Angulama. The road will also connect 14 of 17 wards in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, and other settlements. It is interesting to note that It is faster, and far more convenient and economical for the catchment Communities on the Trans-Kalabari Road network to go to the State Capital than the East West Road. The people of the three local government areas will prefer to work or do their transactions in Port Harcourt from their respective communities to staying in Port Harcourt where the house rent and the general cost of living is astronomically high.

Consequently, development will seamlessly spread to the 28 out of 34 communities of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. The only Communities that are not linked by the road project are Oporoama in Asari Toru, the Ke and Bille Communities in Degema Local Government Area and the “Oceania” communities of Abissa, Kula, Soku, Idama, Elem Sangama of Akuku Toru Local Government Area. But because of the economic value of the unlinked Communities to Nigeria, (they produce substantial oil and gas in the area), the Federal, State Governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), can extend the road network to those areas just as Bonny is linked to Port Harcourt and the Lagos Mainland Bridge is connecting several towns in Lagos and neighbouring States.Kudos to previous administrations who had constructed the Central Group axis.

However, what is said to be the First Phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road project is actually a linkage of the “Central Group” Communities which consists of Krakrama, Angulama, Omekwe. Ama, Omekwe Tari Ama, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama. It is the peripheral of the Trans-Kalabari Road. The completion of the Main Trans Kalabari project will free Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor areas from congestion. It will motivate residents and people of the three local areas to contribute to the development of their Communities. If the Ogonis, Etches, Emohuas, Oyigbos, Okrikas, Elemes can feel comfortable doing business in Port Harcourt from home, residents and people whose communities are linked to Port Harcourt through the Trans-Kalabari Road will no doubt, do likewise. The vast arable virgin land of the Bukuma people can be open for development and sustainable agricultural ventures by Local, State and Federal Government.

It is necessary to recall that the Bukuma community was host to the Federal Government’s Graduate Farmers’ Scheme and the Rivers State Government moribund School-to-Land Scheme under Governor Fidelis Oyakhilome. Bukuma was the only community in Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas that has the capacity to carry those agricultural programmes. However the lack of road to transport farm produce to Port Harcourt and facilitate the movement of the beneficiaries of the scheme who lived in the community which is several miles away from the farms, hampered the sustainability of the programme. The main Trans-Kalabari Road remains the best gift to the people of Degema, Asari Toru, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas. Kudos to Sir Siminilayi Fubara.

By: Igbiki Benibo