Niger Delta
GMoU: Split Wakirike Cluster, SPDC Urged
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC)
and its joint venture partners have been urged to split the communities lumped
in the newly inaugurated Wakirike cluster to facilitate the sustainable
transformation of the area.
Making the request during the signing of the new Global
Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) for Wakirike cluster and the renewal of the
GMoU for Etche 1 and 2 clusters last Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers
State capital, the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma, HRH A.T. Obubibo, said the splitting
of the cluster was necessary in order to achieve speedy development while
deepening the impact of the company’s social investment in the area.
Obubibo said that the Wakirike cluster was so large that the
impact of SPDC may not be felt by the ordinary grassroots dwellers if the 22
communities that constitute the present cluster are not split into, at least,
two development areas.
While lauding SPDC for remaining steadfast in efforts to
fashion a workable GMoU framework that would carry all stakeholders along and
bring meaningful development to Wakirike, Obubibo challenged the communities to
guarantee sustainable peace as a precursor to development and ensure mutual
respect and support for the company and governments at all levels.
Speaking, Manager, Government and Community Relations, SPDC,
Fufeyin Funkakpo, recalled the sterling achievements recorded by both Etche 1
and Etche 2 clusters during the pilot schemes in the last five years, which he
said, impacted positively on the people and transformed the development
landscape of Etche.
Fufeyin stated that as a partnership model which puts
resources directly into the hands of the people and lays emphasis on host
community participation in formulation and execution of development programmes
and projects, SPDC believes that a strategic synergy with the governments,
implementing non-governmental organisations and the communities would deliver
on set goals.
According to him, “SPDC remains committed to the sustainable
development of the Niger Delta…I believe that over time, NGOs and communities
will play bigger roles in the development of the Niger Delta, as the GMoU model
is fast gaining acceptance in government, oil industry and communities.”
“The communities, NGOs, SPDC and Rivers State Government
still have a lot of work to do to ensure that the GMoU is implemented
effectively and transparently,” Fufeyin noted, stressing that SPDC was
“committed to making the GMoUs work.”
He thanked the 22 communities in the new Wakirike cluster
for surmounting all obstacles and agreeing to partner the company for
development while also tasking the nine and 12 communities in Etche 1 and 2
clusters, respectively, to work more closely with SPDC to excel in the
transformation of their communities.
In his remarks, Rivers State Commissioner for Chieftaincy
and Community Affairs, Charles Okaye, reckoned that although Etche 1 and 2
clusters had delivered some projects to the people in the pilot five-year GMoU
scheme, but challenged all the 43 communities in Etche 1 and 2, and Wakirike
clusters to honestly and religiously work with all parties under the GMoU to
bequeath a transformational legacy for posterity.
Okaye noted his love for Wakirike people who never allowed
anyone to cheat them, and advised that while working to realise the vision
behind the letters of the GMoU, they must embrace peace, eschew violence and
exhaust all avenues of dialogue towards achieving sustainable development.
While saying that his ministry was open to address any
disputes arising from the implementation of the GMoU, the commissioner urged
both SPDC and the 43 communities to live up to their commitments in the GMoU
agreements.
Also speaking, Onye-Ishi Agulu of Ozuzu, Eze Monday Amaechi,
regretted the lapses observed in the implementation of the pilot GMoU scheme in
Etche in spite of the huge successes recorded in the last five years, and hoped
that the renewed agreement would drive the speedy development of the area.
The Tide recalls that between 2007 and 2011, SPDC had
invested more than N5billion in 117 communities in 10 clusters under the GMoU
scheme for the implementation of various people-oriented development
initiatives directly selected and executed by the communities in Rivers State
alone.
The Tide gathered that out of about 60 clusters identified
in the Niger Delta, only around 27 are presently active in Rivers, Bayelsa, and
Delta states.
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.