Niger Delta
Dickson Assures On Ogbia/Nembe Road Completion
The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, says he will put every mechanism in place to ensure the completion of the 40 years old Ogbia-Nembe road project by 2015
Hon Dickson, who described the delay as a hinderance to structural development, and investment in tourism and other socio-economic activities in the two local government areas promised that all such projects would be given accelerated attention by his administration.
The Ogbia-Nembe road project,which was initially awarded by Federal Government under the Military administration of Yakubu Gowon in 1973 but taken over by the SPDC and later the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) as part of community intervention agency effort.
Governor Seriake Dickson,while on a Special “Thank You” tour in Nembe Local Government Area of the state,said the decision of the state government to facilitate the completion of the road project was due to the need to boost the economic profile of the state and address security challenges being faced by indigenes of the community.
Governor Dickson,who was recieved by the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, (rtd), the former Military Administrator of Ebonyi and Delta states, Navy Captain Walter Feghabo, (rtd) and Senator Nimi Barigha Amange, also promised to assist the people in the preservation of the rich cultural heritage with a donation of N10m.
Dickson said “What I’ve seen reminded me of how much we as a government even needs to do in terms of working closely to preserve, propagate and even export and expose this very beautiful aspect of our lives that very often we don’t show enough. I want to commend you all and also assure you that in this business of preserving culture, you have me as an active partner.”
“Let me also use this opportunity to thank His Eminence, the Amanyanabo and his council of chiefs for inducting me into your very respected Sekiapu cultural group. I am in support of any aspect of our culture that does not infringe on God’s sovereignty over His creation.”
“A short while ago I had announced a regime of support for the preservation of the cultural heritage and monuments in Nembe Local Government Area. And I have directed the Chairman of Council to liaise with the Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs to see to it that all those aspects are supported and preserved and even documented for posterity. I will even do so in Brass to preserve the White Man’s Grave and other relics that we have there.”
Earlier, at separate meetings with the Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri Councils of Chiefs, Governor Dickson restated his administration’s commitment towards strengthening security in the state and implored the people to cooperate with government in that regard.
On infrastructural development and other concerns raised, he said, “ we are doing a few things in Nembe as you all know but there are several things coming that you do not know which you will know very soon because when we say something, we do it. We don’t say things that we are not ready to do, like others do just to play to the gallery. A number of things are in the pipeline; we have started implementing some and in no distant time, most of the concerns raised will become things of the past”.
In their separate remarks, the Amanyanabo of Nembe, King Edmund Daukoru and the Secretary of Nembe-Bassambiri Council of Chiefs, Chief Ayebaesin Edeghotu-Omo commended the Governor for the visit and stressed the need for more concerted security efforts on the waterways particularly in the Oluasiri area.
Describing the issue of illegal bunkering and sea-piracy as disturbing, King Daukoru said the kingdom had been battling with the menace through communal efforts.
He said, ‘we are ready to partner with you even in the area of security. The youths have apprehended people in the past but when they are handed over for investigation and prosecution, very little happens.
Speaking in the same vein, Chief Edeghotu-Omo submitted, “we reiterate that the bravado which is being displayed by the marauders along the creeks becomes more worrisome as they are often assisted by the JTF to perpetrate their nefarious activities unperturbed.”
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.