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Hazards In Bonny Marine Transport System

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12 years ago

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There are basically three means of transportation worldwide; these include: road, marine and air transport. These means of transport facilitates the movement of persons and conveyance of goods and services from one location to another, without which, human activity would have been be very difficult, if not impossible to carry out. Hence the importance of a viable, effective and reliable transport system in any society cannot be overemphasised.

The aforementioned means of transport though differ in terms of their safety, convenience and speed but all share one thing in common namely – hazards.

The extent of hazards associated with each of these means of transport is relative to, among others, the strict adherence to the prevailing safety rules and regulations by the transport operators, worthiness or otherwise of the vehicle, boat, or aircraft.

Over the years, the marine or water transport has been the only mode of transport used by the people of Bonny and its inhabitants to access the state capital for either business or official purposes.

It is disheartening to note that in spite of the strategic place Bonny occupy in the nation’s economy, it is the only Local Government in Rivers State yet to be linked by road to the state capital.

It is worthy of note that in the past, Bonny was the nerve-centre for trade and commerce; being a coastal town, it provided an important sea port which facilitated the shipment of goods and services to and from the hinterlands.

Presently, Bonny Island is the terminal for the nation’s crude oil and gas; thus playing host to several major oil and gas exploration companies namely NLNG, Shell, Exxon Mobil, etc, as well as other subsidiary oil and gas service companies.

The presence of these multinationals in Bonny has transformed it into a cosmopolitan town — with its attendant high cost of living; yet it is the most neglected Local Government, in terms of absence of road link to other parts of the country.

It is worrisome to note that the hazards and inconveniences which passengers plying the Bonny- Port Harcourt Sea route in open Speed Boats are exposed to, leaves much to be desired.

Passengers travel everyday under the pressure of harsh and turbulent tidal waves – brought about by the closeness of the Bonny River to the Atlantic Ocean.

The lives of passengers are always at the mercy of the boat drivers; most of whom do not adhere to marine safety rules and regulations; they drive recklessly, use old. and worn-out engines, overload above the capacity of the boats/engines, among others; without any iota of courtesy to their passengers.

This situation had resulted in several boat mishaps; thereby causing loss of lives and properties.

This is besides the activities of sea pirates, who attack and rob innocent passengers of their money and other valuables  – even some of them die in the process.

These and many more are the traumatic experiences the people of Bonny and its inhabitants go through daily as a result of the only transport means to and from the Island.

The foregoing scenario, therefore, calls for serious concern on the lingering continuation and completion of the Bonny-Bodo Federal Road Project.

The 36-kilometre Bonny-Bodo road project which had been on the drawing board since 1995 during the Babangida administration, was awarded to Gino Construction Company Limited in 2002, and for over 10 years now, the project had suffered serious setbacks – which had been attributed to under-funding, community disagreements, poor performance and incapacity of the contractor handling the work.

So far no meaningful progress has been made on the road project. The Federal Government had on several occasions promised that work will soon commence on the project before the end of this year, but all to no avail.

Sometime in July last year, the Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolememen disclosed to the delegation of Ogoni Council of Traditional Rulers that the Federal Government would revoke major road projects contract which had been abandoned for over 10 years, including the Bonny- Bodo Road, when they visited him in his office in Abuja.

The Minister equally informed the delegation that the proposed revocation of the contract on the road project was necessitated in view of the economic importance of the Bonny-Bodo Road and being the only access to Bonny Island, that government considered it one of its priority projects to be completed in line with the “road sector transformation agenda” of government.

He further informed the Ogoni people that all the controversies militating against the continuation of the project had been resolved and assured them that hence forth the project would be properly monitored, funded and completed within the stipulated time.

In the same vein, the Minister of State for Works, Mr. Bashir Yuguda, had also in February this year, made similar promises while inspecting the road project. The same assurance was also given when a delegation of the Executive Management Team of the NLNG — led by its Managing Director, Mr. Babs Omotowa, visited the Minister of Works in his office on the lingering Bonny- Bodo Road Project.

Given the level of neglect and seeming insincerity of the Federal Government on the non- tulfillment of its promises with regards to the lingering Bonny-Bodo road project, it does appear that government lack the political will to execute the project to a logical end – unmindful of the enormous socio-economic benefits that would accrue from the road project when completed.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the Bonny-Bodo road during the construction phase, would create employment opportunity to our restive youths, especially those who the road project site criss-cross their communities. Similarly, the project when completed would attract business investors from other states across the country and beyond; particularly to Bonny, which till date has been inaccessible by road. Thus boosting the nation’s economy for the common good.

Going by the envisaged socio-economic importance of the Bonny-Bodo road project to the nation’s economy, it is very imperative for the Federal Government, National Assembly and Rivers State House of Assembly to expedite action at ensuring the unhindered continuation and completion of the road project. This could be achieved through a conscientious and pre- determined effort; by appropriating and releasing the requisite funds well enough-to sustain and complete the project at record time.

Again, if it is established that the construction company handling the project presently is incompetent, the Federal Government reserves the right to revoke the contract and re-award it to a more competent construction company, which will do a solid and thorough job and should be able to deliver on time.

Traditional rulers, youths and other stakeholders of the host communities also have important role to play; by creating the enabling environment for peace, security and co-operation – all of which are necessary ingredients for the company to carry out its job uninterrupted.

The effort made so far by the Ogoni Council of Traditional Rulers and the Management Team of the NLNG in this direction is quite commendable. It is expected that the Bonny Council of Traditional Rulers should also follow suit, by sending a delegation to the Federal Government, to press further for the continuation and completion of the Bonny-Bodo road project.

To this end, therefore, the Federal Government through this medium, is called upon to please, appreciate the plight of the good people of Bonny, by rising to the occasion and taking urgent steps towards the continuation and completion of the road project– which had lingered for decades. When this is done, no doubt, would give them a great relief from the hazards associated with marine transport system.

Fombo residents in Port Harcourt.

 

Iyeowuna Alfred Fombo

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Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

Published

1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”
In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.
One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.
As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.
 Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.
 Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.
These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.
Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”
Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.
Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.
Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.
Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.
Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.
 The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.
By;  Confidence Adoo
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Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’  Prescription 

Published

3 weeks ago

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June 8, 2026

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Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”
The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.
Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,
when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.
Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?
Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.
Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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