Rivers

Monarch Hails OBALGA Boss’ Choice

Published

5 years ago

July 21, 2021

The Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, has applauded the choice of Barrister George Ariolu as the Executive Chairman of the local government, describing him as a round peg in a round hole, as he has all the requisite qualities, pedigree, carriage and charisma to give the council area a tremendous facelift in the next three years. Consequent upon this, the first class traditional ruler gleefully sets some development agenda and milestones for the council chairman, which would invariably make him stand out among his contemporaries in the present political dispensation.
According to him, with the tutelage and mentorship he has got from no less a personality than the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, who has a knack for assessing the development needs of the people, and delivering on his promise and mandate, Barrister Ariolu is capable of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of OBALGA people.
Eze Eke, who gave this indication in an interview in Port Harcourt said having served under Governor Wike as Chief of Protocols at the council and also Special Adviser, the council chairman must have gotten a great deal from the Governor’s table to be able to turn around the fortunes of the local government, describing him as a very decent man, who is quite knowledgeable and highly educated, being an intelligent and vibrant lawyer.
“I could not have said that for his predecessor. Barrister G. T. Ariolu is somebody that has been groomed and trained, as it were, by the Governor of Rivers State. In other words, he has worked closely with the Governor and must have learnt one or two lessons from him because he has seen what he is doing and all the projects and all the good things that impact on the people from the Governor’s table.George has been around and seen those things. So,it behooves on him to regurgitate what he has gotten from the Governor’s table in Obio/Akpor and that I am very sure he will do”, he said.
The monarch said Ariolu being a grassroots politician, who has so much passion and love for the local government, as well as being a team player, is expected to carry along all the people of the local government both indigenes and non-indigenes, men, women and youths.
“He is a man I know can reach out to all and sundry. He has objectivity and will be able to tackle the myriads of issues that beset the local government,” he intoned.
In order to make a difference, Eze Eke advised the council chairman to have his hands off chieftaincy issues and be the chairman of everybody.
“George is not a one man bulldozer, as it were. His style is to carry all the people together. He is friendly. He understands the people and he understands governance. And he knew what his motives, intentions and his vision were before coming to power. We too we know who George is and that was why we were able to deliver him and voted for him in order to bring to bear those beautiful things in his heart that he wants to do for the people of Obio/Akpor. We should, therefore, continue to support him”, he pleaded.
In terms of projects execution, he said the Governor apparently ushered Ariolu’s coming to the helm of affairs with the recent commissioning and flag-off of several projects as if to welcome him into office, and urged the council chairman to tackle the flooding in front of the council secretariat in Rumuodomaya as well as take interest in the rehabilitation of internal roads in some communities in the local government, which still have bad roads.
Like Governor Wike, the traditional ruler enjoined the council chairman to complete all uncompleted projects started by his predecessors like the Swamp Road project within the Oroigwe axis of the local government as well as direct his attention to the abandoned Fish Farm project in Rumuekini Community and the jetty at Rumuolumeni started by his immediate predecessor, among others.
He said he was sure that Barrister Ariolu had his plans and vision for the local government before he emerged as the executive chairman, adding that “we are only asking him to give attention to these ones and then, feel free to execute the beautiful things in his heart for the people of the local government”.
In the area of security, he urged Ariolu to emulate his master, the Governor whom he described as “the champion of our security” by relating well with security operatives in the local government and create the enabling environment for them to effectively discharge their functions.
The monarch, who superintends over 33 communities within the Evo Kingdom in the local government urged his people, whom he described as peace-loving and hospitable to always support the council chairman to succeed, obey all government regulations and continue to love one another while at the same time remain peaceful.

By: Donatus Ebi

Rivers

100 Days: UPTH CMD Harps On Brain Drain, Anti-Corruption

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Godswill Orluwene, has identified brain drain and corruption as critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.

Orluwene, who made this known during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, in Choba, declared that his administration is tackling both issues headlong as part of efforts to reposition the institution.

He noted that the stewardship session was aimed at rendering account of his leadership and setting a transparent benchmark for performance going forward.

“This 100 days is to render stewardship and give account of our activities, while we tackle corruption headlong within the system”, he said.

Addressing concerns over the exodus of medical professionals, the CMD said, poor working conditions have contributed significantly to brain drain, but that ongoing reforms are beginning to address these challenges.

He expressed optimism in the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that, Government is repositioning the health sector, especially in remuneration and infrastructure.

On corruption, Prof. Orluwene stressed, “We have taken decisive steps to block all financial leakages and ensure accountability in our operations.”

He disclosed that a staff verification exercise exposed irregularities, stating that “Out of over 4,000 staff on the payroll, only about 2,000 presented themselves for verification.

“As a result, over 1,000 salaries have been stopped due to discrepancies identified during the exercise.”

Highlighting policy reforms, the CMD said, feeding of patients has now been standardized at ?5,000 for three meals, while other charges have been reviewed downward.

On infrastructure, he said “The Accident and Emergency Department was in a poor state before, but today it has undergone massive renovation.”

Speaking on power supply, he revealed: “With the solar power project on ground, UPTH will soon enjoy 24-hour electricity supply. Our goal is to make UPTH a hub for medical tourism in the near future.”

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has revealed that it will consider new proposals by the University of Port Harcourt to engage its staff on refresher training and a state-wide database initiative for vulnerable persons, to ensure efficient service delivery and data-driven planning in the state.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, disclosed this when she received a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by a Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, which also include some of his PhD students, during a courtesy visit to her office, Friday.

She described the visit as “timely to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice”, and assured the visiting team that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for staff and a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.

She added that the ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership, noting that with collaborative effort, social work will achieve greater impact and professionalism in the state.

Earlier, Prof. Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek collaboration to strengthen the existing partnership between the university and the ministry.

He proposed four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for ministry staff, a one-month certificate programme on social work for staff, development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, and strengthening of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.

The UNIPORT Professor noted that the proposals are aimed at improving case management and welfare response across the state.

The courtesy visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing willingness to collaborate and review the proposals.

Rivers

Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Fishermen Association of Ogoloma Community has commended the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of local fishermen.

The Association made the commendstion during a courtesy “thank-you” visit by members of the association to the council chairman, following the distribution of fishing equipment aimed at boosting productivity and livelihoods within the riverine community.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Tobin expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their show of appreciation, noting that their success remains a top priority of his administration.

He stated that the empowerment initiative through the provision of fishing canoes, nets, and hooks was designed to enhance economic activities and improve living standards in Ogoloma and other parts of Okrika.

“I am encouraged by your visit and your progress so far. This administration is committed to supporting our local fishermen to thrive. There will be a second phase of the human capital development programme, and we will do even more to uplift the fishing community,” the Chairman assured.

The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, stressing that empowering local industries such as fishing is key to sustainable economic growth in the region.

Responding on behalf of the Association, its spokesperson, Elder Kaizer Kiniminabo, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the council boss.

He acknowledged the impact of the empowerment programme on the fishermen’s productivity and welfare.

“On behalf of our matron, Hon. Linda Stewart Somiari, and Hon. Royal Ateke, we express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his magnanimity and commitment to the well-being of fishermen in Ogoloma. We pray for the continued success of his administration,” Kiniminabo stated.

As a token of appreciation, the association presented gifts, including dry fish and other locally sourced items to the chairman, symbolizing their gratitude and support.

The visit highlights the growing collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders in fostering development and economic empowerment across Okrika Local Government Area.

By: Michael T. Abraham