Rivers

Minister Commissions HYPREP’s Area Office In Rivers

Published

5 years ago

August 18, 2021

The Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, has commissioned the area office of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Abubakar, who commissioned the project executed by HYPREP, yesterday in Bori, said the office which is located within the council secretariat of the local government, is intended to bring the activities of the federal agency, which is responsible for remediation of Ogoniland, closer to the people.
The area office is expected to be replicated in the other three Ogoni-speaking LGAs of the state, including Gokana, Eleme and Tai.
The Minister also flagged off the second phase of the free medical outreach being organised by HYPREP at the Zonal General Hospital in Bori, insisting that the clean-up project currently ongoing in Ogoniland has been fast-tracked with the restructuring of the governing structures of HYPREP.
According to him, the Federal Government was fully committed to the total implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoaniland, as it is not only cleaning up the polluted environment but also restoring the livelihoods of the Ogoni people, including taking care of their health needs and provision of potable drinking water.
As part of the policy designed to restore the livelihoods of the people, Abubakar equally flagged off a training programme for 2,000 youths at the Eleme council secretariat in Nchia, with a charge to the trainees to take the exercise seriously since they are through the exercise basically provided skills in remediation techniques, which would ultimately help them in the future.
In his remarks at the events, the Officer Overseeing the Project Coordination Office, HYPREP and Director of Operations, Prof Philip Shekwolo, said HYPREP was committed to executing its mandate in Ogoniland, and lauded the people, particularly the youths for their support and cooperation, describing them as the strength of the clean-up project.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of HYPREP, Dr Mike Nwielaghi, said with what is happening in Ogoni today, the people are happy, and expressed delight that funds are being released for the execution of various projects in the area.
While assuring that the funds would be judiciously utilised, he said members of the BOT would support the project by ensuring that there is no bickering and in- fighting amongst them.
Among dignitaries who graced the occasions included the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Clement Agba; the representative of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Babayaro Adoo; Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol; Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Hon Obarilomate Ollor; Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr Thomas Bariere; among others.

By: Donatus Ebi

Rivers

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

Published

3 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

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

Published

3 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

Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

Published

3 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