Rivers

Army, Foundation Distribute N30m Relief Items To Flood Victims

Published

4 years ago

November 14, 2022

The Nigeria Army, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, and the O.B Lulu-Briggs Foundation have distributed food and other relief items worth N30 million to flood victims in Rivers.
Commanding Officer of 29 Battalion under the division, Lt.-Col. Mohammed Mashegu, delivered the relief items to more than 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Akinima Community, Ahoada West in Rivers State.
The Tide’s source reports that the relief items comprised bags of rice, garri, dried fish, cartons of indomie noodles, beverages and plates.
Others are mosquito treated nets, anti-malaria medicines, wrappers, sanitary towels and toiletries.
Mashegu said distribution of the relief items was done in collaboration with the Lulu-Briggs Foundation to provide aid to those affected by floods in the state.
“The 29 Battalion being the disaster response unit of the Army in Rivers, decided to support the Foundation to bring succour to IDPs in Akinima Community.
“The Army is ever willing to support emergency relief agencies to provide assistance to people displaced by flood as part of our civil-military relations”, he said.
Mashegu said the army does not engage in cases of insecurity alone but also assists civil authorities in the event of disasters like the current flood crises across the country.
“So far, we have evacuated a lot of people from the hinterlands in Ahoada West and Ahoada East Local Government Areas to safer havens.
“We are currently in Akinama in collaboration with the Foundation, to distribute relief materials to people displaced from their homes and livelihoods.
“After here (Akinima), we will move to other camps to support other well meaning individuals who are eager to come to the aid of flood victims,” he said.
The Commanding officer said the Army was ready to collaborate with organisations and individuals who desired to distribute relief items but were concerned over their safety and accessibility to the IDPs camps.
The Chairman of the Foundation, Mrs Seinye Lulu-Briggs, said the distribution of the relief items was done to ameliorate the pains of the IDPs.
According to her, the Foundation donated the relief items to complement and support the State Government efforts in providing assistance to the campers.
“Aside the fact that the flood is an adverse effect of climate change, individually, we must refrain from dumping refuse in drains and building on flood plains.
“Also, the government needs to comply with all environmental laws, so that we don’t spend resources on the impact and after-effects of flooding instead of preventing it,” Lulu-Briggs told the campers.
On his part, the Programme Officer, Access to Potable Water and Sanitation, Ronald Frey, said the relief items cost the foundation over N30 million.
The source reports that army officers and officials of the Foundation distributed the relief items directly to the victims following allegations by the IDPs that their camp managers diverted palliatives previously donated to them.
The decision to distribute the relief items directly to the campers drew loud cheers and applause from the elated IDPs.

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor