Rivers

We’re Not Betrayers, LG Boss Declares

Published

3 years ago

January 4, 2023

Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), Dr. Chidi Lloyd, has stated that he and his people are not betrayers but rather persons conscious of time and reality.
He said a lot of people did not understand the difference between betrayal and understanding time and reality in life.
Dr. Lloyd opined that every experienced politician and leader must understand when time is up and be able to take critical decisions in the interest of their people, stressing that he returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of the reality of the fact that there was no other political party in Rivers State than the PDP.
The Council Chairman stated this in his address at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Itu-Odido Road in Emohua LGA conceived and being executed by the Nyesom Wike-led Rivers State Government, held in Itu Community.
Lloyd, who expresed gratitude to Governor Wike for executing several infrastructure projects for his people, described the Rivers State Governor as a leader with a very large heart.
He said “Wike is not the kind of leader who knows what community that deserves a road project and the one that doesn’t”, stressing that “the Governor’s rural development programme is devoid of political vindictiveness and victimisation”.
The council boss said the Rivers State Governor has written his name in the sands of time with the approval of the construction of Odido Road, which he described as the first ever government presence in the community.
According Dr. Lloyd, Odido people are by descent a community from Ahoada-West LGA who migrated to Emohua LGA and settled in an island surrounded by water between Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGAs but geographically situated in Emohua LGA.
He commended the Governor for discovering Odido community and approving the creation of an access road to the community, linking the Island to neighbouring Itu and Akpabu communities in Emohua LGA and other parts of Rivers State.
He stated that it took a passionate leader like Governor Wike to extend development to such rural community with neither a prominent politician nor any economic establishment.
Speaking further, Dr. Lloyd said his vehicle drove into Odido community on Christmas day, 25th December 2022, after the construction company handling the road project had mobilised to site, marking the first ever vehicular movement into Odido community since the community was founded.
According to him, the people of Odido community and their neighbouring Itu and Akpabu communities will forever remain grateful to Governor Wike for his administration’s unequalled show of love and kindness, and are committed to reciprocating the governor’s gesture with their permanent voter cards in the 2023 general election.
The elated EMOLGA Council boss said construction of the Odido road has rekindled the hope of the inhabitants of the Island after years of negligence by successive administrations.
In his address before the groundbreaking ceremony, Wike commended the Council Chairman for drawing his attention to Odido community, stating that the essence of politics is to attract government presence to one’s area.
The Governor noted that the Emohua council chairman has been able to attract a good number of meaningful projects to his area since he rediscovered himself and returned to his original political family in Rivers State.
He lambasted former Governor Rotimi Amaechi for neglecting the area, amid the sacrifices and unwavering support he enjoyed from Dr. Chidi Lloyd during his administration.
Wike said he was happy that the Odido community, which he has never heard of, was discovered and given a motorable road in his own time as Governor of Rivers State.
He said the expression of joy and happiness by the people of the area at the flag off ceremony was an assurance of victory for the Rivers PDP in all polling units in the area in the 2023 general election.
In his project description, the honourable Commissioner, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Alabo George-Kelly, said the road project, which is expected to have about 22 metres long bridge, will upon completion before the end of administration of Governor Nyesom Wike, become the first ever asphalted road in the history of Odido community.
Highlight of the occasion was the entry of the Governor and his entourage into Odido Community immediately after the flag-off ceremony amidst cheers from the crowd of residents of the island.

By: Theresa Fredrick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

22 hours 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

22 hours 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

22 hours 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