Rivers

NULGE Lauds LG Chairman’s Workers-Friendliness

Published

3 years ago

May 15, 2023

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Andoni Chapter has lauded the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council Erastus Awortu for being labour-friendly and sensitive to the wellbeing of workers of the Council.
Chairman of NULGE in Andoni, Idante John Ishmael, made the remark during the handover of a parcel of land to the union at Ngo by the Council Chairman for the construction of convinience for workers of the Council and visitors alike.
He said the gesture comes after the procurement and presentation of an official Vehicle to the union by the Council Chairman to enhance the mobility and productivity of the workers.
The NULGE Chairman commended the Andoni Council boss for his goodwill towards the workers since he assumed office, pledging “the unwavering support of the workers to the Awortu administration”.
“It is on record that on the 1st of May this year the Chairman, through the Secretary of Council, yielded to the request of NULGE for the allocation of a portion of land for the construction of a public convenience for Staff of the Council, politicians and visitors alike.
“Today we are here to acknowledge receipt of the parcel of land. As a union, we are really grateful.
“For sometime now we have never seen an administration that is this labour-friendly, that is this worker-friendly.
“Last year, the union requested for an official vehicle among other requests and it was granted, it was handed over to us by the Secretary.
“This year we requested for a portion of land for the construction of public convenience, and the Chairman has graciously approved it for us.
“We want to really appreciate the Chairman because he has shown us that he is a labour-friendly Chairman. We also want to appreciate the Secretary of Council, who has been in the system and he knows the way the system is going.
“I want to appreciate the Management of Council. It is really not easy, as a union we promise to give him our unalloyed support, especially in enhancing the development of Andoni Local Government”, the NULGE boss stated.
The Andoni Council Chairman, who was represented by the Council Secretary, Dimiari Franklin, noted that the sole purpose of Government is the security and welfare of the people as enshrined in the constitution.
He said the Awortu administration considers the workers as critical stakeholder in the delivery of good governance to the people and therefore places premium on their wellbeing.
Franklin asserted that governance is collaborative and this informed the decision of the Council Chairman to partner with NULGE to construct a befitting convenience for the workers and visitors alike to enhance the sanitary condition of the Council Secretariat for enhanced service delivery.
“Government is a collaborative effort, that was why when NULGE came with the idea of constructing convenience for the workers, the Council Chairman gave approval, given the importance of such project to the health and sanitary condition of workers of the Council and visitors alike.
“This is indeed a good omen, it shows the harmonious working relationship that exist between the workforce and the executive. It also shows that the Council Chairman attaches importance to the wellbeing of the workforce for enhanced efficiency and productivity.
“On behalf of the Council Chairman, let me assure the leadership of NULGE that this Council under the leadership of Barr Erastus Awortu, would continue to work for the betterment of all Council workers for the overall development and happiness of Andoni people”, he said.

By: Theresa Fredrick & Charity Amiso

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