News:

Rivers Widows Get N648 Million Empowerment Scheme

In keeping with the government empowerment programme, the Rivers State Government has set aside N648 million for the empowerment of widows in the state and has commenced the screening and training of prospective beneficiaries in parts of the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Vivien Braide who was at the Eleme Civic Centre, venue of the supervision exercise in Eleme LGA, said the state government earmarked the amount as a way of ameliorating the sufferings of widows and their dependants.

Mrs Braide disclosed that the exercise has been concluded in Abua/Odual, Ahoada East and Ahoada West, while the current programme in Eleme is going on simultaneously with Emohua and Degema Local Government Areas, noting that the exercise is being undertaken in phases.

She said the government is determined to alleviate the plight of the widows through the empowerment scheme where loans would be made available to them depending on the areas they intend to deploy the funds.

The Commissioner hinted that the loan is not a Christmas gift but a revolving loan which involves collation of the beneficiaries' biometric data and post screening training on the application of the funds, noting that already about 26 Ministry of Women Affairs staff have been trained as monitors in addition to consultants to ensure proper utilization of the loan.

Mrs Braide encouraged the widows not to be discouraged about the repayment of the loan since the flexibility of the process allows them time to make profit which is equally covered by the training exercise.

The Commissioner urged the widows to be patient because all those that filled the forms and undergo the screening would be trained to get the loan and advised those present to inform others of the state governor's determination to improve the standard of living of the ordinary Rivers people.

Mrs Braide also said the technology involved in the transaction process would require the beneficiaries' knowledge of the scratch card system, noting that it  is all that is  involved in the training programme.

Also speaking, the consultant in-charge of the Eleme Zone Mrs Eniola Dada, said the challenge confronting them is how to convince the widows that they are required to pay back the loan since it was a revolving one.

Mrs Dada explained that the assessment of would-be beneficiaries was to avoid manipulation, adding that already seven council areas have been screened while five councils have been screened and trained on how to be partakers.

Late Madam Wobodo, A Cultured Woman-Gov. Amaechi

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has described the late Madam Florence Chinyere Wobodo as a cultured and disciplined mother who lived a good Christian life worthy of emulation.

He stated this  during a condolence visit  to the family of the deceased at Ozuaha in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

Aged 92, Late Madam Wobodo was the mother of Mr. Kerian Wobodo, Chairman, Ikwerre Local Government Council.

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi emphasized that her demise should not be viewed as painful but joyful considering her achievement in God's vineyard since, according to him, “we are all God's messengers on earth, after actualizing his desires we must return back to Him”.

While acknowledging that the beauty of life was for parents to have children that would take responsibility of their burial when they are called to the great beyond, the State Chief Executive pointed out that the late woman had caused to rejoice because of the caliber of children she bred.

“Although she died at a time when her children needed her most,” Governor Amaechi prayed God to give the family the strength to bear the loss and enjoined them to take solace in the fact that she lived and died in the Lord.

Responding, Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council, Mr. Kerian Wobodo, thanked Governor Chibuike Amaechi through his deputy for the visit, saying that the Amaechi-led government had brought good experiences to his life and pledged his unflinching loyalty.

Two hundred and eighty Christian Pilgrims from Rivers State were last night air-lifted from the Port Harcourt International Airport , Omagwa, to the Holy Land, Israel less than 24 hours after the airport was opened for full international operation.

This is the first time in the last three years that pilgrims were being air lifted in such large numbers from the Port Harcourt International Airport since the closure of the airport for repairs.

Speaking to newsmen before their departure, the Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Pilgrims Board, Reverend Father John Nwangbu described the air lift of the pilgrims from the Port Harcourt International Airport as unique because it was the first in recent years.

Reverend Father Nwangbu stated that the state government decided to sponsor pilgrims to assist them realize their ambitions to visit the Holy Land to have practical experience of what they read in the scriptures.

Although this was the second batch of Rivers pilgrims to be airlifted to Israel , the Sole Administrator said measures have been put in place to ensure that the pilgrims have a fruitful stay in the Holy Land .

He however, reminded the pilgrims that they were going to Israel as ambassadors of not only the state but the country, and urged them to respond positively to what they see, come back rejuvenated and pray for the state and country for positive changes to take place.

Some pilgrims who also spoke to newsmen thanked Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for providing them the rare opportunity to travel to the Holy Land and prayed God to continue to guide him and grant him the wisdom of Solomon to pilot the affairs of the state to greater heights.

Last night's airlift involved those in the second batch.

Vice President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Rivers State is blessed with people of integrity, like the former state Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, whose strength of character is not questionable.  Dr. Jonathan stated this Saturday at the Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt, during the 70th Birthday celebration of the former Deputy Governor, Sir Toby, and his 43rd marriage anniversary in Port Harcourt .

The Vice President, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters Mr. A. A. Gula, urged the present generation to emulate the lifestyle of Sir Toby and get things right, and congratulated him and his wife, Dame Christie, on their 43rd marriage anniversary.

Also speaking, the Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi described the former deputy Governor as a disciplined, focused and courageous man who insisted on Due Process and best Practices in all his undertakings in life.

Governor Amaechi explained that the rationale behind bringing people like Sir Toby out of retirement to serve, was for them to help in laying a solid foundation for the future of the State, expressing the hope that Sir Toby as Chairman of the Governing Council of Rivers State Polytechnic Bori, would be able to make the management of the institution to do things right.

He stated that his administration resolved to do the right thing to improve the future of the state, no matter the initial pains to the people, and appealed for patience and cooperation of the people to enable the present government correct some anomalies.

Also speaking the Chairman of the occasion, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, describe Sir Toby as a man of unquestionable integrity who dedicates himself to any assigned duty, pointing out that as Deputy Governor for eight years, he never had disagreement with his boss, for which he won the best deputy governor award in Nigeria .

Responding, Sir Gabriel Toby, thanked all those that contributed to make the celebration a huge success, and expressed thanks to God for keeping him.

The occasion featured lectures, cultural and choral displays, launching of Sir Gabriel Toby's Educational Foundation for Special Children amongst others.

Demolition Of Fences Begins In Port Harcourt Gra This Week

In continuation of the Urban renewal programme of the Rivers State Government, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi says the demolition of illegal structures in Government Reserved Area (G.R.A) of Port Harcourt, which has been marked, would commence this week.

Governor Amaechi who disclosed this at the Gateway International Church, Eliparanwo Port Harcourt , where he worshipped to mark the end of fasting programme of the Church, said the owners of the marked properties have been given enough notice and the ministry officials would begin the demolition exercise.

The Governor said the demolition exercise has been successfully carried out in the old Port Harcourt Township axis, the Port Harcourt/Aba Express Road area, Diobu and D/Line areas, noting that after the GRA, the exercise would move to another section of the city.

He urged all those affected by the Exercise to bear the pain in good faith, since the exercise was not targeted at anybody, but to return Port Harcourt to its Garden City status..

The State Chief Executive said he appreciates the water problems facing the residents of the city, and assured that his government is working hard to provide potable water as well as electricity before the end of 2009.

On the ban on Okada, Governor Amaechi said he understands what the people are passing through, but assured them that the state Government is doing a lot to cushion the hardship, in addition to pressurizing Sky Bank to provide more taxis and buses to ply the roads.

Governor Amaechi used the occasion to call on Rivers people to be patient with the Government and continue to cooperate, as the present administration is determined to deliver on its promises.  The State Chief Executive who said he became governor of the state through the Grace of God, equally noted that God also gave him courage to face the developmental challenges facing the state.

He remarked that no government can provide employment for all her citizens, and advised the people to access the various state Micro Credit Loan Scheme, and engage in any form of business enterprise that would make them self-reliant, pointing out that government has lodged N2billion in First City Monument Bank (FCMB) for the purpose.  At the Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) church in Port Harcourt as well, where he and his wife also attended the dedication of twins babies of Mr. Freddy Ndigbara, Assistant Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Amaechi, said the state government has awarded contract for the dualisation of Elekahia Road up to Rumumasi, and work would soon commence.

The Governor said other road projects that would ease the traffic congestion in Port Harcourt would also be embarked upon, adding that at the end of his tenure, the people would have course to know that God sent him on a mission to help improve the living standard of Rivers people.

In their separate sermons, Rev. Joseph Asokomeh of TREM and Rev. George Izunwa of Gateway Church , urged Christians to surrender their life to God and continue to acknowledge His goodness in all their endeavours.

Responding Mr. Freddy Ndigbara thanked Governor Amaechi and his wife for honouring them with their presence, and prayed that all those seeking the fruit of the womb shall receive their portion.

Highlight of the occasion was the cutting of birthday cake of Mrs. Joy Ndigbara.

By Victor A. Nwokocha

Obrikom Crisis, Reconciliation Committee Chairman Sues For Peace

A passionate appeal has been made to warring factions in Obrikom, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, to lay down their arms and embrace peace, to ensure that the available channels of reconciliation constituted by the community yield the positive results.

The Chairman of Obrikom Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Engineer Clement Nwogu who made the call at Obrikom while addressing journalists said that the call became necessary to ensure that normalcy returns to the community.

Engineer Nwogu noted that never in the history of mankind has wars been used to settle differences rather than coming to a round table conference to iron out issues that could bring understanding and peaceful co-existence.

He enjoined all sons and daughters of Obrikom at home and abroad to come for a collective effort to bring about the desired peace needed for the growth and overall transformation of the community.

The Chairman told the youths to shun cultism and all negative influences from outside and harmonize their energies for a common goal, saying, they could do this by forming a common front where they could have a cross fertilization of ideas to advance their future aspirations.

Nwogu  stressed that everybody has a role to play to achieve beneficial consequence that could uplift their growth. However, he told them to be law-abiding and make sustained effort to move the community forward by being productive.

He equally remarked that they should shun rumour mongering and frivolous petition-writing and unite for a common course pointing out that anything short of these attributes could bring anarchy and doom to the people.

Nwogu noted that the period calls for tolerance, humility, honesty, justice, morality, efficiency and temperance; the virtues he stressed would enhance love and advancement of the community.

The Obrikom Peace and Reconciliation Committee Chairman hoped that the anguish of the past might teach the people fundamental lessons that a society becomes great not by victories of its factions over another but by its reconciliatory attributes. He urged them to close ranks and fight a common goal that could bequeath a lasting legacy for posterity.

He called on christian bodies in the area and the state at large to pray for lasting peace in Obrikom.

Nwogu finally enjoined the people living with relations and friends in neighbouring communities or those taking refuge elsewhere to return home and join hands to salvage the community which is now being engulfed in socio-economic degeneration.          

RSG Ready To Partner With Alliance Francais

By Joe Kalu

The Rivers State Government said it is willing to partner with Alliance Francais to enhance the teaching of French language in the state.

Education Commissioner, Dame Alice Nemi stated this while the management of Alliance Francais led by its President Chief Ojike Akiri visited her in her office.

Dame Nemi said since French Language is now almost being adopted as Nigeria’s second lingua franca there is need to encourage and promote its studies by all stakeholders in education sector.

According to the Education Commissioner, the State Ministry of Education will partner with the Alliance Francais to promote the study of French in the school system and by all citizens.

She said the Ministry had established the French unit in the Ministry and proposed the establishment of French study center in Port Harcourt, adding that land for the project has been provided by the state government to facilitate the early take-off of the centre.

Earlier, the president of Alliance Francais’s management team in Rivers State, Chief Ojike Akiri said the association is willing to partner with the Ministry to raise the teaching and learning of French in primary and post primary schools in Rivers State to the next level.

He said as a first step the Alliance Francais will provide adequate audio-visual learning tools to schools to aid teaching and learning of the language and called for initial training and retraining of teachers and also to engage teachers in refresher courses.

In a related development, the Education boss, Barr. Alice Nemi assured all teachers in the state that she is a teacher-friendly commissioner.

The Education Commissioner stated this when the Executives of the National Union of Teachers NUT, Rivers Chapter paid her a courtesy visit last week.

Barr. Alice stressed that with her experience in the building of a better society, teachers deserve better deal for efficiency in functional character-moulding in their schools which is the expressed vision of the Govt. of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi.

Accordingly, the Education Commissioner assured the leadership of the National Union of Teachers, NUT of her support to partner with the union to better the lots of teachers in the state and solicited their cooperation to move the education sector to enviable heights.

During the visit, the Chairman of NUT in the state, Comrade Chris Oruge who congratulated her on her appointment as education commissioner also expressed the hope that her tenure will usher in better welfare packages for teachers.

He urged the Ministry to sponsor an executive bill for legalizing existing residue of the board to senior secondary school to enable them access national and international packages such as counterpart funding from Federal Govt. and foreign agency donations.

Rivers Micro-Finance Meets Rural Dwellers- By Ihuoma Orjinta Snr

The newly established Rivers Micro-Finance Agency (RIMA)  has commenced Town Hall meetings with the rural communities to enlighten them on the programmes of the Agency.

The Agency last week visited twelve Local Government Areas. Led by its Managing Director Barrister Victor Halliday, the councils visited include Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, Gokana, Khana, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Tai, Abua/Odual, Ahoada East and West, Etche and Ikwerre. In all the Local Government Areas visited, there were great turn-outs as the agency is continuing in the sensitization and enlightment drive to the remaining eleven councils’ headquarters.

According to Barr. Halliday, the meeting is aimed at educating the poor in the rural areas with entrepreneurial skills, designed to strengthen the administration’s quest to eradicate poverty in the state.

The Agency is partnering with six other Micro-Finance Banks with a focus on generating employment, increased food-production, expansion of the local economy and enhancement of the living standard of the people. The state Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, while declaring open an interactive session of the Agency with Local Government Chairmen and other stakeholders in Port Harcourt asked council chairmen to ensure that their people participate in the scheme as a means of alleviating poverty.

Rison Palm: Police Shoot Youth To Death In Akpabu-By Okechukwu Geoffrey

It is indeed pathetic and shocking that mobile policemen attached to Rison Palm Limited have resorted to shooting youths from host communities to death rather than do their routine job of guarding the company and the palm fruits.

Only last week a mobile policeman attached to Elele/Akpabu estate shot one ThankGod Rowland Ordu, 26 to death in a nearby bush.

Now the question is, what was the wicked policeman doing in the bush?

Information reaching this publication has it that the killing is not going down well with the youths of Akpabu as they have concluded plans to hit hard on the company if urgent steps are not taken to bring the culprit to book.

The most worrisome of it all is that within a space of three months, these uniformed men have shot about five persons (youths) from the host communities to death with the excuse that they were found tampering with the company’s palm fruits.

It would be recalled that in 2008 three healthy youths, two from Omudioga and one from Itu all in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State were sent to their untimely graves by these same killer squad who call themselves Rison Palm Police. One Samuel Banwo also has been amputated in his right-leg following a bullet wound he sustained from the police.

When our reporter contacted Rumuji Police Station to confirm the incident, he was told that the D.P.O was not on seat.

Efforts made to confirm from the Council Chairman Engr. Emeka Woke and the lawmaker representing Emohua constituency in the State Assembly Hon. Chidi Lloyd also proved abortive as their telephone lines could not go through as at the time of going to the press.

In the meantime, the body of late ThankGod Rowland Orlu has been deposited at the nearby mortuary.

Thank God until his sudden demise was married and blessed with a baby girl of five months old while the company premises has been cordoned-off by soldiers for fear of reprisal attacks.

It would be recalled that sometime ago this publication reported the untold hardship meted to Akpabu community by Rison Palm calling for govenment’s intervention.

The company for ten months now has not paid its workers and one wonders what becomes the hope of the people who have given all their lands to the company?.

Nze & L.C. Ezeh Major Distributors/Leader-Elders Forum-Rivers State Forum

Congratulations To A Worthy Achiever

On behalf of my humble self, family, ELDERS FORUM and the entire Newspapers/Magazine Distributors of Rivers State wing, I wish to heartily congratulate you our “Queen” Lady Oby Ndukwe- The Ada Choro-Ohamma 1 of Obayi-Ovim.

I know you deserve more than this but take this as a beginning.

More grease to your elbow, powerful publisher.

Congratulations

Signed:

L.C. Eze Family

Noble Amadi Commends Gov. Amaechi On evelopment Projects… Says Amaechi Is Good

By Paschal Agbada

The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been commended for his numerous development projects in the state, and described as a blessing and God-sent governor to the people of Rivers State.

Commending the Governor in a press interview at Rmuomasi penultimate Monday, a prominent politician in Obio/Akpor, Chief Prince Noble Amadi JP remarked that Governor Amaechi, since inception has brought monumental changes in all spheres of life and impacted positively on the people, through the provision of basic infrastructural facility.

According to Chief Prince Noble Amadi “a tour of the Twenty Three (23) Local Government Areas of the state will confirm my statement as there are network of roads, building of at least five hospitals in each of the LGAs, the on-going model primary school buildings, provision of enough buses and other vehicles to ease the problem of transportation, provision of Micro-Finance for Rivers people”etc.He therefore urged the people to take advantage of the loans and improve on their businesses.

Other improvements of the Governor, Chief Amadi noted include the planned relocation of the state owned University of Science and Technology to a vast and convenient area with befitting structures, award of scholarships to Rivers indigenes, prompt payment of teachers salaries, fight against militancy and all forms of criminality, promotion of peace and unity, provision of electricity with transformers given out to communities, assistance to orphans, widows and the less privileged. As a confirmation of this facts was a visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs where loans are given to widows. According to hin,  Governor Amaechi has performed excellently in all areas.

He stressed that the on-going demolition exercise in the state was in order, saying that he was in support of it, as most people built on water lines and other areas that they were not meant to be built on.

“People will not appreciate what the Governor is doing now, but in a year’s time, they will appreciate the exercise. It is a right step in the right direction because it enhances the security of the place”, Chief Amadi observed, adding that he was interested in the Port Harcourt City, which he noted will give room for the creation of many cities and take Rivers State out of its present one city status.

The Obalga political leader further said that  the building of model primary schools was the best that had happened in the education sector,  pointing out that most parents who could not send their children to school will now have the opportunity to do so, because the model class room blocks will give them a sense of belonging, as the governor promised to train and retrain teachers to give the best.

While calling on teachers to reciprocate the Governor’s kind gesture by giving their best, Chief Prince Noble Amadi urged Rivers people to give Governor Amaechi their total support to enable him do more for the state.

He also prayed God to continue to grant the Governor and his cabinet the sustenance to keep piloting the affairs of the state.

Jonathan Leads South-South Governors, Others To Buguma Cultural Festival - By Ofonime Umanah,Bureau Chief, Port Harcourt

Vice President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, is to lead South-South governors to the  ancient city of Buguma for the historic Owu-Aru-Sun festival, which holds once in 20 years at the instance of the Kalabari people of Rivers State.

The cultural fiesta, which is being packaged as a tourist event, is also expected to be witnessed by the former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, some ministers and other political office holders from the South-South. Chairman of the festival’s Publicity Committee and son of the traditional head of Kalabari Kingdom, Prince Tonye Princewill, stated Wednesday that the festival would attract more than 55 masquerades to be displayed for the Owu amapu by members of the Ekine society known as Sekiapu.

“The climax of the event will hold on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 2.00p.m at the King Amachree Square in Buguma where the public will be entertained with some colourful but ancient masquerades of the Kalabari Kingdom,” according to the statement.

It explained that the festival was put together “to unite our people, demonstrate and present the cultural heritage of the Kalabaris and prove to the world that peace reigns in the Kalabari Kingdom.

“We expect all sons, daughters and friends of the Kalabaris to be in attendance to this epoch- making festival to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the peace-loving people of Kalabari and the unique and enviable cultural heritage and tradition of our people.”

The statement quoted Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, the leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) and Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Front (NDPSF), currently a traditional title holder in the area as saying, “this is an event that every true friend of the Kalabaris is expected to attend as we present to them the unique features of our people.

“We are proud of our culture and I am convinced that by the time this event takes place, the Kalabari Kingdom will take its rightful place among the great cultural centres in the world.

“Apart from great people already invited to this event, I am mobilising all lovers of the emancipation of the Niger Delta people to this once in a lifetime event.”

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

Considering the size and population of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality the Former Caretaker Committe Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area Chief Allwell Igbor has called for the creation of more LGAs for the Ikwerres as the four exisiting ones (Ikwerre, Emohua, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City) are not enough.

Speaking during an interaction with members of the Ikwerre Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (IMPAN) recently in Port Harcourt he said the people deserve more LGAs as a way of apprecaiting or compensating them for the enormous contributions they have made towards the growth and development of Rivers State.

He also thanked God for making an Ikwerre man governor, a position he said had eluded the people since 1967 the state was created despite efforts made by the people to assume the position like every other ethnic nationality in the state pointing out that this is the turn of the Ikwerres to lead as according to him, God has made it to be so and advised the people of Ikwerre and its indigenes in the pen profesion to project and support  Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

He maintained that even though he does not belong to the Amaechi’s camp what the people needed to know is that Amaechi is an Ikwerre man and that if his government fails to deliever, it is the Ikwerres that would be blamed and not Amaechi as a person and stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to give the state the best of service.

He lamented a situation whereby some Ikwerre journalists rather than project and commend their people who had been or are still in power for a job well done, tend to castigate and ridicule them and warned that such a habit must be put to a stop if the Ikwerre ethnic nationality must move forward.

Chief Igbor particularly thanked the Governor, Chibuike Amaechi for intervening in the Ibaa crisis and commended the Governor also for the bold steps he took in ending the crisis and described the suspension of the two contestants of the Nye-Nwe-Ali Ibaa stool as a step in the right direction. He described the Governor’s action as one of his greatest acheivements , adding that peace has finally returned to Ibaa community.

Chief Igbor, a one-time PDP Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area however used the forum to commend Ikwerre journalists for coming together under one umbrella tasking them to shun greed, hatred, sycophancy and unethical behaviours calling on the association’s pioneer Chairman Monday Wehere to lead and guide the association jealously with promise that he (Igbor) will give the association the needed support.

In a related development, the national chairman of K12 (Omehia’s political school) Hon. Kingsley Kelechi Aribodo (alias K.K.) has lauded the vision of Ikwerre journalists and promised to assist them whenever the need arises.

Aribodo stated this when members of the Ikwerre Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt.

He expressed happiness for the emergence of such an important association and prayed that a day will also come when an Ikwerre man will own a national paper and stated that it gives him joy to see vibrant young men and women as journalists from the Ikwerre extraction.

In the same vein, a renowed lawyer in the state Chief Ikwerre Wagbara of Ichela Chambers pledged to give IMPAN his support.

Speaking when the group visited him, Chief Wagbara thanked God for producing men and women of integrity as journalists from Ikwerre, a profesion he described as a no-go area for the Ikwerre people before but said it was a thing of joy that the people could boast of reputable lawyers, journalists, bankers and engineers among others and charged the leadership of the body to live above board.

Meanwhile, the Association’s chairman Monday Wehere intimated the people on the aims and objectives of the association seeking their unalloyed support as he also promised to move the group to greater heights in his tenure.

Dokubo Emerges NUJ Chairman - By Joe  Kalu

The 2009 triennial conference of the Rivers State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ has ended in Port Harcourt with a change in the leadership structure of the union.

In a keenly contested free and fair election at the Earnest Ikoli Press Centre, Mr Opaka Dokubo defeated M/s Uche Atuzie by 218 votes to 110 while Mr. Sam Eleonu had 7 votes as other officers were however returned unopposed.

They include Mr. Baridon Sika, Vice Chairman, Stanley Job, Secretary, Jim Opiki-Odede, Assistant Secretary, Collins Barasimaye Financial Secretary and Ms Uche Agban, Treasurer.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chairman Zone “F” of the NUJ, Mr. Sunday Ntai urged them to work towards repositioning the union in the state and maintaining a transparent and accountable regime.

In a post election speech, the Chairman of the state council of NUJ Mr. Opaka Dokubo thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and his team and promised not to betray the trust, adding that his mission is to take the Union to greater heights.

Unfolding his 8-point agenda earlier, Dokubo had promised that his tenure will be driven by the passion to improve the image of the Union in the state.

Earlier at the opening ceremony of the conference, Information Commissioner Mr. Ogbonna Nwuke who represented the state governor  Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi emphasized the need for a pro-active NUJ that will respond to change in the society and urged the union to work towards protecting the heritage of its founding fathers. The Chairman of the occasion and president, Movement for the Survival of Ogoni people MOSOP, Barr Ledum Mitee charged Journalists to ensure the sustenance of the democratic culture by making those in position responsible and accountable to the people.

On her part, the out-going Chairman of the Union, M/s Uche Atuzie thanked the members for their support and corporation and urged them to always maintain the spirit of unity.

Some of the members who spoke with this publication described the election as free and fair while advising the elected officers to always be guided by their electoral promises throughout their tenure.

The Chairman’s 8-pointy agenda to reposition the union includes: the organization and training and retraining programmes through seminars, workshops and refresher courses at home and abroad, the launch of a journalist’s house ownership scheme within the first six months in office, the institution of a revolving loan scheme, the building of a 21st century Press Centre Complex, the quarterly rendition of income and expenditure account to congress, the introduction of a public accountability forum for public office holders, the elimination of quacks and touts from journalism practice in Rivers State, the building of strong solidarity amongst members whereby all will stand for one and one will stand for all.

Dignitaries who witnessed the election were the General Manager of the state Fm Radio (Radio Rivers) Ms Medline Tador, R/S Newspapers Corporation, Mr. Celestine Ogolo, Rivers State Television, Mr. Tonye Ekong, as well as Police PRO-DSP Rita Abbey.   

Peace And Tranquility, Panacea For Development ~Abbey

By Joe Kalu

Peace and tranqulitiy have been described as the twin panacea for any meaningful development in any community or nation.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority, Onne, Dr. Noble Abbey stated this when the chairman of Eleme Local Govt. Council Hon. Oji Ngofa paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Onne in Eleme LGA. Dr. Abbey said the Free Zone Authority was primarily established to attract both foreign and local investors which will in turn create employment opportunities for youths of the catchment area.

He said under the Nigerian  local content initiative companies are encouraged to do more of the fabrication and assemblage for the Oil and Gas industries while preference is given to companies that reside in the country in the award of contracts by the Joint Ventures.

The Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority boss however assured the Eleme Local Govt. Council of the Authority’s willingness to assist it in updating the list of companies in the area.

The Chairman of Eleme Local Govt. Council Hon Orji Ngofa said the visit is aimed at seeking further ways in improving company and community relations towards addressing issues of common interest in the area.

Mr. Ngofa commended the MD and CEO of the Free Zone Authority for his untiring efforts in ensuring that companies and host communities work as one and assured him of the council’s readiness to continue to provide the enabling working environment. “Today we have come as friends, as brothers to explore possible means of coming up with a strategic arrangement that can benefit us both the Authority you are super intending and our conucil”, the chairman stated.

By Paschal Agbada

The heir apparent to the Ngaris of Rumumasi, Comrade Kingsley Ogonda Ngari, a vibrant youth leader was in his best elements on Tuesday 20th January 2009, as he marked his birthday on the said day and used the occasion to pour encomimus on the present leadership in Rivers State.

The event which was held at the popular J & A Bar situated at No. 38, Market Road-Rumumasi brought together a large number of relations, friends and well-wishers some of whom the celebrant noted were not in the same political camp with him but with what they have seen the Governor do they have started believing in his earlier thoughts and discussions on the governor and his men.

Using the platform to sensitise on what he termed a God-sent administration, Kingsley expressed joy and thanks that just as God has not disapointed him by allowing him another year in life so also has the administration not let him down especially with the governor’s demystification of rulership and govrnance in the state pointing out that it has never been so good.

Ngari who has just graduated from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in the Department of Marketing wished and believed that with the youth empowerment schemes dotting the land in every local government area now that he is overtly convinced that in no distant time he would cease carrying his credentials around.

He noted that he would simply tap into the opportunities created by the governor and all will be well.

He equally admonished his fellow young graduates to try and tap into any of the numerous programmes being offered by the present administration and stop waiting for mana to come from heaven that such times are gone.

He stressed that it is the handiwork of lazy people to always wait for free gifts and paid jobs noting that when such gifts and paid employments do not materalise such students or individuals are the ones who end up in all manner of misdemeanor such as abduction and militancy.

Comrade Ngari while praising the state Governor for what he called “the wonderful works” he is doing also prayed the Almighty God to strengthen him in his efforts to rid the state of undesirable elements pointing out that the crime rate in the state has drastically reduced.

Nonetheless, he appealed to the present administration to focus more on youth empowerment stressing that in life’s endeavours  “no matter how far you think you’ve gone, there’s always room to go further.

The Governor is doing very well there’s no doubt about that, but you know with a lot more vigour and verve on his part, an enhanced programme on youth empowerment and engagement would go a long way in stabilising the state.

For those who came to share with him the joy of the moment, he wished them peace and love, adding that he would also identify with them on their own birthdays.

The Vice Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State elder Enyie Friday Enyie has promised to carry Ihuneya club of Egbeda along in the scheme of things.

He has also called on the club to respect constituted authority.

The Vice Chairman who gave the advise when members of the club paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the council noted that no society grows in an atmosphere of disrepect for those in authority pointing out that no leader can as well achieve success without the support of his people.

It is against this backdrop that he called for the people’s support rather than putting him down if the people must move forward.

He also called on the people to continue to identify with the Peoples Democratic Party because according to him it was through that way that good roads, comprehensive health centre and schools came into the community.

The Vice Chairman used the opportunity to debunk the rumour making the round that his relationship with the council Chairman Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke was not cordial during their first tenure and thanked the club for the visit pointing out that if there is any club in Egbeda that indentifies with his position as the vice chairman of the LGA it is Ihuneya club stating that their second visit has shown the quantum of love the club has for him and assured them of his unalloyed support at all times.

Earlier, the President of Ihuneya club Mr. Simple Onwumere Iheanyi Chukwu told the vice chairman that their visit was in three folds.

According to him, first, they have come to congratulate him for his second victory, sympathize with him over the father’s death and thirdly to felicitate with the council chairman Emeka Woke for his re-election.

Onwumere explained that the club was purely a social club devoid of politics and thanked the Emolga chairman for appointing Egbeda sons into positions of trust in the council.

He also thanked the Executive Governor of the State Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi for carrying Egbeda community along especailly the construction of Egbeda-Omerelu road, provision of a comprehensive health centre among others within the shortest possible time.

Onwumere however reminded the governor that Egbeda was backward in terms of political appointments and human resources in spite of the fact that the community is an oil producing community adding that the youths of the community are battling with unemployment.

He therefore appealed to him to consider the people for appointment in future assuring the governor of their support.

Meanwhile, Ihuneya club has lauded the governor’s giant strdies in the state and prayed for God’s assistance to His Excellency.

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