Rivers
HYPREP Set To Begin Ogoni Power Project Construction
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is now ready to commence the construction of its power project in Ogoniland in Rivers State, with an appeal to the people of the area to give their maximum cooperation and support to the project.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr Ferdinand Giadom, who gave this indication during a sensitisation workshop on the power project at the council secretariat of Gokana Local Government Area in Kpor on Monday said the power project is an initiative of HYPREP, an addition to the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, both of which are not spelt out in the UNEP Report but conceptualised as a boost and extra to the deliverables of HYPREP to the people of Ogoniland.
As a boost, he noted, the power project will provide sustainability to the project’s water schemes, the livelihood training, the operationalisation of the Centre of Excellence in Environmental Restoration and the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, approved by HYPREP’s Governing Council to be included in the deliverables of the project.
Giadom disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has given approval for the take-off of the power project, a gesture which he said has demonstrated that the President is both a father and friend to the Ogoni people, stressing that the President had always given assent to development projects coming to Ogoniland.
He further hinted that the Minister of Environment, Barrister Mohammed Abdulahi had initiated discussions with the Minister of Power on the power project while a team of engineers from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company and Ministry officials was dispatched to conduct reconnaissance survey of power facilities, electricity transmission and distribution routes in Ogoniland.
According to him, the processes are on for the conduct of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the project, which will lead to its eventual construction.
The project coordinator also indicated that he had opened discussions with the Council Chairmen of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme Local Government Areas.
“We had very fruitful deliberations. Ogoni is not a virgin land; it already has built up areas that are most likely to stand in the way of the transmission lines”, he said, adding that “Time is of essence to deliver the power project and others on target and what that means is that we must not use our own hands to drag ourselves backwards through unnecessary communal disputes, chieftaincy tussles, petitions and squabbles over where to site projects”.
Giadom further disclosed that the engineering drawing for the power project is ready and by that design, power will be evacuated from the 132KV line sub-station in Ebubu, Eleme to Wiiyakaara in Khana and another 132KV line to Bodo in Gokana, stressing that from these two points, HYPREP shall further distribute 33KV to the communities of Ogoni.
He said powering households, the power project would energise the HYPREP water stations and the proposed economic development hubs that would house production and manufacturing activities across the four Ogoni local government areas, stressing that the construction of the power project has been divided into two phases.
Giadom described as overwhelming response for application for high pay skill areas of Aviation, Mechatronics, Seafaring and Entertainment by the project under its livelihood training programme, and hinted that HYPREP would soon conduct an online examination to screen the most qualified 100 candidates for each of the skill areas.
According to him, the selection shall be transparent, inclusive and on merit.
He disclosed that the Minister of Environment has increased to 10,000 the HYPREP’s first livelihood training for 5,000 Ogoni youths in general skills, and that the Ogoni Specialist Hospital approved by the Governing Council of HYPREP will be sited in Tai Local Government Area, which he said does not have a General Hospital.
Speakers at the event poured encomiums on the project coordinator for the power project initiative, and urged him to do more for the Ogoni people.
A women leader in the area, Chief Priscilia Vikue, while thanking Giadom for the project urged Ogoni communities to donate land for the project.
By: Donatus Ebi
The management of the Rivers State University, (RSU), Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt has admitted eleven thousand and eighty-three students to study in various disciplines and courses for 2024/2025 academic sessions in the university.
The vice chancellor of the university,prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi disclosed this during his address at the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the convocation arena in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Zeb-obipi expressed delight that it was a privilege to welcome everyone to the momentous occasion, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students and described matriculation as an important ceremony organised by institutions, especially universities.
“Though this is the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the university,it is the first under my watch as vice chancellor, and I am highly excited that I am having my tail cut in the conduct of this significant ritual of matriculation.”
“Once again, I give God all the glory and thank the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the 14th Governing council under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mary Odili and the host of others who played one role or the other in my emergence as the vice chancellor. May I also use this opportunity to acknowledge my co-contenstants that made the selection a worthy competition, especially Prof Adolphus J. Toby and prof Nkalo H.Ukoima. There is no doubt that they all mean well for the university and as such i am studying the various vision statements they had submitted for possible inclusion in the efforts to implement what we have, “he stated.
He explained that his vision is to transform the university into a world class, innovative, inclusive institution, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility through the re-engineering of the university’s academic, administrative, and community engagement frameworks to ensure that they are student centric, faculty driven, community oriented responsive to the need of the 21st century.
According to him the university aim to achieve the visions by enhancing academic programmes to meet global standards, strengthening research capacity and promoting innovation and improving infrastructure and facilities to support teaching, learning research, and fostering partnerships with industries, government, and other stakeholders to promote community engagement and entrepreneurship among others.
The VC while giving the statistics of the administration said a total of 29,107 candidates took the university as first choice in the 2024 JAMB Examination, 16,172 qualified the institution 190 cutoff mark, 15,348 registered for the post UTME, while 15,014 participated in university test and out of the number,11,083 was admitted.
The VC while congratulating the matriculants, urged them to shun any forms of social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and indicent dressing, adding that the the school has zero tolerance on indiscipline and other anti social behaviours that are detrimental to societal growth.
Akujobi Amadi
The Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown has joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate end to the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State.
The Opobo chiefs Council’s vice chair who was speaking on the sidelines at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the INC held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa last Wednesday, emphasized the gravity of the suspension of a state governor, deputy and legislators, characterizing it as an unprecedented assault on the democratic process.
He argued that suspending an elected governor and the state legislature not only undermine the mandate given by the electorate but also poses a significant threat to the political stability of the state. Brown further declared the suspension as “an aberration and travesty of the constitution.”
His words, “Even though the Nigerian Constitution grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorize the suspension of democratically elected officials, such as governors or members of the legislature. The proper procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes rather than executive fiat”.
Brown went on, “The unconstitutional suspension of democratically elected government officials is a Slowly but surely dismantling of democratic structures. This will not help our fledgling democracy, but will destroy all the gains so far made in this democratic dispensation”.
“This is not just about Governor Fubara; it is about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in a democratic election,” he stated. He added, “Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution.”
He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions across Nigeria.
He further articulated the historical context of the Ijaw struggle for
representation, highlighting the community’s long-standing grievances
regarding political marginalization.
“For over 24 years, we have fought to regain our rightful place in governance,” Brown remarked. “To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the federal government is not just
frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people.”
Brown called for a united front among Ijaw leaders and communities,
urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices.
He underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as vital
pathways to resolving the ongoing crisis, rather than resorting to forceful measures that could exacerbate tensions. “We must engage with
the federal government, but we will do so on our terms,” he insisted.
In closing, Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of
justice and equity, emphasizing that the Ijaw people would not back down in their quest for recognition and respect.
“We are prepared to stand firm and advocate for our rights. Our
history is rich with leaders who have fought for us, and we will not
allow their sacrifices to be in vain,” he concluded, rallying support
for a peaceful resolution that honors the democratic process and the will of the Rivers people.
The high-profile one-day stakeholders’ meeting brought together
influential Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Governor, Douye
Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Rivers State
Governor and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; and former Bayelsa Deputy
Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta
Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; prominent traditional rulers from
various parts of Ijawland; the President of the Ijaw Youth Council
(IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri and many other notable Ijaw leaders from across the Niger Delta.