Rivers

Tobin Presents N4.2bn ‘Budget Of Consolidation’ Target Projects Completion

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2023

The Chairman, Okrika Local Governmemt Area (LAG), Hon. Akuro Tobin, has presented to the Okrika Legislative Assembly a budget estimate of N4,279,735,667.02 for the 2023 fiscal year.
Presenting the budget tagged, “Budget of Consolidation”, Hon. Tobin stated that the budget is intended to conclude all ongoing projects as much as possible, consolidate his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, poverty alleviation through sustained human capital development and empowerment, as well as strengthening of the existing peace and tranquillity in the LGA, amongst others.
The “Budget of Consolidation”, according to the Chairman, is categorised into “Total Recurrent Expenditure” of N2,798,931,673.62, representing 65.4%, and “Total Capital Expenditure” of N1,480,803,993.40, representing 34.6%.
Hinting on key capital projects in the 2023 budget, the chairman stated that his administration’s fundamental intents include: Completion of the 50 rooms two storey council administrative building with furnishing; and reconstruction and furnishing of Okochiri Health Centre; re-roofing of the Legislative Assembly.
Others are; construction of Chief Tomonitemeka Koko Link Road from Ogoloma to ATC; ccnstruction of Anyungu Biri Sand Field Market, Phase 2; fencing of Community Secondary School (CSS), Abam-ama; and reconstruction of UBE building at Ekerekana.
Still included in the projects are; continued installation of solar powered streetlights in Okrika; construction of modernised drainage slabs from Edereme Biri to Bulome Biri; and hosting of Okrika Cultural Carnival.
On the 2022 budget performance, the Council boss revealed that notable accomplishments of his administration in the year under review include: the completion of an ultra modern market at Ibaka town; as well as completion of the Legislative Assembly Complex and furnishing.
There is also the reconstruction and remodeling of Works Department, Finance and Procurement Annex, Agric. department/State Parastatals block, Primary Health Care block, and the construction of Council security building with gate.
Council also embarked on the ongoing construction of 50 rooms two storey council administrative building; the rural electrification project and installation of two 500KVA electricity transformers in designated communities in Okochiri kingdom; electrification of Koni aka Town Hall; reconstruction of a befitting Chairman’s guest house; and installation of solar powered streetlights from Edereme Biri to St. Peter’s Square.
Concluding the presentation, Hon. Tobin expressed gratitude to the Leader of the Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Paul G. Abam, and his colleagues for their cherished cooperation and support since the inception of his administration, stressing that the legislative assembly has been the bedrock of his administration’s equilibrium.
In his remarks, the leader of the legislative assembly, Rt. Hon. Paul G. Abam, on behalf of his colleagues, applauded the Chairman for entrenching peace and good governance in Okrika.
Abam assured the Council boss and the people of Okrika of a thorough debating exercise and expeditious passage of the 2023 budget, stating that the councillors will work harmoniously with the Chairman to ensure that he fully actualise his lofty programmes and policies for Okrikans.

By: Wokoma Emmanuel & Michael Abraham

Rivers

JONAPWD Elections: Commissioner Inaugurates 5-Man Committee

Published

18 hours ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, has inaugurated a 5-man electoral committee to oversee the forth-coming elections of the Joint Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in the State (JONAPWD).

Members of the committee were carefully selected from five clusters, representing various categories of persons with disabilities, including visually and hearing impaired, spinal cord injury, physically challenged, and persons with albinism, to ensure that the electoral process is inclusive.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in his office in Port-Harcourt, Mr. Arugu emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process and charged the committee members to “conduct the election with integrity, impartiality, and the fear of God”.

The Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Commissioner also tasked the committee with developing a comprehensive plan for the election within two weeks and to report any challenges they encounter within the same timeframe to ensure prompt solutions to facilitate a seamless election.

In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Nwankwo Ndubuisi, expressed his gratitude to the Commissioner on behalf of his colleagues for entrusting them with the mandate and pledged to work tirelessly to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process.

“I’d like to thank the Commissioner for this opportunity, and I assure him that we’ll work diligently to ensure a successful election”, the Chairman said.

Mr. Ndubuisi also thanked his colleagues for their support and cooperation, saying, “We’re dedicated to making this election a reality, and we’ll work together to achieve our goal”.

This inauguration marks a crucial milestone in addressing the leadership vacuum created by the expiration of Mr. Kie Obomanu’s tenure as Chairman of JONAPWD.

A statement by the Head of Press, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Martha Igbiks, said, “the Ministry’s initiative is a welcome development which demonstrates its commitment to promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance, ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice and are actively involved in the decision-making process”.

Rivers

Orazi Gas Explosion: 3 Confirmed Dead

Published

18 hours ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

Three persons have been confirmed dead in the Orazi Gas explosion in Port Harcourt , Rivers State, which occurred last weekend.

Recall that the Rivers State Government confirmed that 16 persons were initially admitted into the hospital as a result of the explosion.

According to information, the dead, which include a father and two of his daughters, were among those receiving treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, saying the 16 survivors from the incident were carried immediately to the RSUTH.

She also confirmed that some of them were in critical conditions when they were taken there.

“In fact, we are currently managing 16 patients that arose from the explosion at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

“They have various degrees of burns and thankfully we have a highly specialized unit that is providing expert attention and care to the patients”, she said.

Dr. Oreh said the explosion took place in a residential area without proper guidelines.

“The gas explosion took place in a residential area without adherent to guidelines on how gas cylinders that are commercialized should be operated.

“This is definitely beyond the ministry of health and that emphasizes the fact of what we call social determinants of health and so we work very closely with other ministries”she said.

She also said the Rivers State Government, through the various ministries, is carrying out activities with the view to streamlining the activities of such service providers so that clear guidelines are communicated to them to ensure that the lives of and property of the people of Rivers state is protected.

John Bibor

Rivers

Commissioner Commends Gov Over Support For Ministry

Published

18 hours ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Isreal Lebura Ngbuelo, has commended the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, over the practical steps taken and support given to the ministry during the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival, 2024.

Hon Ngbuelo made the commendation during the Ministry’s Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the State’s achievement as the over all best State at the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival, 2024, held at the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Passover Parish in Port Harcourt.

He expressed gratitude to God for the support given to the ministry by the State Governor, noting that it contributed to the success of the Ministry at the Carnival.

“We are here to thank God for success He accorded us at the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival, 2024.

“We left Rivers State with over 700 contingent and emerged as the over all best winner for the Abuja International Carnival, 2024.

” We are here also to thank God for the staff of the Ministry and the peace in the Ministry, which increased us as a people and we can attest to it that by the grace of God we have a Governor that has passion for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“That we came back without any injury is a thing of joy”, Hon Ngbuelo stated.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Tomonialadieokuma Ishmael, said the Ministry organized the Thanksgiving Service to express gratitude to God for successful outing at the Abuja International Carnival.

He said the success of the Ministry at the event was another landmark for the state, adding that it was not the first time the ministry has been the over all best in the tournament, noting that “the peace in the State has been showcased to the entire world, not just Nigeria, that Rivers State is rich in culture and Tourism.

“We went to Abuja and emerged champions, so we are happy for State and for the ministry”, Barr Ishmael said.

Kiadum Edookor