Rivers

Oil Theft: JTF Arrests Vessel, 10 Crew Members In Rivers

Published

1 year ago

September 1, 2023

The Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) has arrested an oil vessel, MV Ofuoma, and 10 crew members conveying alleged illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State.
The Component Commander, OPDS, Commodore John Siyanbade, who represented the OPDS Commander, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira, said MV Ofuoma was arrested on August 15, at Abuloma Jetty in Port Harcourt by the Nigerian Navy NNS, Pathfinder.
According to him, the vessel is being used as a storage facility for illegally refined oil products.
He said, “The vessel was receiving product suspected to be illegally refined AGO from a dug- out wooden boat.
“As it was intercepted by OPDS, about 20,000 litres of the product have already been transferred from the dug out boat to the vessel. Currently, we have about 35,000 litres still remaining on board as you have seen.
“The operation was conducted by troops of the JTF Operation Delta Safe headquarters”.
The Commander said the 10 suspects intercepted included both the crew on board the vessel and those in the boat.
“The suspects have given credible information about where they sourced the product from, and operation is underway to deactivate the illegal refining site in the area and the operation will be for some time”, he said.
He assured that the OPDS would not relent in the efforts to eradicate crude oil theft and other forms of illegality in the region, and warned those involved to look for legitimate means of livelihood before they are caught.

Rivers

100 Days: Omuma Council Boss Lists Achievements

Published

11 hours ago

January 22, 2025

The Tide

The Chairman of Omuma Local Government Council in Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Promise Reginald, has given his scorecard in the first 100 days of his administration.

Reginald was elected on October 6, 2024 under the platform of All People’s Party (APP) alongside 21 other Council chairmen in the State, with the exclusion of Etche Local Government Council chairman, Dr. Uzodinma Nwafor, who was elected from a different political party.

Given his scorecard at a press briefing held in his Port Harcourt last Thursday, the Omuma Council boss expressed gratitude to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Omuma people for the confidence reposed in him.

He listed restoration of 24 hours electricity, belle first welfare empowerment programme, purchase of 28 empowerment vehicles as well as 100 JAMB forms as some of the projects his administration had achieved within the first 100 days in office.

Others were the construction of Eberi Mordern Market, renovation of Eberi Hospital, construction of hospital and rural road in Ward 2 as well as the construction of a secondary school project in Ward 10 as ongoing projects started by his administration that were near completion within three to four months period.

He pointed out with pleasure that Governor

Fubara had taken over the construction of the modern school project and the road construction.

On the human capacity development, the chairman said that his administration introduced an empowerment programme where an Omuma indegene was given one million naira every month to support his or her business.

“On education development, we have constituted a Scholarship Board to award scholarships to 10 best students of Omuma origin from year one to final year, and also we have resolved to award overseas scholarships to three Omuma indigenes to study abroad in science, medicine and engineering related disciplines. We want to leave a legacy that we will be remembered when we leave office”, he stated

According to him, his administration has proposed to establish a modern hotel in the area and also embark on mechanized agriculture to boost the revenue and tourism of the local government area.

He used the opportunity to thank the people of the local government area for their support for the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and assured that Omuma people would continue to support the present administration in the state.

Akujobi Amadi

Rivers

Fubara Approves N50m For Widows Of Fallen Service Personnel

Published

6 days ago

January 17, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced a N50 million donation to widows of service personnel, who lost their lives defending the country.

He announced the donation while addressing legionnaires and service personnel during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Fubara said the donation was a gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices made by the deceased personnel and their families.

“The N50 million is dedicated solely to the welfare of the widows of our fallen heroes.

“The fund will help them address pressing needs, such as school fees, house rents, and support for their businesses, among other sundry matters”, he said.

The Governor described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as an occasion to honour the bravery of the veterans, whose dedication helped secure the country and safeguard its sovereignty.

He recalled the evolution of Nigeria’s armed forces, citing their involvement in the First and Second World Wars, international and regional peacekeeping missions, the civil war, and current internal security operations.

“Throughout these challenges, our armed forces have remained resolute, defending our nation, maintaining peace, upholding our integrity, and ensuring the survival of our beloved country.

“Even today, our servicemen and women are on the frontlines, courageously combating insurgencies and other security threats.

“These sacrifices have come at a great cost, with thousands of soldiers paying the supreme price and many returning with life-altering injuries”, he said.

Fubara expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to serving armed forces personnel, paramilitary officers, legionnaires, and the families of the fallen heroes for the contributions to the nation’s security.

He attributed the relative peace in the state to the collaborative efforts between the government and security agencies.

He urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for the country, saying that such recognition would inspire the serving personnel to serve with dedication.

“We assure the people that we will continue to provide the necessary support to security formations in the state to ensure effective discharge of their duties”, the Governor said.

Rivers

Kelga Boss Tasks Residents On Peace … As Elele Community Holds Thanksgiving

Published

6 days ago

January 17, 2025

The Tide

Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Mr. Isreal Obosi, has urged the people to embrace peace and not allow political crisis in the state to discourage them from supporting the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration in the state and Ikwerre LGA at large.

Speaking at the end of year annual service Thanksgiving, with the theme: “Celebrating God’s faithfulness”, in Elele Town, Ikwerre LGA, Obosi said the political problems ravaging the LGA and state is discouraging.

He said, “as a people we will continue to present those problems before God. So, be courageous. Again, we must not allow any problem to distract us from supporting the Governor Fubara-led administration in the state.

“When a people fail to realize the importance of God in their lives, they are doomed And such people and community are likely to face challenges”.

The Chairman stated that Elele Okiniali is the land that fears God and has many pastors and apostles. He called on them to continue to seek the face God in all the challenges in the LGA and the state.

He also urged the political class, traditional rulers, and religious leaders in the 14 Wards of the LGA to see themselves as part of this administration, stressing on the need for stakeholders to make constructive criticism when necessary, while assuring that he will give all the communities in the LGA equal opportunities.

Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler/Nye Nwe Ali of Elele, Okiniali/Elele Alimini, HRM Eze Marcus Ordumah Woyike, said since he is a peacemaker he has been working around the clock to foster peaceful co-existence at Elele Okiniali/Elele Alimini.

He said part of his peace-keeping mandate is to complement Governor Fubara’s peace initiative and effort.

“Those who know me very well know that I am a peacemaker. In fact, on the important subject of peace, I have heeded to the advice of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Indeed, my effort towards peace is to complement that of the Governor in the state”, he said.

Eze Woyike explained that as a monarch, who commences the meeting of his council of chiefs and elders with prayer, he would continue with this approach in 2025, assuring that the peace that prevailed in 2024 will continue in 2025 throughout his domain.

“My prayer is that the peace we experienced in 2024 at Elele Okiniali/Elele Alimini will continue in 2025, because when peace reigns there will be growth and development as well as progress in life.

“2025 will be another year of peace and prosperity for the people of Elele Okiniali/Elele Alimini, Ikwerre LGA and Rivers State at large”, he said.

On his part, the chairman of the 2024 Elele Okiniali thanksgiving service planning committee, Engr. Collins Amadi, said the 2024 thanksgiving service was the 3rd edition.

He explained that the purpose of the annual thanksgiving service was to hand over Elele Town to God through prayers and praises and bring the people together.

He lauded the chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Mr. Obosi, for his support and presence at the thanksgiving service, urging all Elele politicians who failed to attend the 2024 thanksgiving service to repent and attend the next edition.

Akujobi Amadi