Nation
HYPREP Explains Distribution Of Cookstoves To Women
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has given reasons for the distribution of cook stoves to Ogoni women as part of activities to mark this year’s International Mangrove Day. The day is celebrated on July 26 every year.
While marking the day, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Deinibarini Zabbey said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt that the cookstove project is a strategic initiative designed to discourage the cutting down of mangroves and reduce reliance on mangroves for fuel, thereby preserving the mangrove ecosystem.
Zabbey noted that while commemorating the day, HYPREP launched the Grow coon as a sustainable alternative to using single-use plastics to nurse mangrove seedlings and also distributed the cookstoves to Ogoni women.
He said the International Mangrove Day is dedicated to raising awareness about mangrove ecosystems’ significance, threats and sustenance, stressing that this year’s celebration was significant, as the world is halfway into the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.
According to him, mangroves are a critical ecosystem requiring restoration and are vital for maintaining coastal biodiversity; protecting shorelines; mitigating climate change; and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
He said mangroves provide vital resources like timber, firewood, and medicinal plants, and support fisheries production, contending that the Niger Delta, which has the largest expanse of mangroves in Africa faces significant threats of oil pollution; spread of nipa palm; unsustainable harvesting; habitat fragmentation; urbanisation(reclamation and conversion); dredging; and climate change.
The Project Coordinator revealed that HYPREP has started restoring oil-degraded mangroves in Ogoniland, with a pilot area of 560 hectares.
He further explained that HYPREP’s mandate includes the remediation of oil-polluted sites, restoration of ecosystems, provision of potable water, and improvement of livelihoods in Ogoniland.
Zabbey listed the key achievements of HYPREP relating to mangroves to include the assessment of over 3,000 hectares of oil-impacted shorelines; commencement of the clean-up of 1,747 hectares of the assessed shoreline; piloting the mangrove rehabilitation of 560 hectares; and training of 90 mangrove vanguards and supporting them in setting up mangrove nurseries.
He also disclosed that HYPREP has published user-friendly manuals for mangrove restoration in the Niger Delta, and also created and funded environment clubs in secondary schools in Ogoniland to sustain education, awareness and sensitisation on the risks of wetland degradation.
Zabbey noted that while significant progress has been made so far, the future of mangrove conservation in Ogoniland and the Niger Delta depends on sustained efforts and commitment from various stakeholders, including the government, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector.
He said ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the mangrove ecosystems in Ogoniland and the Niger Delta requires key strategies, saying HYPREP would continue to encourage sustainable land use and management practices and also continues to empower local communities to participate actively in mangrove conservation.
Zabbey said it would also continue to support research and innovation on mangrove ecology, restoration techniques, and the impacts of pollution, which are essential for developing effective conservation strategies.
According to him, innovative approaches and technologies can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of remediation efforts.
He said sustainable income is another key strategy required for the health and resilience of the mangrove ecosystems in Ogoniland and the Niger Delta, adding that HYPREP is working towards baseline carbon sequestration data in coastal communities on the carbon credit market.
According to him, with the collaboration of other stakeholders, this opportunity would grant communities access to sustainable income for social development.
Commenting on the international collaboration strategy, he said global cooperation and partnerships can provide the technical expertise, financial resources and knowledge exchange needed to support mangrove conservation in Ogoniland.
“International organisations and donor agencies play a key role in supporting local efforts. Through sustained commitment, and collaborative action, it is possible to restore the health of mangrove ecosystems, secure the livelihoods of local communities, and ensure a resilient future for Ogoniland and the Niger Delta,” he said.
Donatus Ebi
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
Nation
Opobo Elder Statesman Lauds Fubara’s Christmas Bonus to Civil Servants …Celebrates Recognition As Public Office Holder of the Year 2024
The Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, Alabo Edwin Cockeye-Brown, has expressed appreciation to Rivers State governor, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara over his granting of #100,000 as Christmas bonus to the entire spectrum of civil servants across the State.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Alabo Cockeye-Brown said the generous gesture from the governor undoubtedly brought joy and relief to many families during the festive season.
“In these challenging economic times, such initiatives are a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to the welfare of our public servants. It is a clear indication that he values their hard work and sacrifices, “he stated.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown, who is the Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Alapu, emphasized the importance of supporting civil servants, who play a crucial role in the development and governance of the state.
“These men and women dedicate their lives to serving the public. The Christmas bonus is not just financial assistance; it’s a recognition of their relentless efforts and a way to uplift their spirits ahead of the New Year,” he added.
In addition to celebrating the Christmas bonus, Alabo Cockeye-Brown took the opportunity to congratulate Governor Fubara on being awarded the Public Office Holder of the Year 2024.
He said the recognition is well-deserved, adding that the governor has shown exceptional leadership and vision, steering the state towards progress and prosperity.
“His dedication to uplifting the lives of our citizens is commendable, and we are proud to have him leading us”, he said.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown also called on other leaders in the state to follow Fubara’s example, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to enhance public service delivery and improve the living standards of the people.
“Let us work together to ensure that every citizen feels the impact of good governance,” he urged.