Metro
New Slaughter House Excites Mgbuoshimini Community
Since the siting of a new slaughter house in Mgbuoshimini Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, the community is seriously undergoing serious urban renewal. The coastal town is actually an extension of Rumueme ancient community and shares border with Nkpor Town on the side of the river.
Since after the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike last year announced the siting of the new slaughter in the community, fresh efforts are being made to transform the area to meet the challenges that maybe created by the new facility.
Already, work has begun on the project on a massive land approximated to be over 15 plots of land just by the riverside. Sharing border with the new slaughter is an old riverside market called “Ahiamakara Market” known for its fresh fish and food products. Ahiamakara also has a small slaughter house where most of the meat sold around Agip Estate and Ada-George area are got from.
With the abattoir located near the river, experts believe it would provide natural drainage for the activities of the slaughter house that includes killing, roasting, packaging and selling of meat products.
The Tide gathered that the siting of the slaughter facility was carefully chosen after the state government had considered many options that include proximity to the town, riverside location and perhaps, ability to attract investors as major factors in locating the new facility.
Before now, the old slaughter house at the Trans-Amadi area had been under pressure as activities of butchers, meat buyers and other business had turned the area to a place of chaos and criminality. The huge traffic congestion created by their activities must have finally compelled the state government to relocate the facility to a more convenient area.
As at last year when the facility was pulled down following security intelligence, the area had become a den of criminals and all forms of social vices
To further prepare the area for the new facility, a fresh sand filling and reclamation work is now being done to create more land to accommodate huge business activities and other adjoining economic activities that will sprout in the community once the slaughter house kicks off.
Majority of the roads are being expanded to accommodate the traffic that will accompany the new slaughter house. As one approaches Mgbuo-shimini Junction, the road leading into the community branching into the Low Cost Housing Estate in Rumueme is being expanded. The road that forked into the community leading to Okocha Streets, Agip Road 3, Extention A Road, Odumini and Deeper Life Streets are currently being marked for expansion.
As at last year November when the roads were being marked for expansion, many residents of the area expressed hope that the slaughter house would attract development to Mgbuoshimini.
So far, butchering activities and other businesses have started relocating to the community with its attendant traffic snarl.
When The Tide visited the community, it discovered that a lot of Pay On Sale (POS) agents have sprouted along the major roads – a sign that business is on the increase.
One of the POS agents, who spoke to The Tide, Emmanuel Minimah, said in the past four months, the area has witnessed influx of people and business. “The slaughter house would make the place develop”, he said,” and it would be an opportunity for us as residents to make money because when people come and transact business, we would make money.”
Another POS agent and teacher, Veronica Nsikak expressed her excitement, “I’m very happy about the new slaughter house. It would make us have more customers”.
Nsikak told The Tide that her business has improved since last year since construction activities began on the site,” business is moving on well and I believe that after the slaughter will be completed, it would get better.”
Elizabeth Jackreece, grocery seller told The Tide that, “we are happy to see this kind of thing in Mgbuoshimini.
I believe the government knows this community is the best for this kind of project since there is no government presence these past years in this place.”
She further stated that, “we that sell foodstuffs would gain a lot as people come to buy meat and food items, they also patronise us.”
A butcher at the Ayamakara Market that shares border with the new slaughter house, Mr. Felix Udoh said, “I must tell you that I am happy with the new slaughter house, at least, it would encourage our business and meat sellers”.
He revealed that he learnt about the facility four months ago as he stressed the need for the contractor to speed up work, “I want to be among those that will sell in the new slaughter house,”he declared.
An older butcher, who gave his name as Baba Awara said he is more excited over the project. Awara told The Tide that he has been in Mgbuoshimini for 29 years, as he expressed hope that he be among those that would use the new slaughter house.
While commending the governor, Awara observed that roads in the community need to be expanded, “if the roads will be expanded to allow traffic to flow then it would be better.”
The butcher stressed the need for government to link Mgbuoshimini and Nkpor with a bridge so as to decongest the main Agip Road from huge traffic that has become a major challenge stretching to Ada-George Road. “Besides, that would help attract businesses into the community.”
In addition to that, he pointed out the need for security, “anything that has a good side also has a bad side “Awara stated,” so we need, presence of the police and other security agencies here because soon, some banks will start opening branches here and we need strong security to ensure people and businesses are protected.”
In the area of security, Chairman of Mgbuo-simini, Orazi Community Development Committee (CDC), Prince Richard Chuku assured that the area is secure, “We as a people will ensure that both the people and companies are secured. We are happy to host this project and we thank the governor for remembering us as a people.”
He told The Tide that since the project began, youths of the area have enjoyed job opportunities, and the security is intact here.”
Chuku emphasised that the slaughter house is a welcome project, “it is for the betterment of Mgbuoshimini. It will bring good things here and that is why we gave the land to ensure that it is sited here.”
He charged youths of the area to be peaceful and support government projects since they have a lot to gain from the facility when it kicks off.
On the other hand, he pleaded for a water facility as he lamented that the community does not have potable water, “we don’t have potable water and you know this kind of project needs good sanitation, if we get pipe borne water, most of the water borne diseases will be controlled and people would be much safe and healthier,” he stressed.
By: Kevin Nengia
Traditional rulers in Rivers State say they are mobilising their subjects to ensure Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s administration succeeds.
The Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers(RSCTR), Eze Oha Apara IV of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu – Wodo gave the assurance at the 117th and 118th quarterly general meeting of the council held in Port Harcourt.
He commended the state governor for maintaining peace in the State despite the unwarranted political crisis orchestrated by selfish and overzealous politicians.
He stated that Governor Fubara should not retaliate by toeing the violent path, adding that Rivers people know those who are over-heating the polity.
The chairman further appealed to people of the State on all sides of the political divide to remember that they have nowhere else to call home apart from Rivers State, saying that they must not allow their personal interests to destabilise and stifle growth of the State.
“As traditional rulers, we owe our State the duty of making it peaceful by cautioning our children against violent act. We, therefore, cannot caution anybody if we allow ourselves become overly partisan.
“ We will then lose the moral authority to reprimand those causing trouble when we take sides.So I say let us all work assiduously to maintain peace in Rivers State,” he said.
He used the medium to advise the supporters of the governor to avoid persons or events that will cause violence, as detractors want to make the State ungovernable so as to call for the declaration of state of emergency.
“ Let me use this opportunity to thank Your Excellency for maintaining peace in the State in the face of the unwarranted political crisis orchestrated by selfish and overzealous politicians.
“ You must not, Your Excellency, fall into their traps by going the violent way. All of us know that those who are over-heating the polity have one aim of making this state ungovernable so as to make it fit for a declaration of state of emergency”, Eze Worlu- Wodo said.
He thanked the state governor for appointing him as the chairman of traditional rulers, council adding that he will contribute his own little quota to the development of the traditional rulers council and by extension, our dear State, Rivers State.
“ Council records have shown that this is the second time since you became Governor of the State on May 29, 2023 that you have approved and released funds for two sets of combined quarterly meetings of the council.
“ This means that your administration is not indebted to us in terms of payment of our meeting sitting allowances.
“ It takes only someone who is both law-abiding and generous to be able to do this.
“On behalf of the traditional rulers, I thank you our Governor”, he said.
Stories by Kevin Nengia
As the Rivers State Ministry of Transport announces an ultimatum to commercial drivers to paint their vehicles with the approved state colour latest on August 1, some commercial drivers have pleaded for more time.
The directive was announced on Monday by the State Commissioner for Transport, Prince Collins Onunwo as it insisted that after the deadline, defaulters will not be allowed to operate.
He said in a statement signed by him that the new order is for uniformity and to ensure subsidised rates. “The Rivers State Ministry of Transport and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have reached an agreement with some designated automobile painting workshops, interested persons can contact the following persons.”, he said.
Meanwhile, responding to the directive, some commercial drivers who spoke to The Tide Metro sought for more time so that they can source money to paint their vehicles.
Kennedy Amahu, who plies between Choba and Mile One said , “ the time is too short. August 1 is just less than two weeks from now and I don’t think many of us can meet the deadline.”
Besides, he explained that many commercial vehicle owners do not paint their vehicles as this allows them to take charter and drops into restricted facilities.
He argued that if their vehicles are painted with state colour, many of them will lose customers and will be restricted to enter some places.
On his part, Hope Nwankwo decried the time given by the government, “ I can’t meet up, but if they extend it to October”, many of us can try.
So far, according to Nwankwo, who ferries passengers from Iwofe to Mile One, Diobu, many of his fellow drivers are not aware of the new policy.
He begged that government should do more extensive publicity on the new directive.
Another commercial driver, Anele Nwobi said what should be done is to register the vehicles to monitor car theft than painting vehicles.
“As far as I’m concerned, “ Nwobi said, “ this new government directive will empower Agberos and the police to harass commercial drivers.”
He recalled that previous administrations had given such directive but that after a while, it failed because of poor implementation.
Nwobi argued that with the poor economy, it would be difficult for many drivers to meet the deadline since most of them are on hire purchase. “The price of fuel is too high now for most of us to cover our daily returns, he said.”
Jaja Stephens, a keke bus driver told The Tide Metro that painting vehicles is quite expensive and hence, many of them will be put out of the road.
Apart from pleading for time extension, Stephens further stated that there is need for the drivers unions to sensitise their members, stressing that many of them are not aware of the new government directive.
It was supposed to be a book launch but fate turned it into a day of reminiscence for natives of Rebisi in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State.
For over 113 years when their great grandfathers ceded some parts of their land to colonial masters and named it after Sir Harcourt then Secretary of Colonies in 1913, natives of Port Harcourt became part of the new metropolis now called Port Harcourt.
According to Eze Apara Rebisi, HRM Isaiah Elekwu, about 25 square miles of their land were ceded to develop the new city which included a new port and railway at the time.
Fortunately, the book launch turned to a historical forum as speaker after speaker spoke of the past and the rich heritage bequeathed by their fathers.
It was this backdrop that made the paramount ruler of Port Harcourt, HRM Elekwu to charge historians to begin earnest documentation of Rebisi people as a way to preserve their heritage.
The royal father gave the charge during the launch and public presentation of the book, ‘Rebisi Natives of Port Harcourt: History and Developments’ written by Arthur Kalagbor held on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
The monarch said intellectuals in the Kingdom should engage more in written than oral history, as he commended Kalagbor for leading the light in documenting his people.
He described the book as the beginning of a new era in Rebisi Kingdom and quest to ensure that there is cohesive and united front among the people.
Calling on elites in Rebisi to rise to the challenge of leadership, Eze Elekwu said time has come to save the future of the Kingdom.
Part of the charge by the Rebisi monarch was to make sure that the struggles of their great grand fathers were captured.
For instance, he recalled that while the 1913 agreement made both by Okrika and some Rebisi chiefs were rejected, the colonial authorities were forced into accepting it.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sunny Amadi said he was elated that a new awakening has started in Rebisi Kingdom with the book.
The university teacher however, advocated for a new economy for Rebisi as he called for use of estate development to drive future growth of the people.
“In his words, Today most parts of Rebisi have been overtaken by development and that is why I urge our people to see opportunities from the estate , and built environment to preserve the future of children.”
Reviewing the book, Dr Chris Akani described the work as historical legacy, that seeks to throw light on the ontology of the people.
He stated that the seven-chapter book with 106 pages is fluid and easy to read, with special focus on the origins of Rebisi people.
Akani added that, “it’s an exciting book that has come at the right time and I think the author should be given a resounding ovation”.
The book reviewer noted that the book is a response to the desire of indigenes to know their roots.
Following the expansion and migration by Rebisi children which included, Okuta. Abali; Ola Ekenigbo and others.
Said he, “Rebisi had four wives, and he was a young man aching for success. And so the children did not relent to expand like Orubom and Abali who were adventurous.”
The expansion according to the university don was as a result of wars and skirmishes and this took place between 1700- 1734. And this led to the conquer of Elekahia.
While launching the book, former House of Representatives member representing Port Harcourt Constituency, Hon. Ken Chikere described history as key to the future.
He said, “if we know our history, then, we will be fully guided.”
Hon. Chikere, a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General added,” “What is important is to know where you come from. We need to learn our history, so that no one writes our story for us.”
In his remarks, the book author, Arthur Kalagbor disclosed that the book is an outcome of a study group set up by Rebisi Monarch in 2014.
In the view of Kalagbor, the book is not a folklore, but rather a collation of oral history compiled and confirmed by various sources.
He said,” Even with the lack of reading culture, we still need to write with information that are verifiable and evidence-based.”
With the completion of the assignment to collate history of the Kingdom, he noted that he was compelled to expand the frontiers to cover other areas of culture and origins to educate the young generation.
Kalagbor reiterated that the book is dedicated to the future generations who have little knowledge of their history, and thanked royal fathers, and local sources for support, including former President of Ogbakor Ikwerre Organisation Worldwide, Prof. Otonti Nduka for writing the forward of the book.
Kevin Nengia
