Niger Delta
Workers Laud LG Boss Over Labour-Friendliness
Workers of Okrika Local Government under the aegis of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have lauded the labour-friendly disposition of the Council Chairman, Hon. Akuro Tobin, saying “it is second to none”.
Making the declaration on Monday during events marking the 2023 Workers’ Day celebration at the council secretariat in Okrika, the NULGE Chairman, Okrika Branch, Comrade Daniel Isaiah Obianime, said it is the disposition of the council chairman with workers that has manifested in the various people-oriented human capital and infrastructural developments in the LGA.
In his welcome address, the NULGE boss thanked the council chairman for the construction of the 50 rooms two storey administrative building, which is currently 95per cent completed, the completed fencing of staff quarters, and total transformation of the council secretariat.
Obianime also commended Hon. Tobin for his timely response, approval and implementation of NULGE’s “long list of request made at last year workers’ day celebration”.
The list included “regular payment of staff salaries, procurement of Sienna bus for the union, approval and payment of overtime, payment of hazard and shift allowances to health personnel, approval and payment of seminars and workshops, commencement of first 28 days to deserving persons, recent approval and payment of monthly claims to staff and auditing of all workers and sanitising the system”.
Obianime acknowledged the chairman’s performance and his “leadership qualities, magnanimity, political sagacity and inclusiveness, which have distinguished him as a seasoned leader”.
He used the opportunity to plead for the provision of public convenience, aprons for cleaners, employment of cleaners and security guards, provision of basic office equipments such as tables, chairs, fans, air conditioners, and stationeries.
In his remarks, the Chairman, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. (Mrs) Charity Ibulubo, thanked the council workers for what he called their “unfeigned support and partnership”, assuring them that his administration is encouraged to do more as a government.
While promising them of attending to their demands, especially those that are within his ability, Hon Tobin said he will never lose sight of his “constitutional responsibility to preserve the socio-cultural heritage of Okrika people and steer a voyage towards a transformed Okrika LGA”.
In his vote of thanks, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mr Emmanuel Worgu, expressed appreciation to the council boss, who, he said, has “effortlessly shown capacity in deeds and actions, while also acknowledging the enabling environment provided by the Legislative Assembly in their partnership for good governance and the council workers for their support”.
Highlight of the occasion was march-past event, done according to departments, with the chairman, represented by his vice, manning the vantage point to observe the participants.
The Secretary of Council, Hon. Oforiokuma Kwani, announced and presented cash prizes to the first, 1st and 2nd runners-up of the march-past event.
By: Wokoma Emmanuel & Michael Abraham
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.