Nation
Ohafia Set To Bury Udumeze
The Elu Ohafia Community and residents of Ohafia Kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, are putting finishing touches to preparations to accord a befitting burial to Udumeze of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Paramountcy, Prof Emmanuel Ume Lekwa Imaga, the Ezieogo of Elu Ohafia. The burial has been fixed for July 3 to July 6, 2024 at his country home in Elu.
The burial Central Working Committee, chaired by Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, with Chief Ume Kalu(SAN) as co-chairman, has in a press statement signed by the Secretary, Uma Ntima indicated that preparations are in top gear to give the deceased monarch a befitting burial, befitting his status and accomplishments.
The committee also hinted that after a thanksgiving at the Presbyterian Church, Isiama Parish on Sunday, July 7, a renowned cleric, Dr Uma Ukpai would conduct an interdenominational service, comprising the monarchs of the 26 villages, the Ohafia clergy and community leaders at Achichi Ohafia.
During the Udumeze’s final rites of passage, the unique Ohafia tradition, customs and culture will be on display while not undermining his Christian faith and belief.
According to the statement, the academic community, where the deceased monarch spent his adult life, culminating to the attainment of the status of a professor, will not also be left out in the chain of activities, as a day of tributes and exhibition of his academic works will equally form part of the obsequies.
The burial also promises to be grand with the expected atmosphere of conviviality and camaraderie pervading the entire Ohafia landscape, as various parties and groups in his country home in Elu, have resolved to unite and come together, to actively participate in the weeklong activities lined up to bid the late Udumeze a deserving farewell.
The burial committee has, therefore, enjoined all well-meaning Ohafia sons and daughters, residing in Nigeria and in the diaspora, including friends, neighbouring communities and in-laws of the Ohafia people to participate physically and virtually in all the activities marking the final rites of passage for the late Udumeze.
The Udumeze’s Elu Community is expectedly wearing a new look, as efforts are being made to give not just the community but also the palace of the deceased an aesthetic and beautiful outlook.
Besides, series of meetings, both physically and virtually are being held to put everything functionally in place, especially as the July 6 burial date is fast approaching.The burial uniforms, comprising T-shirts, ankara and george materials have also been released at subsidised rates, to make the burial truly colourful.
It is also noteworthy that the entire Ohafia people across the 26 villages are totally committed to the burial of the late Udumeze with the sundry financial donations, contributions and support trickling in on a daily basis, from across the country and the diaspora, to ensure a hitch-free and successful burial for the late monarch.
By: Donatus Ebi
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.
Nation
AIG handsover to Rivers new CP..calls for sustainable peace …list achievements in three months
The Assistant Inspector General of police (AIG) zone six Calabar ,AIG Mohammed Bala has said that his most achievements recorded during his tenure as the commissioner for police in Rivers state was to ensure that absolute tranquility of peace prevail in the state.
Bala made this statement during the official handover ceremony to his successor ,CP Olugbenga Adewale Adepoju held yesterday at the police command mess in port Harcourt.
The outgoing commissioner of police who was recently promoted to the ranks of AIG averred that when he assumed the batton of leadership last October 2024 as the commissioner of police in the state command ,he promised that his administration’s focus will be to ensure total peace was restored in the state , stressing that he was happy that he has lived up to his promises to the state.
“Today ,I am happy that we are living the state peacefully as we promised and I want you to sustain the peace in the state, peace is the only ingredient for sustainable development.
He used the opportunity to thank officers and men of the command for their support during the three months in the state and urged them to give same his successor.
The AIG used the opportunity to highlight some of his major achievements while In office to include, rescue of 13 under aged girls , arrest of kidnappers and armed robbers as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition among others.
” On 11th October 2024 at about 1300hrs, based on a vital piece of information indicating that one Rachael ‘f’, of Indorama Petrol Chemical Complex, Akpajo in Eleme LGA of Rivers State is operating an illegal baby factory. Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) PH, were swiftly mobilized to the factory, where thirteen (13) under-aged pregnant girls were rescued. Investigation is ongoing.
Again, On 12th October 2024 at about 1430hrs, raid of an identified criminal hideout was conducted at Akpajo primary school field, old Refinery Road, Akpajo with a view to arrest one “Sinbad” a notorious sea pirate, kidnapper and armed robber. Upon the arrival of the team, one Bright Eke ‘m’, an associate of “Sinbad” was arrested and handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping (AKU) for further investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said fleeing Sinbad.”he stated.
Earlier, the new state police command, CP Olugbenga Adewale Adepoju commended the AIG zone six for his fatherly leadership role during his brief stay in the command and assured him that his legacies will be sustained by the present administration in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the ceremony witnessed decoration of police officers who were recently promoted by the IG in the last police promotion exercise as well as award to some officers who distinguished themselves in the service during the period under review.
They include, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bori in Khana LGA,CSP Okanlawon Olufemi for neutralizing a very notorious kidnapper in the LGA and CSP Ojo Lawrence, DPO Akinima in Ahoada West LGA was given a token for neutralizing a notorious leader and his gang members in month of December, 2024.
Those decorated to their new ranks are ,Elijah Eleke who was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) from Chief Superintendent of Police.(SP)
Umar Hassan,who was decorated with rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.(DSP).
Akujobi amadi
Julius Berger Maintains Commitment to Timely Delivery with Holiday Work Schedule In the spirit of progress and dedication, workers on the Bodo-Bonny Road project, a transformative construction project awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, have continued their efforts undeterred by the Yuletide season. For many, the opportunity to contribute to the development of their communities through this landmark infrastructure project is a source of pride and fulfillment.
The 37.9 km road project, which connects Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area to Bonny Island in Rivers State, stands as a beacon of hope for the operational communities.
Julius Berger’s workforce, comprising a significant number of local indigenes, has been steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion despite the challenging technical and logistical demands
The construction of this critical infrastructure requires specialized techniques and construction methodologies, including extensive sand filling for soil stabilization, to ensure a suitable foundation for construction.
The project also necessitates meticulous planning and coordination by the workforce and their supervisors, further underscoring the skill and precision involved in executing this project.During the holiday season, workers were seen diligently engaged in other activities such as base course installation, and sand-cement stabilization at key sections, including Apha Creek Bridge and Opobo Channel Bridge, the sight of heavy equipment from leading manufacturers like Caterpillar and Volvo further revealed the scale and complexity of the project.
Speaking about the project, John Hart, a member of the project team from Gokana, shared the pride he and his colleagues feel about the project,
“This road means everything to us. It connects our people to opportunities and development. For those of us working here, it’s more than a job, it’s our contribution to building a future for our communities.
Even during the holidays, we’re happy to give our all.”
Appreciating the team’s dedication, The Project Manager, Tim Nippert noted that, “Our workforce continues to exceed expectations. Working through the holidays and navigating the difficult terrain demonstrates their resolve and passion for delivering this project. Their ability to maintain steady progress under these conditions is truly remarkable.”
The Bodo-Bonny Road project is a critical component of Nigeria’s infrastructure development agenda. Featuring a 2-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters, and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island, it is designed to overcome environmental challenges while improving connectivity and stimulating socio-economic growth.