Rivers
Bonny Protest Neglect, Seeks CSR MoU Implementation
A protest by Bonny Kingdom in Rivers State have given ultimatum to international oil firms and the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNGL) operating in the island on the need to transform the island in line with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) provided by the Train 7 agreement.
The Chairman of Bonny Kingdom Development Committee (BKDC), Amaopusenibo Amairigha Hart, accused the oil and gas multinationals of neglecting their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, marginalizing Bonny people, and violating agreements.
Hart warned that the Kingdom would no longer tolerate what he called the flagrant disregard for its developmental needs.
“Bonny Kingdom is known for its peaceful and hospitable nature, but this should not be mistaken for weakness. While individuals, nations, and organizations hail Bonny Island as a blessed geographic location, the land and people have very little to smile about.
“This stems from the abject neglect, total exclusion, rights and privileges denial, and obnoxious disregard for the people of Bonny Kingdom in the scheme of things with regards to how the companies operating in Bonny Island do their businesses”, he said.
Indigenes of the island had planned to begin an indefinite shutdown on January 13, 2025, to demand the implementation of stalled development projects and agreements.
However, the BKDC announced the suspension of the protest following interventions by NLNG and security agencies, who requested an opportunity for dialogue.
“While the plans to commence the protest were at their peak, government agencies and NLNG reached out to us for a chance to discuss and resolve the issues amicably. The Kingdom considered the requests and had decided to suspend the planned peaceful protest”, he explained.
Despite this temporary suspension, the BKDC stressed that it remains steadfast in its demands.
“This is a strong note of warning: things cannot remain as they are. A people grounded may be buried but cannot die twice”, Hart stated.
The BKDC Chairman decreied the failure to implement the CSR projects under the NLNG Train-7 project, including road expansions, construction of a mini-stadium, a waste-to-wealth facility, and other infrastructure.
He alleged that despite adequate funding from Train 7 investors, NLNG has withheld the project funds and failed to deliver.
“For emphasis, NLNG and SCD-JV signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to execute the following projects in the Kingdom under the Train 7 Project: Expansion of the road from Shell Gate to Coal Beach with a spur from Amaomu Junction to the King Perekule Palace; construction of a 5,000-capacity mini-stadium and sports academy; construction of a vehicular terminal; and construction of a 2.5km road from Workers’ Camp to Simidia Junction. But none of these projects has seen the light of day up till now.
“Interestingly, the people of the Kingdom are well aware that investors in the Train 7 Project provided adequate funds for the implementation of CSR projects in the Kingdom, but unfortunately, NLNG has ensnared these funds in its custody and continued to exercise sole authority over them without any input from the Kingdom”, Hart alleged.
He further lamented the poor living conditions in Bonny despite its immense contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
He continued that “As at today, Bonny Island lacks clean, potable, and drinkable water. It lacks basic social amenities. There are no internal roads except the few constructed by the Bonny Local Government.
“The Bodo-Bonny Road remains under construction since 1975 and is yet to be completed. Roads in the Kingdom remain one-lane narrow roads despite the intense traffic utilization occasioned by the activities of these companies”.
Noting that the kingdom is grappling with severe environmental degradation, Hart said, “The shores around Bonny Island continue to be washed away by the sea waves, a situation aggravated by the strong waves caused by the heavy traffic of large seagoing vessels owned and operated by the multinationals.
“The air pollution is at an all-time high with attendant environmental and health hazards which residents of the Island are being subjected to. Acid rain is a normal occurrence, which continues to undermine the sustainability of buildings in the Island”.
The BKDC further urged the Federal Government, Rivers State Government, and IOCs to take immediate action to address the Kingdom’s grievances, warning that failure to do so could result in renewed action from the people.
“This is a cry for help by the people of Bonny Kingdom and a strong note of warning that things will no longer remain as they are. It is time for the Federal and State Government as well as the companies operating in the Kingdom to rise to the occasion and act right, urgently and in the interest of Bonny people”, Hart stated further.
The committee emphasized that while the Kingdom values dialogue and collaboration, it expects concrete results and a change in attitude from the companies operating within its borders.
In his response, the management of NLNG, through the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Ms. Sophia Horsfall, assured stakeholders that plans for Train 7 CSR projects remain on course.
Kevin Nengia
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The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has debunked what it called “fake news” circulating online regarding the cost of HIV treatment in Nigeria.
The news was that antiretroviral drugs will now cost 250,000 per dose with patients required to pay 500,000 monthly.
Describing the news as “completely false and misleading”, in a statement signed by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol, NACA said “HIV treatment in Nigeria remains free of charge at Government owned health facilities.
“The Government in collaboration with donor partners remains steadfast in providing free and accessible HIV treatment to all who need it.
“For accurate and up to date information on HIV treatment and prevention in Nigeria, follow our verified social media platforms and visit the official NACA website’.
Sogbeba Dokubo
The Rivers State Government, through the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, has indicated its preparedness to partner the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in ensuring that the healthcare needs of vulnerable people in the State are met.
The State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, who made this known when the leadership of MWAN, Rivers State Branch, visited him in his office in Port Harcourt, reiterated the State government’s commitment to improving the healthcare and wellbeing of vulnerable populations in the state.
While commending MWAN for their efforts in promoting healthcare and advocating for the rights of women and children in the state, Arugu expressed his ministry’s willingness to collaborate with the association in addressing the healthcare challenges facing residents in the state government-owned healthcare facilities.
“I want to thank you for appreciating our efforts. It’s not easy for people to recognize the humanitarian work we do, as we don’t seek laurels or rewards. We simply do what we believe is right,” the Commissioner stated”.
Earlier in her remarks, the state’s MWAN President, Dr. Cecilia Leloonu Nwibubasa, commended the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for appointing Mr. Ilamu Arugu as Commissioner, praising his outstanding achievements in the ministry.
She highlighted his unwavering commitment to effective, accountable, and participatory governance, particularly his focus on citizens’ welfare through responsive and inclusive policies, which, she said, serves as an inspiration to all.
Dr, Nwibubasa, who is the 19th President of the association in the state, noted that the organization is dedicated to advancing women and children’s health, with a focus on mental health, nutrition, and holistic mentorship for young female doctors, among others.
She stated that the association has remained at the forefront of community health initiatives, offering health services, medical outreaches, such as cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings, cancer treatment, maternal health care, support and extensive health education through various media channels.
Nwibubasa further revealed that the Association, a non-profit organization affiliated to the Medical Women’s International Association and the Nigerian Medical Association, was established in 1976 and incorporated in 1984.
The association’s motto, “Matris Animo Curantis,” meaning “healing with the love of a mother”, she explained, reflects its deep commitment to delivering compassionate healthcare.
The MWAM President noted that their visit was “driven by a deep sense of appreciation” for the commissioner’s leadership, which has been particularly impactful in areas aligning closely with the association’s mission.
This, according to her, includes ensuring safe homes, quality healthcare, education, and economic empowerment for women.
She emphasized the organization’s eagerness to explore collaborative opportunities to strengthen their shared objectives.
The MWAN delegation also presented the commissioner with a proposal outlining areas of potential collaboration, including healthcare services, training, and advocacy programmes.
The courtesy visit, which was attended by the ministry’s management team, ended with a commitment from both parties to work together to improve the healthcare and wellbeing of women and children within the Disabilitiy community in Rivers State.
The Rivers State Government has pledged to partner with TAF Africa, a leading advocate for disability inclusion and champion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) rights, to tackle the unique challenges faced by PWDs in the state.
This partnership, according to the State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, underscores the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
The State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr Ilamu
Arugu, who made this pledge during an advocacy visit by TAF Africa delegation in Port Harcourt, reaffirmed the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara-led administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by fast-tracking the passage of the prohibition bill.
He assured the TAF Africa delegation that the government will work closely with them to ensure the bill’s successful passage.
“We are committed to partnering with you to address your needs and challenges. We will work together to ensure that the prohibition bill is passed this year”, the Commissioner said.
He also directed that a desk officer be assigned to work with PWDs, to ensure that their requests and concerns are addressed promptly.
He thanked the TAF Africa group for their visit and assured them that the government is committed to supporting PWDs.
Earlier in his remarks, the TAF Africa delegation led by Mr. George Dominic Anwayi said their advocasy visit, which was the first in the State, was aimed at seeking partnership with the State Government to promote disability inclusion in governance and its policies.
Mr. Anwayi noted that the organization has been working with various stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure that persons with disabilities are carried along in the electoral process.
“They have also collaborated with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to develop a framework for access to work schemes, targeting job opportunities for persons with disabilities in the private sector”, he stated.
The TAF Africa spokesperson during the meeting disclosed that the organization is currently implementing a project on inclusive governance in Rivers State, funded by PRF.
He said the project aims to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government programmes and policies, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other legal provisions.
Anwayi expressed support for the proposed disability bill in Rivers State, commending the state government’s efforts to ensure disability inclusion.
He called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to promote inclusive governance and ensure that persons with disabilities are integrated into all aspects of life.
The meeting, which was attended by representatives of PWDs and government officials including directors and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Professor Justina Jumbo, was described as “fruitful and productive”.
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