Rivers
Ex-Chief Whip Credits Political Success To God, Wike
The immediate past Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, has attributed his successful political career in the last 12 years to the benevolence of God and the support of former Governor of the State, Cheif Nyesom Wike.
He said this at a special family Thanksgiving Service at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Ogu, in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Hon Bipi said he felt fulfilled that God had given him the opportunity to serve the people of Ogu/Bolo LGA in the last 12 years.
“As I stand before you today on this momentous occasion of a Special Thanksgiving Service, I feel a deep sense of fulfilment and an immeasurable gratitude to the Almighty God and to Rivers people, especially the good people of Ogu/Bolo Constituency on whose mandate I rode on to the Rivers State House of Assembly”, he said.
According to the former lawmaker, “this Special Thanksgiving Service was borne out of the need to express my profound gratitude and immense appreciation to God for seeing me through in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly, where I represented the good people of Ogu/Bolo Constituency and contributed towards the advancement of good governance in our dear State.
“But for God, who is the lifter of men, and the sustained support of some well-meaning individuals whom God used to create my pathway in destiny, I would not have been able to fulfil my dream in politics thus far.
“Let me acknowledge with a heartfelt gratitude, our amiable former Governor and Honourable Minister of FCT, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, Life Bencher, for being instrumental in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly vis-à-vis my successful terms in office.
“It is pertinent to state that the former Governor was not just instrumental in my election and re-elections, he graciously granted approvals while in office which enabled me attract and execute several critical people-oriented projects in my constituency.
“My gratitude to him knows no bound and I will never take his kindness towards me and my family for granted”, he said.
Rt Hon Bipi also thanked the political leaders of Ogu/Bolo LGA for what he called their immense support and encouragement.
He listed for commendations the new Executive Director of Finance and Administration of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Boma Iyaye, and Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, Women and Youth Leaders of the LGA.
“I also acknowledge the commendable role played by the various political groups of Ogu/Bolo in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly, most importantly the Women Group led by Miss Christy Tamunobereton-ari for standing up against some unknown gunmen in military uniform who came to steal votes and subvert the free will of the people of Ogu/Bolo during my re-election in 2019.
“I, therefore, crave the indulgence of all who made it to this auspicious occasion in my honour to kindly join me as I make my way to the alter to appreciate and return all the Glory to God for my successful terms in the Rivers State House of Assembly”, he said.
In his sermon at the occasion, the Bishop, Diocese of Okrika Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia Obianime, called on Nigerians to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
Obianime, whose sermon was titled “Sure Mercy of God”, said God always established covenant with those whose ways are pleasing to Him.
He also said Christ is the solution to the numerous problems facing the country, adding that Evans Bapakaye Bipi has done so much for the church.
Also speaking, Chairman of Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Adokiye . O. Chuku, said the community is impressed with the achievements of Rt. Hon Bipi in the last 12 years as a lawmaker.
Chief Chuku said the former lawmaker has attracted numerous development projects to Ogu Town and its environs.
Similarly, a former lawmaker, Chief Michael Okey Chinda, said Rt, Hon Bipi never disappointed those who came in contact with him.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Dumle Maol , the Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Boma Iyaye, among others.
By: John Bibor
Rivers
Crisis Looms In Emohua Over Land Grabbing Allegation On Awuse
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There are palpable indications that if urgent steps are not taken promptly, major crisis may errupt in parts of Emohua Community in Emohua Local Government Area of the Rivers State.
This is sequel to land grabbing allegations against its King, the Nne Nwe Eli Emohua, HM, King Sergeant Chidi Awuse, by members of the Mgboh Royal family.
The people penultimate week, in a peaceful protest, called on the Rivers State Government and other relevant authorities to urgently come to their rescue.
Speaking during the protest walk to Government House in Port Harcourt, one of the protesters, Chief Nwosu Okachukwu, alleged that the land grabbers, working under the directives of King Sergeant Awuse, have commenced fencing of the disputed land despite a court order barring them for proceeding with work until the court hears the substance of their case.
“We are protesting because this land belongs to Mgbo family. We’ve written several times to the Commissioner of Police and others, no any action. The matter is also in the court.
“Sergeant Awuse and the group, they are the ones. We want government to intervene over this, come to our aid and hear what we are shouting, what we’re crying, because we want peace, we’re the peace-loving family”, he said.
Another member of the Mgboh Royal Family, Ogbondah Samuel, while appealing for swift government intervention, said the land in question is where their farms were and where they also rear animals.
Speaking in pidgin English, Samuel said Awuse is not a member of the Royal Family and that he just came and took over what belongs to them because nobody gave it to him.
He continued that if the land was officially given to Awuse, he would have also gotten the C of O, and with the Seal of the Royal Family.
“Let government come and help us. Give us what belongs to us because we don’t have strength. As you are seeing us, we’re facing hunger”, he said.
The protesters carrying placards with various inscription appealed for urgent government intervention to salvage the situation and prevent violence that may arise between Mgboh Royal Family members and agents of the land grabbers.
Some of the inscriptions read: “Our Land is not for sale”, “lies cannot prevent our truth”, “Awuse, you are not from Mgboh Royal Family and will not be”, “Awuse, you cannot purchase Royalty with money”, and “live the way God has created you”.
In his reaction, His Majesty, Ohna Chidi Sergeant Awuse, Nye Nweli Emohua XIII, Oloh IV, and Paramount Ruler of Emohua Kingdom, described the protesters as merchants of crimes and vices, who have through financial inducement taken advantage of a less fortunate circumstance of some individuals to stage a defamation protest against the personality of Ohna .
The monarch, who reacted through a statement issued by his press team, wondered the reason for a protest in a matter which the protesters had already taken to court and is still pending .
The statement further alleged that those behind the protest are the same group of people that peddled the death rumour of Awuse sometime last year while he was on medical trip abroad .
The statement further alleged that the sponsors of the protesters are fully aware of the absence of the King, who is again away on a medical trip in London, and for which they consider a good opportunity to manipulate lies against facts.
While exonerating the Emohua King of the protesters’ allegation of any other wrong doings, the statement appealed to the unsuspecting members of the public, the Emohua people, and the Rivers State Government to be wary of the protesters and to advise Royal Father’s accusers to purge themselves of evil capable of triggering break down of peace and order in the Kingdom, which it said has witnessed peace and stability since the Ohna Sergeant Awuse mounted the saddle of leadership.
Rivers
NAFDAC Destroys N4.7bn Worth Expired, Substandard Products In Rivers
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The National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sai it destroyed fake, expired, substandard drugs worth N4.7 billion in Rivers State.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, made the remark during the destruction exercise at the Rivers State dump site in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Adeyeye, represented by Mr. Chukwuma Oligbu, the NAFDAC Director, South-South Zone, explained that the products were all seized from the six states of the South-South region.
The states are Rivers, Bayelsa. Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
She stated that the investigation, enforcement and destruction exercise was an unwavering resolve and commitment of the agency to protect the lives of the people.
According to her, the destruction of these harmful products was not just a routine exercise.
“It is a firm statement of our unwavering resolve and commitment to protect the lives of the people from the dangers of counterfeit and substandard medicines, unwholesome food, medical devices and other hazardous regulated products.
“These products, if allowed to circulate, could cause untold harm including treatment failures, drug resistance, prolonged illnesses, and even loss of lives”, she said.
Adeyeye explained that the products destroyed were made up of substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products and food additives, unsafe cosmetics counterfeits.
She mentioned others as expired NAFDAC regulated products seized by the agency from manufacturers, importers and distributors.
According to the DG, some damaged and expired products were voluntarily handed over to the agency by compliant companies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN) and Trade Unions.
She stated that the feat was achieved through intelligence gathering in July, 2024, adding that the estimated street value of the destroyed products was N4.7 billion.
Adeyeye further said the agency discovered several warehouses in Port Harcourt where some alcoholic beverages were being re-validated and re-introduced into circulation.
“After a properly coordinated surveillance, the warehouses were raided and products confiscated.
‘’Also, through this operation, a warehouse of unregistered cosmetics product was raided and products worth several millions of naira were confiscated.
“Seized unregistered imported vegetable oil without Vitamin A fortification and assorted unregistered cosmetics product from Delta state were also among the products destroyed”, she explained.
She acknowledged that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Edo State handed over two 40ft containers of various Pharmacological classes of unregistered and substandard drugs which was part of the items destroyed.
The DG commended the sister agencies who assisted NAFDAC in the feat for their unflinching support in the fight against substandard and falsified medicines and harmful products.
The agencies included Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Security (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
She also recognised the assistance of Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) and the media, assuring the agency’s commitment to protect the public from the harm of such products.
Adeyeye called on all stakeholders including health professionals, law enforcement agencies, industry players and the general public to support the fight by reporting suspicious activities and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
The dignitaries present at the occasion were the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service Eastern Marine Command,
Others include, the Deputy Commander, NSCDC; the Rivers Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists; the Sole Administrator, RIWAMA; the State Fire Service, and the Coordinators of NAFDAC, South-South Zone.
Rivers
Don Proposes Group Matrix In Organisational Efficiency
A Professor in the Business Education Department at Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Prof. Joy Amesi, has proposed Group Matrix model system to help assess staff and students towards achieving proficiency.
She said it can also be applied in a work place setting to determine individual performances and hence will propel staff to work more effectively.
According to her, the benefits and importance of Group Matrix cannot be over-emphasised as it is capable of enabling staff to improve their efficiency, and strategically improve on their work.
Group Matrix, she added, “is not just for products, but also for organisational efficiency”.
Amesi stated this recently while delivering her inaugural lecture during the institution’s 108th inaugural lecture on the topic, “Group Matrix Imperatives: Epistemological And Pedagogical Perspectives Of A Business Education”, held at the senate building of the University.
She further explained that the Group Matrix can be used for both academic and non-academic, business organisations, and students in academic institutions.
“Group Matrix can be used to assess staff in an organisation. It’s not only for products and also not only for marketing, but can be used to assessing staff and students, knowing their performances and to enable them work better than the way they should have worked previously.
“This year academic institution should have applied Matrix in their assessment of staff and students for better equipment”, She stated.
Prof Amesi recommended, among other things, that institutions and organisations should select the most appropriate matrix and model to be utilised in the assessment of staff and learners.
In his speech the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, said the inaugural lecture is special for them because it provides an opportunity for them to tell the world that as a university they are working, adding that the University is carrying out teaching, research and community services which is the three primary objectives of every university.
“Education is central to all that we do as a people, as a state and as a nation. Without education, we cannot make progress”, Prof. Okogbule said.
He commended the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi, for coming for the inaugural lecture, adding that when Prof Amesi was promoted to the rank of Professor, Justice Amadi hosted her, and he was privileged to be part of the event.
“My lord, I thank you very much for recognising the ability, quality in this young lady.
“There is no doubt you see that today in Prof Amesi, that Rivers State University did not make a mistake to promote her to the rank of Professor in the business education faculty in the university”, he said.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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