Rivers
Human Capital Dev, My Greatest Achievement – Awortu
The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Barrister Erastus Awortu, has described investment in human capital development as key economic enabler and a low hanging fruit towards achieving sustainable development.
Speaking at a dinner in Port Harcourt in honour of 15 Cadets of Andoni, who graduated recently from the Charkin Maritime Academy, under the sponsorship of Andoni Local Government Council, the council chairman said his greatest achievement in office was human capital development.
He urged the cadets to be of good conduct in their future endearvous and shun all acts inimical to the advancement of their career, so that the good effort of the council and of their parents and guardians will not go in vain.
“For me, human capital development is my greatest project and I know, God willing, and by His Grace, all of you will grow to become good ambassadors of Andoni, and the multiplier effect is enormous.
“You are working on a vessel, you are a big shot in a company, you must remember where you are coming from. If you have opportunity to employ people or to recommend people for employment, you must remember Andoni people who are qualified, and I know very soon you will all be going aboard ships for your proper training aboard the vessels and then your certification.
“We urge you don’t allow anything to distract you, when you go aboard the vessels, if you misbehave and you are blacklisted, all of your training will be in vain when you are kicked out. You have a duty to ensure that all the effort we have made as a local government does not go in vain”, he said.
On the forth-coming 3rd edition of the Andoni Unity Carnival, Awortu said his administration is making concerted effort to continuously showcase to the world the enormous tourism potentials of Andoni and the investment opportunities therein.
He said, “The idea behind the Carnival is to expose Andoni to the world and to let the world know that there are lots and lots of potentials and investment opportunities in Andoni.
“We have over the last two years made concerted efforts to expose the kind of wonderful beach line we have in Andoni, many people don’t even know that you can drive to Ikuru town, Ekede and all that and commune with the Atlantic.
“And, in the case of Andoni, our very fertile forest houses the elephant. As you know, elephant is the biggest animal, and there are other animals that are under the elephant.
“The forest we have in Andoni has an array of exquisite wildlife that everybody would want to see. They say knowledge is power, because people don’t know about what is happening or what we have in Andoni, they are not able to access Andoni, they are able to look for Andoni, so we are making concerted effort to let the world know what we have in Andoni”.
On his part, the Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Chisom Gbali, lauded the Andoni Council chairman for what he called his “exceptional achievement on human capital development”, especially on youth development.
He said this would have a huge multiplier effect on the local economy of Andoni in the foreseeable future.
“Chairman, you are crediting this people today, you don’t know what you are doing, you have watered the ground, they will cause erosion in Andoni, a peaceful erosion, a positive erosion, that is what you have done.
“The beneficiaries may be few, but the ripple effect is what we call spiral circle. Spiral circle is when you develop people, they will come back, they will reach and develop other people, and what you see is turning out the best in the society.
“Chairman, I want to tell you that you have made history today. You are not just making infrastructure, you are not just making Andoni hospitable, but you are building on the youth. The best way, any government that wants to move forward must start with the training of the youth”, he said. Also speaking, the Founder and Proprietor of Charkin Maritime Academy, Dr. Charles Wami, assured the Cadets of Andoni of his continued support to them until they attain the peak of their career in Seamanship and Seafaring.
He said, “I appeal to all of you, try and be Charkin Ambassadors, try and project that goodwill from your local government chairman, don’t let us down, try your best, we will try as much as possible to ensure that your programme continues from Cadetship to Sea-time Training which is almost around the corner.
“When you are back from Sea-time Training after one year, you come back to school for your OOW, after which you go back to the sea.
“Seamanship and Seafaring is a continuous learning. You will continue to learn until you get to the peak of your career”.
On her part, Speaker of the 9th Legislative Assembly of Andoni Local Government, Hon. Sheila Jacob Nte, thanked the council chairman for creating an enabling atmosphere that engendered good working relationship between the executive and the legislative arm.
She urged the Cadets not to forget their background wherever they found themselves in their career and live a life worthy of emulation so that efforts and resources expended on their training will not amount to a waste.
Some traditional rulers, including Okan-Ama Agwut-Obolo, Alfred Otobo-Alama (III), and Okan-Ama Okoloile, Sir Matthias Stanley (Ikwut VI), were among guests who graced the occasion.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.