Wike appoints Yobo as SSA on sports development

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has appointed a former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, as his Senior Special Assistant on Sports Development.

Virginity Trade: Woman convinced teenage schoolgirls to sell their virginity for money (photos)

A Cambodian court has ordered the temporary imprisonment of a Mamasan who convinced schoolgirls to sell their virginity. According to Kampuchea Thmey Daily News, the judge of municipal court temporary imprisoned a 32-year-old woman who was accused of convincing young schoolgirls to sell their virginity. The trade normally took place at the hotel.

Graphic photos: Man and his wife burnt to death at their home in Benue

In the early hours of Saturday May 28th, unknown gunmen raided the house of a man named Joseph Msen Akosu and killed him with his wife after which they were burnt beyond recognition.

Prof. Wole Soyinka Warns Of Another Forgery In Circulation

MORE INMATES FOR THE REPUBLIC OF LIARS

The following attribution is a disgusting forgery. I have yet to grant an interview regarding Buhari's year in office. Once again, I notify the Security arms of Nigeria about this increasingly obsessed exercise in identity forgery.

Throw back pics of Nollywood stars, Sandra & Williams Uchembah

Remember these two? They did a lot of Nollywood movies back in the day as siblings but many didn't know they are real life brother and sister. The photo above was taken 15 years ago on a movie set. They are now all grown up! ‎See more photos after the cut.

Wike: We Have Stabilised Rivers Economy

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike

•  explains why he started with renewal of Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that his administration has stabilised the economy of state through the strategic release of funds via payment of salaries and payment for key projects.

He also explained that he started with the renewal of infrastructure in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas because both towns support majority of the population of the state.

Nigeria Stock market lost N1.732tn in one year under Buhari

 

The Nigerian stock market crashed by N1.732tn within one year of the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange data showed that the NSE market capitalisation on May 28, 2015 was N11.658tn, while that of May 27, 2016 was N9.926tn.

NIMASA to undergo major reforms, says DG

---

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will undergo major reforms in the next one year to boast it’s capacity to drive the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

Singer Flavour shares another shirtless photo

He shared the photo on his twitter handle this afternoon and wrote "Always believe that nothing is impossible to achieve. Be consistent in working hard and always have faith. One love!".

Re-spray/Oven bake your car for as low as N48,000 at Pristine Autos (Available only in Lagos)

(Due to popular demand, offer now extended till June 30th)

Are you thinking of buying a new car? Are you tired of your car’s same old look? Is your car losing shape & colour?
Then you need to take advantage of the 40% promotional discount for car re-spraying and oven baking from PristineAutos.

Breaking: Buhari to visit Ogoni Land

Muhammadu Buhari will this week make his first visit as president to Nigeria’s oil-producing south, which has been riven by an upsurge in violence from militants, his office said Tuesday.

Photo of the day...

Man on a bike seen carrying a baby on his back somewhere in Ibadan....

78-year-old man ties the knot with his 28-year-old soulmate in Kogi State

Hours ago, one Instagram user, Laulauspender shared this photo above with the caption "Somewhere in my state Kogi, a 78 years old man marries his 28years old heartthrob. Bella Naija and Nigerian Weddings will never show us this..."
Oh well!

Fela’s eldest child, Yeni Kuti engaged at 55

At age 55, Yeni, eldest child of the late Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is about to join the married women forum.

Nigeria: Running on empty

Critics say President Buhari’s policies are adding to its worst economic crisis in generations

In his former role as the managing director of one of Nigeria’s leading banks, Godwin Emefiele had a reputation for being soft-spoken and unassuming. In the year since he became governor of the central bank, he has stood out for the opposite.

What A Lovely Way to Send Him Off! See Photos of Gov. Nyesom Wike, David Moyes, Jay Jay Okocha at Joseph Yobo’s Testimonial Match

Friday, May 27th 2016 marked Joseph Yobo‘s exit from the world of professional football and it took place at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Ebonyi Wins 2016 Democracy School Debate

Ebonyi State has won the 2016 Democracy School Debate.
It defeated Taraba and Police teams at the finals of the championship
organised by the President’s School Debate Nigeria (PSDN) a non-
governmental organisation from May 24 to May 28 in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PSDN comprised private
and public sector stakeholders.

President Buhari To Attend ECOWAS Summit In Senegal

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President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to embark on a one-day trip to Dakar, Senegal for the 49th Extra-Ordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

'I’m very satisfied with my career, it takes only the grace of God to achieve what I have' - Joseph Yobo purrs

Former Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo who was joined by the likes of David Moyes, Samuel Eto’o, Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah, Lomana Lualua, Laryea Kingston, Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Mutiu Adepoju, Austin Eguavoen and Ben Iroha to celebrate his testimonial match in Port Harcourt on Friday, says he is satisfied with what he achieved during his career and holds no regrets.

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy pictured kissing his new wife just days after wedding (photos)

The Leicester City record breaking striker got married to his lover Rebekah Nicholson last week Wednesday and was spotted in a local park kissing his new bride with their young daughter Sofia look on. Cute family! Another photo after the cut...

Lose 5kg - 10kg Of Fat In 4 Weeks With This Weight Loss Diet

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Already? Kashim Shettima and Rochas Okorocha for President and Vice president campaign posters flood Abuja

The campaign posters of Imo State and Borno State Governors Rochas Okorocha and Kashim Shettima for the 2019 presidential election, appeared on the streets of the nation's capital city, Abuja.

'You're just jealous that I'm still No.1' - Cristiano Ronaldo tells haters

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has hit out at his critics saying only jealousy could be the reason for hating on his success, after he won the UEFA Champions League title on Saturday, making him the first Portuguese in history to do so, once with Manchester United and then twice with Real Madrid.

9 things every woman should know about vaginal hygiene & care

When vagina wash and tightening solution Lavet was posted online recently, many had misgivings, and rightly so, that it was an herbal cream used by prostitutes to tighten their vagina. Concerned readers, including a doctor, shared their experiences and advice. 

The Bible now comes in emoji format

An emoji version of the King James Bible is set to be released on iTunes. Called Bible emoji: scripture 4 millenials, the Bible makes it easier for tech-obsessed young people to read the scriptures.

The book's online description says: 'A great and fun way to share the gospel. Explore all 66 books chronicling the the stories of Abraham, Noah and Jesus like never before!'

Army arrests Ogoni traditional ruler

A traditional ruler in Ogoniland, Rivers State, HRH Barinaadaa T.D. Gbaranee has been arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army. Gbaranee, who is the paramount ruler of Yeghe community in Gokana Local Government Area, was arrested for questioning by the military over security issues in his domain. Spokesman of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, who conCompfirmed the incident, said the royal father was only invited for questioning.

Photos: Gov Wike, Kanu Nwankwo, Okocha, Vincent Enyeama, David Moyes, others at Joseph Yobo's testimonial match

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, footballers Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Samuel Eto'o, Vincent Enyeama, former Manchester United coach David Moyes, Emmanuel Emenike, AY Makun, Osita Iheme and many others all participated in the Yobo testimonial match which took place at the Adokie Amesiemeka Stadium Port Harcourt, Rivers state yesterday May 27th. More after the cut..

5 policemen in Rivers state declared missing

The Rivers state police command have declared 5 police officers missing after unknown gunmen opened fire on a boat the police officers were traveling in at Okujagu waterways, Okrika local government in the state on Wednesday May 25th. A statement from the spokesperson of the state police command DSP Ahmad Muhammad reads;

You can now bet your friends to anything

The 2016 UEFA Champions League Final brings together local rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid for a mouth-watering showdown at Milan’s San Siro stadium, this Saturday, May 28, 2016.
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Why Buhari plans special anti-graft body for ‘high profile criminals’

The news hit the polity with a jolt on Friday when the Buhari-led government announced the constitution of a 20-man committee on prosecution of high profile criminal cases. The body to be known as National Prosecution Coordination Committee (NPCC) is to be headed by Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami.

EFCC interrogates 11 INEC staff over N120m bribery allegations

Officials of the EFCC in Gombe state yesterday interrogated 11 Gombe state INEC staff for allegedly collecting N120 million from some politicians to manipulate results in the 2015 general election.

Crush Café Abuja rewards customers with Champions League Finals Giveaway!

Catch the Epic Real vs Atletico match tonight at Crush Café and you just might go home with a brand new refrigerator. SMS your predictions of the Match’s outcome to 07082073704 along with your full name to enter the raffle draw. What’s more? You enjoy a 5% discount on all purchases during the game tonight as long as you’re wearing your favourite club’s jersey.

Kano state governor sacks his SSG, makes new appointments

Kano state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has sacked the Secretary to the State Government, Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi and replaced him with Usman Alhaji Usman. The sack of the former SSG was

Presidency lists President Buhari’s achievements after first year in office

The presidency has released a list detailing all the achievements of President Buhari in the last one year. He marks one year in office tomorrow May 29th. The list as published by the News Agency of

Let's learn some KITCHEN tips, your kitchen is the most important room in your home. Alot comes out from there, so let's learn some few tricks.

1. If you happen to over-salt a pot of soup, just
drop in a peeled potato. The potato will absorb
the excess salt.

2. When boiling eggs, add a pinch of salt to keep
the shells from cracking.

3. Never put citrus fruits(Oranges,Lemons, limes,
etc) or tomatoes in the fridge. The low
temperatures degrade the aroma and flavor of
these fruits.(That's why our tomatoes don't last
in the fridge)

4. To clean iron cookl-ware, don’t use detergents.
Just scrub them with salt and a clean, dry paper
towel.

5. When storing empty airtight containers, throw
in a pinch of salt to keep them from getting
stinky.

6. If you are making gravy(stew) and accidentally
burn it, just pour it into a clean pan and continue
cooking it. Add sugar a little at a time, tasting as
you go to avoid 'over-sugaring'it. The sugar will
cancel out the burned taste.

7. Burned a pot of rice? Just place a piece of
white bread on top of the rice for 5-10 minutes to
draw out the burned flavour. Be careful not to
scrape the burned pieces off of the bottom of the
pan when serving the rice.

8. Before you chop fresh red peppers, rub a little
vegetable oil into your hands and your skin won’t
absorb the spiciness.

9. If you aren’t sure how fresh your eggs are,
place them in about four inches of water. Eggs
that stay on the bottom are fresh. If only one end
tips up, the egg is less fresh and should be used
soon. If it floats, it’s past the fresh stage.

10. To banish ants from the kitchen, find out
where they are coming in and cover the hole with
petroleum jelly(Vaseline). Ants won’t trek through
the jelly. If they are coming under a door, draw a
line on the floor with chalk. The little bugs also
won’t cross a line of chalk.

11. Don’t store your bananas in a bunch or in a
fruit bowl with other fruits. Separate your
bananas and place each in a different location.
Bananas release gases which cause fruits
(including other bananas) to ripen quickly.
Separating them will keep them fresh longer.

12. To keep potatoes from budding in the bag,
put an apple in with them.

13. If you manage to have some leftover wine,
cocktail drinks at the end of the evening, freeze it
in ice cube trays for easy addition to sauces
(white wine works wonders in sauces, i don't joke
with them) in the future.

14. After boiling pasta or potatoes, cool the water
and use it to water your house plants. The water
contains nutrients that your plants will love.

15. When defrosting meat from the freezer, pour
some vinegar over it. Not only does it tenderize
the meat; it will also bring down the freezing
temperature of the meat and cause it to thaw
quicker. # Noteevery woman should have vinegar
in her kitchen.

16. Do you cry while peeling off onions, then try
this. After peeling off your onions, refrigerate the
onions for atleast 5minutes, then dice it. You will
be glad you did.

17. For aluminum pans that are looking dull, just
boil some apple peels in them. This will brighten
up the aluminum and make your house smell
yummy.

18. If your salt is becoming lumpy, put a few
grains of rice in with it to absorb excess
moisture.

19. Always keep an aloe Vera plant in your
kitchen. It’s invaluable when you scrape your arm
or burn your finger. Just break off a leaf and rub
the gel from the inside on the injury.

20. When making a soup, sauce, that ends up too
fatty or greasy, drop in an ice cube. The ice will
attract the fat, which you can then scoop out.
This works wonders

21. To reuse cooking oil without tasting whatever
was cooked in the oil previously, cook a 1/4″
piece of ginger in the oil. It will remove any
remaining flavors and odors.

22. If your milk always goes bad before you can
finish it, try adding a pinch of salt to the carton
when you first open it. It will stay fresh days
longer.

23. If two drinking glasses become stuck together
after stacking, it’s not impossible to unstick
them. Just put ice in the inner glass and dunk the
outer glass in warm water. The warm glass will
expand and the cold glass will contract, making
the glasses separate easily.

24. For splinters under the fingernail, soaking the
affected finger in a bowl of milk with a piece of
bread in it, it will help.

A Moth Nicknamed 'Tomato Ebola' Ravages Nigeria's Tomatoes

The price of tomatoes at Nigerian markets is going higher and higher as moths and their larvae wipe out much of the crop.

 

Nigerian tomatoes are tasty and juicy. But a large basket of toms is now costing an arm and a leg. From about $10.40 three months ago, that price has rocketed 400 percent to a staggering $40, according to local media.

Tomato farms in the northwest and central regions have been ravaged, prompting the governor of Kaduna state in the north, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to have reportedly declared a tomato state of emergency in the sector. El-Rufai is quoted as saying 80 percent of Kaduna's tomato production — and the state is deemed by the U.N. to be the tomato capital of Nigeria — has been hit by the disease.

That's because a pesky pest — a moth — has got to Nigeria's tomato crop. The insect goes by the name Tuta Absoluta, aka Tomato Leaf Miner, says Daniel Manzo Maigari, Kaduna state's commissioner for agriculture.

The moth attacks the leaves of the tomato plant, and larvae produced by the moth feed voraciously on the plants and cause a 100 percent loss in yield. No amount of spraying is said to kill the larvae.
Maigari said "You spray it, after about three hours, it comes back to life."
Some Nigerians are calling the pest that has ravaged the crop "Tomato Ebola."
Nigeria's federal agriculture minister, Audu Ogbeh, confirmed Wednesday that the pest has spread to at least six states and poses a threat to national food security.

Ogbeh warned that the moth can also attack pepper and potato plants.
"So we are confronting something quite serious. But the good thing is that we are tackling it right now as experts will commence work immediately." He added "We are bringing the commissioners and governors of states to jointly attack this pest, which, if not dealt with, will create serious problems for food security in our country," he said and that everything was being done to address the phenomenon.

Meanwhile, Maigari, Kaduna state's agriculture commissioner, is quoted as saying that some 200 farmers have collectively lost more than $5m over the past month in his state.
Tomatoes are a central ingredient in many Nigerian dishes and very much part of the diet here, so the scarcity means many people simply can't afford toms.

In some eateries, where tomatoes were served routinely, they've vanished. A "suya" (kebab) spot in the capital Abuja is still selling tender grilled skewered meat, with sliced onions, shredded cabbage and spiced pepper powder as garnish. Gone are the gorgeous red, diced tomatoes that used to brighten the popular takeout meal.
The tomato crisis is a blow for President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been urging his compatriots to return to the soil and farm, to diversify Africa's largest, petroleum-heavy, economy. Nigeria is suffering because of the calamitous current market price for crude oil, its main export.

Nigeria is looking to Kenya to try to combat the tomato menace. Kaduna's government has dispatched agricultural specialists to Kenya to meet experts on the Tomato Leaf Miner, to learn how to tackle the pest. Maigari, the Kaduna state agriculture commissioner, told journalists, "We have sent some of our officials to Kenya to meet our partners. Kenya has a good advantage over us on this issue," he said. "We understand that they use a plant extract to take care of this problem. But we do not have that knowledge yet. We expect them to return very soon with short- and mid-term solutions."

Ogbeh, the federal agriculture minister, confirmed that the disease is relatively new to Nigeria, so expertise on how to curb its spread is limited.
Maigari said the problem was so "severe" that businessman Aliko Dangote, Nigeria's and Africa's wealthiest man, has had to suspend production at his recently-built tomato processing plant in northern Kano state because of a lack of tomatoes.

Meanwhile, the twittersphere is exploding with tomato posts. Nigerians with a sense of humor are posting photos of the Spanish festival known as La Tomatina, an August celebration in which tens of thousands of folks converge on a town called Bunol to pelt each other with tons of tomatoes. Their message: What a waste of tomatoes, send them to Nigeria!

Why Rivers should be involved in implementation of UNEP Report on Ogoni clean-up — Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Minister of Environment, Hajia Amina Mohammed during the visit of the Minister to the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday. 

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday said his state government requested to be included in the implementation of the UNEP Report because it is interested in a safe environment for the Ogoni people.

Also, the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, said the implementation of the UNEP Report was above politics, hence the Rivers State Government would be involved in implementation process.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday when he granted audience to the Minister of Environment, Governor Wike said although the UNEP Report was a Federal Government project, it was necessary for the Rivers State Government to be included in the processes.

He noted that it was necessary for the Federal Government to spell out the extent to which the Rivers State Government would be involved and the nature of its involvement.
He said: “We are interested in supporting the Federal Government to achieve the clean-up of Ogoni land,” the Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, quoted the governor as saying. “That is why we seek that the state be carried along.”

“By requesting that we be carried along, we are not asking for contracts. We are only seeking to be involved in the process through information .
“Because we are committed to Ogoni land being cleaned up, that is why we are clamouring to be involved.”
In her remarks, Ms. Mohammed noted that the concern raised by the Governor was being addressed as the implementation of the UNEP Report was beyond politics.

She said the new committee set up by her ministry has set up by her ministry would have two representatives of the state government.
She said the clean-up exercise was a long-term project that would last 25 years.
According to her, the interaction with stakeholders had led to more inclusion as they head towards the launch of the UNEP Report.

FG sets June for Ogoni clean-up - By Caleb Ayansina

ABUJA—The Federal Government, yesterday, fixed June this year to commence the clean up of environmental pollution in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Minister of Enviroment, Mrs. Amina Muhammed, said that the government was working diligently to review and update its first National Implementation Plan, NIP, developed in 2009 to address the problem of pollution holistically in the region. Muhammed, who stated this at the National Stakeholders’ Endorsement Workshop for the Reviewed and Updated National Implementation Plan, NIP, for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, POPs, held in Abuja, solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders.

The minister represented by her Minister of State, Ibrahim Jibril, said that they would be guided by experts from the United Nations on Environment to ensure productive exercise. 

Read More

UNEP Report: Ogoni Clean-up Will Last For 25 Years -FG

Anayo Onukwugha

— May 20, 2016 4:08 am | Leave a comment

 

The Federal Government has declared that the clean-up of Ogoni environment in line with the recommendations of the United Nation’s Environment Programme (UNEP) is a long term project that will last for 25 years.

It also declared that the implementation of the report of the UNEP in Ogoniland is above politics, hence the Rivers State government will be involved in the process.
The minister of Environment, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, spoke yesterday when paid a courtesy visit on Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Muhammed stated that the new committee set up by the Ministry of Environment, to plan the launch of the programme will have two representatives of the state government.
She said the interaction with stakeholders has led to more inclusion as they head towards the launch of  the UNEP Report.

Responding, governor Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, explained that the state government requested for inclusion in the implementation of the UNEP Report because it is interested in a safe environment for the Ogoni people.

Wike, who stated that though the UNEP Report is a Federal Government project, it is necessary for the state government to be included in the processes, pointing out that it was necessary for the Federal Government to spell out the extent to which the state government will be involved and the nature of its involvement.

He said, “We are interested in supporting the Federal Government to achieve the clean up of Ogoni land. That is why we seek that the state be carried  along. By requesting that we be carried along, we are not asking for contracts. We are only seeking to be involved in the process through information. Because we are committed to Ogoni land being cleaned up, that is why we are clamouring to be involved.”

Nigeria: Ogoni Clean-Up Will Bolster Nigeria's Politics - Parker

 
interview  
By Abbas Jimoh

Dr. Tamunoiyoriari Sampson Parker is the immediate past commissioner for health in Rivers State. In this interview, he explained how the clean-up of oil spill in Ogoniland would benefit Nigeria.

As a former commissioner for health in Rivers State, how important is environmental clean-up to the state and Nigeria as a nation?

The Ogoniland clean-up exercise is important in many ways. A healthy environment is one of the key requirements for the health of a people. This is because the level and distribution of health are intrinsically linked to the environment. For instance, the quality of air impacts on nutrition through possible contamination of water, food and other micronutrients. For the people of Rivers State, water and land are closely linked to livelihood; hence pollution constrains us and impacts negatively on our health and sustainable growth. This clean-up exercise is very vital and should be sustained.

How would the people benefit from this exercise?

Apart from the numerous environmental conventions, which Nigeria, as part of the international community should uphold, there are also important considerations linking Ogoniland, and other places in Rivers State with the global marine environment. So if we degrade these areas, we are also indirectly creating negative externalities for other parts of the world.

Because of the concern for our immediate environment and the larger global environment, we need to take the following conventions and protocols seriously: the Stockholm Declaration on Human Environment; Convention on Wetlands; the Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone layer; the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal; the Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World; the Hyogo Framework of Action 2005-2015, which was followed by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. These international efforts indicate that the Ogoni clean-up is not only a local but actually a national and global issue, which we must take very seriously to avoid or mitigate future disasters that can affect Ogoni and Rivers State and possibly spread to the entire world.

How would the country tackle this challenge?

Apart from the disaster risk that results in the vulnerability of our people to health hazards, there are also opportunities. Given that the natural resources in our environment must be exploited to add value to the lives of the Ogoni, Rivers State and other parts of Nigeria, efforts must be made to step up health, safety and environmental activities, especially on the part of industries and agents of government.

We can also create associated industries and sectoral efforts that create sustainable opportunities for our people. This is aimed at conserving the environment, and other productive activities within these areas, such as ecotourism, new avant-garde green industries in the maritime and associated sectors, as well as in industries that produce compounds and equipment that facilitate human activities in these sectors. If we are to take an inventory of the human activities needed to support the industrial sectors, maritime resources and marine transport industries in the prevention and mitigation efforts, we can see that we would not only help to create a healthy environment, we shall also help to promote sustainable economic activities for both the Ogoni and other people of Rivers State and other Nigerians.

Do you think this exercise would extend to other affected areas of Rivers State?

It should, but as you know, a successful effort in one place makes it more likely in others. But as I have stressed, we must refrain from a reactive effort to try to create a more sustainable model of disaster risk reduction approach as advised by the Sendai Framework 2015-2030. In this new global approach, we must have a continuous model that takes a proactive review of our entire environment, mapping the risks and vulnerabilities of all our people through local government and state collaborations with the private sector and affected communities. In doing so, we must put prevention and mitigating processes in place, including early warning, community empowerment and vulnerability reduction mechanisms.

As we say in health care, prevention is better than cure, but in sustainable environmental disaster management, it is by far better and cheaper. 

When the Ogoni issue started, the state and the federal government shared similar political ideologies, don't you think the current differences in political affiliation would impact negatively on the project?

After elections we must develop a culture of collective and shared interest in community development. That is the reason we all offer ourselves for public service. This clean-up is not for a political party but to ensure that our people in Ogoni and other affected areas do not see industrial development as an irreversible disaster to their health and livelihood irrespective of our political persuasions. In that respect, I am certain we all share an equal commitment. It must be so.

Are you saying that such issues are capable of eroding the political differences among major stakeholders at the state and federal levels?

Well, I am saying that when it comes to the development of our people, they must come first before our political persuasions. If anything, our persuasions should compel all of us to act more in the collective interest. I am positive we can cooperate and collaboration in this endeavour because that is what the people expect from all of us. The wellbeing of the people of Rivers State is more important than any of us.

Nigeria: Buhari Launches Ogoni Clean-Up Project Amid Three Years of Unpaid Staff Salaries

By Ernest Chinwo and James Emejo

Port Harcourt and Abuja — President Muhammadu Buhari will on June 2 flag off the Ogoni clean-up project in Ogoni, Rivers State.

The project is a cornerstone of the Buhari administration's environmental policy.

But indications emerged at the weekend that the clean-up project, might be threatened by the failure of the federal government to pay the staff of Hydro Carbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), the specialised agency created during the last administration to carry out the exercise.

The Minister of Environment, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, had confirmed the project will last for 25 years.

HYPREP staff have blamed the non-payment of salaries on the previous leadership of the Ministry of Petroleum under Jonathan which, despite so many meetings and promises, failed to deliver.

However, despite a stronger commitment to the project by the present administration, there's still no clarity regarding the payment of the salaries, a situation which could have negative implications for the commencement and sustainability of the project-and even demoralise staff from putting in their best.

Mohammed had reportedly held a meeting with representatives of HYPREP staff a few weeks ago but a concrete feedback was still being awaited.

Expectedly, non-payment to affected staff has resulted in untold sufferings and inconvenience for HYPREP employees during the three-year period they've been denied entitlements.

On May 1, 2013, while on a field visit, three members of staff, Dr. Zaaki Labbo, Dr. Aloy Agunwa & Mr. David), lost their lives to a fatal vehicle accident. The then National coordinator who was the lone survivor of the accident, sustained severe injuries and spent several months in hospital.

THISDAY further learnt that members of staff had lost their homes and had their children kicked out of school, as well as subjected to untold hardship.

A particular member of Staff endured the death of his wife and baby during childbirth because he could not afford the N25,000 hospital bill, it was learnt.

However, the project has now been moved from the Ministry of Petroleum to the Ministry of Environment, a move which had been welcomed by experts who have stated that the project should have been overseen by the Ministry of Environment in the first place.

HYPREP was anchored on a 2012 report by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) on the clean-up of Ogoni land following decades of environmental degradation.

This report recommended the establishment of an organisation or unit to oversee and facilitate the remediation process.

HYPREP was set up under the Ministry of Petroleum Resources with over 100'members of staff recruited, from within and outside the country.

These included engineers, chemists, lawyers, accountants among others.

The project started on a good footing with a lot of work done in order to prepare for the pilot phase of the remediation. Emergency measures were completed, a budget was prepared, work plans were put in place, and units created for efficiency and division of labour.

In January 2014, the then Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu had approved the sum of N2.5 billion for the outstanding salaries to be paid. However, the previous administration did not implement the approval before it left office.

Again in 2014, some members of the HYPREP staff also went to the 7th Senate and the House Committee on Environment to convey their plight.

Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, who was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology at the time, waded in and appealed for these salaries to be paid.

With the advent of the Project being moved to the Ministry of Environment, it is hoped that the competence and technocratic attributes of Hajiya Aisha Mohammed would bring an end to this sordid tale.

Experts believe the remediation of Ogoni land and the restoration of its communities deserve urgent attention without any encumbrances of outstanding salary issues. Though the present government has shown the sincerity of purpose to actualize the recommendations of the UNEP Report, this could only be substantiated by payment of outstanding entitlements to staff.

The son of Chief Albert Badey, one of the four prominent Ogoni indigenes killed 22 years ago, Mr. Suage Badey, has expressed regret that both the people of the area and government have failed to recognise the role played by the "Ogoni Four" decades after they were brutally murdered while searching for peace.

He recalled that on May 21, 1994, Badey, who was former Secretary to Rivers Government; Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Theophilus Kobani, and Chief Samuel Orage were killed at Giokoo, Gokana Local Government.

The young Badey, former chairman of defunct Action Congress in Rivers State, spoke with journalists in Port Harcourt on issues surrounding the death of the "Ogoni Four" and violence in Ogoniland.

"On the day they were killed, they were suing for peace, reconcile all parties and adopt peaceful approach, but unfortunately, the process consumed their lives," he said.

He expressed regret that while the four sacrificed their live while searching for peace, a section of the people still referred to them as "vultures".

He said there was need to put the records right and encourage the people to embrace peace instead of violence.

"Ogoni needs to come back to the drawing board and ensure peace. We need to adopt peaceful approach. Let this day be a memorable one for us to embrace peace," he said.

He said Ogonis should embrace peace saying that the violent approach to issues affecting the area would not help matters.

He said the four prominent Ogonis deserved to be remembered because they contributed to the development of the area.

He said for instance, his father, assisted in the establishment of the state polytechnic (now Kenule Sarowiwa polytechnic) at Bori, creation of new local government areas in Ogoni while the other three elders assisted in developing the area.

He said his the family had set up a body known as "Albert Badey Centre for Development" to address peace locally and internationally.

"We are doing our best to affiliate it with larger NGO's affiliated with the United Nations. This is because insecurity has become a world- wide problem, especially in Africa.

"This is one of the fundamental problems that led to the crisis in Ogoni and led to the death of the four," he said.

The young Badey called on government and leaders of Ogoni to embark on massive sensitisation of the people ahead of the flag-off of the implementation of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland to avoid the pitfalls of the past.

He said plans by the federal government to clean up Ogoni land was a step in the right direction and required the support of everybody to achieve a peaceful exercise devoid of suspicion.

Meanwhile the Ogoni people under the auspices of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) have for the first time remembered the "Ogoni four", describing them as fallen heroes.

A statement issued by the Media/Public Affairs Advisor of

MOSOP, Mr. Bari-ara Kpalap, quoted MOSOP President, Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, as saying the four: Chief Edward Kobani, Mr. Albert Badey, Chief Samuel Orage and Chief Theophilous Orage "paid the supreme prize that we may live".

"These martyrs were murdered in cold blood at Giokoo, the traditional capital of the Gokana people of Ogoniland in controversial circumstances some twenty-two (22) years ago," he noted.

Pyagbara, who spoke from New York, United States of America where he is attending the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Populations, cautioned his people to eschew violence and ensure that they did not repeat the mistakes of the past.

MOSOP President, said: "As we remember these great sons of our land in deep sorrow, we urge all Ogonis to stand by our resolve that never again shall we allow the regrettable happenings of the past to reoccur in our land. Today, whilst we continue to suffer the huge implications of their demise, it will undoubtedly be in our national interest to unite and work together to ensure that their death would not be in vain."

"These late founding fathers in collaboration with other Ogoni leaders championed and led the Ogoni struggle on the principle of non-violence and articulate peaceful advocacy. Thus the strict adherence to these tenets earned us acknowledgeable and applauded global recognition and support. It is in this regard that we reiterate our condemnation of recent violence and needless killings in Ogoni and called on perpetrators to give peace a chance and stop undermining the peace of the area. Violence, we must say, is an ill wind that blows no one any good. This occasion should therefore provide the platform for the reform of our attitude and approaches with recourse to the peaceful and non-violent disposition of the martyrs."

"The deceased, in conjunction with other Ogoni leaders, fought and died for the rejuvenation, protection and defence of our environment; political and economic participation as of right; self-determination and resource ownership and control amongst others. It is indeed gratifying and consoling that the environmental issue, a core of the Ogoni campaign is about to be realised, which goes to prove that they struggled and died for a just, legitimate and credible cause. Ours is not only to co-operate and provide a conducive atmosphere to ensure success of the remediation and restoration exercise but also to work relentlessly for the attainment of the yet to be achieved goals of the struggle."

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