Opubowatch Newspaper

11/01/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Freedom Okor, Rachael Cookey Gam, Ubani Gabriel, Ladidi Aaron

12/11/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Samuel Jaja, Jaja Gladys Blings, Lambo Kesh, Darlington Anthony

09/08/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Engr Ikemefuna Akpalankwu, William Effiong, Geb Pepple, Feli Cia Diri, Esther Henry

14/06/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Boma Uranta, Ken Ogolo, Kate Ogolo

26/05/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Lucy Kate Dappa Peter, Lazincas Alawoh Awo, Esther Brown, Gêñtêl Kidd, Klas JohnAfrica, Wilfred Samuel, Prince Ogolo

06/04/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Vitus Odimegwu, Isa Jaja, Opuere Ogolo, Precious Johnson, Charles Finebone, Grace Owujie, Obiegbelem Geoffrey Ogolo, Samalexander Georgepepple

06/08/2023

Kudos to SIM as new power provision comes on stream for Opobo...

06/08/2023

OPUBOWATCH HAILS SIMs NEW ELECTRIFICATION FOR OPOBO...

Time has a way of addressing issues. And destiny they say maybe delayed but cannot be denied. It's on this strength we want to comment the recent plans to provide Opobo with a durable and stable power provision after over 30 years of relying on power generating plants.

Since two years now, power provision has been at the lowest ebb in Opobo and satelite communities. Not only has the 2000watts generating plants gone comatose, both the infrastructure has gone below what is needed in present Opobo Town to supply power.

One can recall that last December and January during the Alali festivals power provision was totally absent, as members of the kingdom Owugbo society had to use phone torch to lead masquerades at the town square.

Council authorities had raised alarm that the generation plants were almost going extinct since most parts of the plant was either old and could not sustain power. This sad situation not only smeared the celebrations, but brought sour image to the council.

It was based on this that the chairman had to make a clarion call urging for long term solution to the situation. Hon CookeyGam in one interview with Opubowatch pointed out that the generating plants were no longer feasible hence, a better alternative through linking to national grid or installing a gas turbine.

Today we are happy that the call has been heeded to as the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara mandate State Ministry of Power to carry out feasibility studies on how to link Opobo to the national grid.

Though many believe that this is belated, we in Opubowatch consider this action as timely. It will not only save huge revenue sunk in fueling the generating plants in Opobo and over 15 satellite communities, it is our view that it will boost livelihood and economic activities in ONOLGA.

What is required now is urgent action. If the project is pursued with vigour, then by December it could be achieved. The power infrastructure in Opobo, especially those in the town cam help drive the speed of the new power project.

However, we wish to draw the attention of the authorities in charge of the project to take time and ensure that the shoddy job allegedly executed by the NDDC and National Power Commission stretching from Kpean to Opobo II should be discarded and reviewed. That job did not only fall short of standards but displayed high level of poor supervision and jerry built materials.

We therefore thank our dear governor and Opobo son, the council chairman, Opobo Alapu Council and indeed the Opobo Elderstatesmen for SIM for lobbying and ensuring that the project is approved.
WARIAPU OMIEBAM!

06/08/2023

Governor's Wife, Queen Consort, Others join Opobo/Nkoro PDP Women Prayer Network Thanksgiving...

Appreciating God mercies and grace for the peaceful conduct and success at the elections of Rivers State governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara a conglomerate of christian women in Opobo kngdom today had a thanksgiving service at St Paul's Church ,Opobo Town.

In attendance was wife of the Executive Governor, Mrs. Valerie S Fubara and Queen Consort and wife of Amayanabo of OPOBO Kingdom, Mrs. Dandeson Jaja.

Also the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Rt. Hon(Dr) Enyiada Cookey-Gam Balolo of Opobo joined the PDP women prayer network to thank God

Chairman of ONOLGA said thanksgiving is an invitation to God to do more, saying that a grateful heart is a wise man. Anytime God does something for you and you come to say God thank you, you're inviting more of his blessings.

Adding that"Gratitude leads to altitude and increase, you can't be grateful to God and not be blessed."

He enjoined the women not to relent in their prayers and intercession for the success of the administration o of Sir Fubara and that of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.

He said," to see that we succeed. I will never take your prayers for granted. I will always appreciate and work with the women prayer network. I bring you greetings for your support to me and my family in prayers we are grateful to God and you the women.

In her remarks Leader of the women prayer grpup Mrs Sotonye Toby Fulton said, "On behalf of the PDP Opobo/Nkoro Women Prayer Network, I wish to most graciously thank the creator of the entire universe for the opportunity to have successfully organized this epoch-making occasion. I pray for journey mercies for all who made it to the event grounds. I will not end this appreciation without thanking our maker."

08/06/2023

When I say Tourism and Culture is our biggest sell in Opobo I mean it. The world has turned into a global village, where each country and people are using thier comparative advantage to improve themselves and economy.

During the period of our great grand fathers Oil Palm was their comparative economy and foreigners came to buy from them.

Today the NWAOTAM, OWU masks, DANCES AND COLOURFUL FESTIVALS can be sold to attract a new economy. Its not enough that we use it to entertain ourselves and after two weeks we leave the kingdom empty for old folks children to stay.

Lets harness these unique culture. What is the LG authorities doing？ What is the Alapu and War Canoe Houses doing？ How do we reorganise our festiival calendar to attract tourists？

Remember we have a road now and besides that we have the ultimate political and economic advantage, our son the governor now. NOW IS THE TIME.

26/04/2023

RSU 87TH INAUGURAL LECTURE:PROFJAJA MAKES CASE FOR HYDROPONIC FARMING...

One of Opobos foremost female academic and expert on Plant Physiology, Prof Emylia Jaja has advocated for adoptionhydroponic farming in parts of the country where land is scarce.

Prof Jaja who delivered 87 inaugural lecture of the Rivers State University said the farming method would reduce clashes between herdsmen and land owners.

Jaja said she was worried that alternative farming methods was not being sought and hence making altercations between land owners and herdsmen common.

The university don, who was former Chairperson of ASUU in the university expressed worry over poor research funding by corporate bodies to agriculture and plant development hence food scarcity.

Jaja spoke on the topic-Plant: Enablers Of Sustainability and Growth of Man , sought for adoption of renewable energy through plant growth and resource exploitation.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Okogbule was full of praises for Prof. Jaja, noting that she has added to knowledge and development of the state through research.

05/02/2023

Why Opobo Needs new power source than Generator, By Chairman

Opobo Needs New Power Supply... ONOLGA Chairman
..assures of power supply February Ending...

As lack of power provision persists in Opobo for the past two months, Chairman of the Local Government Area, Dr. Enyiada Cookeygam says what the area needs either a national grid or a gas turbine.

Speaking exclusively to Opubowatch over the state of power supply in Opobo and environs, Cookeygam said acquiring a new power plant is like postponing the evil day.

Though assuring that engineers have started servicing the plant which broke down on 2nd January during the new year festivities.

"This coming week they will start coupling the parts together. We are lucky that the engine did not knock. And we were advised not to start it again until a total overhaul age is carried out."

He insisted that Opobo needs a long term electricity source than purchasing a higher power plant that may also fail in the future.

Currently, the local government headquarters runs on 2,000 KVA plant donated during the Amaechi administration, but the chairman said the power plant is obsolete and can't meet the need of the LGA considering the rising built environment, and town expansion over the years.

Cookeygam said," Opobo has gone beyond using a lister, or generating plant. Before now the number of welders in Opobo were few. The engine is just 2000 KVA and it served well. Currently it can't carry again, you can see the new houses, and virtually every house has an aircon with other heavy appliances."

On how to achieve a long term power supply to the LGA, the chairman said,"we believe that by Gods grace after the elections we will have a permanent solution. Once our son gets to power. "

o

05/02/2023

Opobo Needs New Power Supply... ONOLGA Chairman
..assures of power supply February Ending...

As lack of power provision persists in Opobo for the past two months, Chairman of the Local Government Area, Dr. Enyiada Cookeygam says what the area needs either a national grid or a gas turbine.

Speaking exclusively to Opubowatch over the state of power supply in Opobo and environs, Cookeygam said acquiring a new power plant is like postponing the evil day.

Though assuring that engineers have started servicing the plant which broke down on 2nd January during the new year festivities.

"This coming week they will start coupling the parts together. We are lucky that the engine did not knock. And we were advised not to start it again until a total overhaul age is carried out."

He insisted that Opobo needs a long term electricity source than purchasing a higher power plant that may also fail in the future.

Currently, the local government headquarters runs on 2,000 KVA plant donated during the Amaechi administration, but the chairman said the power plant is obsolete and can't meet the need of the LGA considering the rising built environment, and town expansion over the years.

Cookeygam said," Opobo has gone beyond using a lister, or generating plant. Before now the number of welders in Opobo were few. The engine is just 2000 KVA and it served well. Currently it can't carry again, you can see the new houses, and virtually every house has an aircon with other heavy appliances."

On how to achieve a long term power supply to the LGA, the chairman said,"we believe that by Gods grace after the elections we will have a permanent solution. Once our son gets to power. "

o

05/02/2023

OPOBO READY TO
TAKE OVER POWER,-Senator Pepple, Sam Sam Jaja assures.

Amid a huge fanfare on Saturday at Opobo town, headquarters of of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, two prominent sons of the area, Alabo (Senator) Adawari Pepple and Dr. S have assured that their son and PDP guber will not disappoint in leadership.

Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) guber candidate in the March elections, Sir Siminialayi Fubara has assured that he would not disappoint Rivers people if elected.

He gave the assurance on Saturday at his home town in Opobo Town headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro when the party's campaign berthed at the local government area.

Sir. Fubara who was visibly elated with the massive fanfare and reception given to the PDP campaign train said he appreciates his own people and zeal displayed.

He declared that, " my promise to the leadership of our party is that we will not disappoint Rivers people."

The PDP guber hopeful stressed that with success recorded by the Chief Wike administration, Rivers people should expect more consolidation on areas of development once he is voted into power.

Fubara continued," for the Opobo people I appreciate this opportunity. I urge you people to use every single vote to campaign and make a statement."

Former Senator and party elderman, Alabo Adawari People thanked Chief Wike for supporting Opobo's son to emerge as the party governorship candidate.

Alabo People assure that Sim Fubara will not disappoint the people of Rivers state, while assuring that they are ready to pitch tent with Wike wherever he goes.

For his part, Balolo of Opobo kingdom former chairman of Nigeria Referee Association(NRA) Dr. Sam Sam Jaja described Chief Wike as arrow in God's hand to actualise the riverine and Opobo guber ambition.

Jaja promised that," we are focused people and we will vote for Fubara and nobody can distract us.

Senator representing Rivers South East, Dr. Barinada Mpigi said the people of the senatorial district are massively behind Fubara.

01/02/2023

Amaopusenibo Dag...to be laid to rest...

01/02/2023

A day of Tributes, Tears as Bro Dag goes home...

Anyone who must have met Amaopusenibo Dag Andrew- Jaja would take away one thing about him- his down- to -earth personality. He resonates with humility and human sympathy, while disarming you with his smiles and laughter.

Unfortunately, Amaopusenibo Dag Andrew Jaja passed on last December(29th,2022) throwing tears and pain amongst family members,friends, his mates and the entire Opobo kingdom.

Born 73 years ago to JekiOpusenibo Emmanuel Andrew Jaja and Mrs Mary Andrew Jaja(New Accra Jaja), Dag was the second and beloved hence was named after his dad. He grew up in Opobo, but later went to Kings College and University of Ife, now Obafemi University Ife, where he studied to become a chartered accountant in the early 80s.

His career life spanned over 40 years as both public and private practitioner within and outside Nigeria.

On returning from England in the early 90s, Dag pioneered Montessori education, as he joined forces with his wife Dabota Andrew -Jaja(New Cookeygam) to establish Grove School in New GRA, Port Harcourt but that was passing passion- to educate people and build people.

He later became head and Chairman of Osunju House, a position he held until his demise.

Dag's service to Opobo kingdom earned him the title of Amaopusenibo"- Opobo's elder man. And he championed the development of Opobo through his service, philanthropy and leadership.

In Osunju House, he made sure the youths were encouraged to study, skilled and empowered to a level they could be independent.

His social life was massive, as a member of various clubs, including the Masons, where he grew to be influential. He was Opobos truest gentleman, affable, and amiable.

Yesterday at Groove School, a special day of Tributes was held in his honour and many of his friends and family members, and others paid glowing tributes to him.

Foremost Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), OCJ Okocha, Amaopusenibo Bobo Brown and Igoni Park all gave glowing tributes about him.

Okocha said he was a friend and brother. Amaopusenibo Park recalled memories of their childhood days as chorrister in St Paul's Church, Opobo.

For Amaopusenibo Bobo Brown , the late Dag was unassuming, deep and intelligent with love for people.

Dag will be laid to rest in Opobo on the 3rd of February after a wake keep and Masonic service.