National Times

27/12/2024

Former Nigerian International Calls For More Investments In Sports

A former Nigerian international, Maurice Michael Udobia says Nigeria needs to invest more in sports facilities and associated equipment if the country is to achieve more successes in different sporting activities.

Udobia, who is in Nigeria for a short vacation, noted that countries that have excelled in sports are those who have paid attention to provision of facilities, athletes’ welfare and investments in equipment.

During his playing days, Udobia featured for Sharks of Port Harcourt, Calabar Rovers, Stationary Stores, and Bendel United before proceeding to Spain to play professionally.

According to him, “I was privileged to watch Rivers United FC vs Kwara United. The game was impressive but the stadium needs to be brought up to standards. Better sports facilities are needed in Nigeria as Nigerians are thriving all over the world in terms of sports.

“Nigerian athletes deserve better and should be properly remunerated. They need to be encouraged to thrive better in their respective sporting events. We have our people who are doing well all the world and we can replicate same in Nigeria.”

Udobia, who was in the then Green Eagles camp with Henry Nwosu, Monday Eguavon, Richard Owubokiri, Benjamin Nzeakor, Moses Kpakor, Moses Effiong, among others believes Nigeria can excel in sports if sufficient premium is placed on the required environment

The former player with AD Campiyo in the Spanish 3rd division and Albacete Bolompio in 1st division, also played for the San Jose Oaks in the United States.

On leaving football, he went for further education and attended St. Mary’s College in the United States, where he received bachelor degree in Business Management and Masters from National University in Educational Counseling.

He presently works at Jesse Bethel High School in the United States where Mr. Khehinde Stevenson is the principal!

Udobia hailed Mr. Khehinde Stevenson, who is also a minister at a church, for the good works he has been doing at Jesse Bethel High School.

He gave a background as to why Mr Steveson bears a Yoruba name, since he is not a Nigerian.

“His mom was a friend with a Nigerian woman who was from Yoruba. She made a promise that since she loves Nigerians so much, she would give her child a Nigerian name. When our principal was delivered, it happened that she had a twin and decided to call my principal Khehinde and the brother Taiwo,” he disclosed.

08/10/2024

Ogan Hands Over In Okrika, Hails Governor Fubara

The immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government area, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan, has formally handed over to the newly elected chairman, Hon Achese Igwe.

The brief but eventful ceremony took place at the council secretariat, Okrika.

Hon Ogan thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for giving her the opportunity to serve the people of Okrika at a critical period.

According to her, "Let me first and foremost express my gratitude to the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS for finding me worthy and giving me the opportunity to serve as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government area.

"It is an appointment that I will continue to cherish, especially as it gave me the opportunity to serve my people within the best of my abilities."

She listed several of her achievements while in office and promised to be available whenever her experience was needed.

The former CTC boss said: "I stand before the people of Okrika today to say that my Caretaker Committee members and I worked assiduously to obey the instructions of Governor Fubara by initiating polices, projects and programmes that have had direct bearing on our people and for which we remain proud of our humble efforts.

"In all of our activities, we put the people of Okrika first, and I am glad that our people appreciated all of these services in their special ways.

"Let me congratulate the newly elected council chairman, Comrade Achese Igwe, and all the 12 councillors for their victories during the local government election. This represents another chapter in the history of our land and one that will bring dividends of democracy to our people.

"We will continue to offer our experience whenever we are called upon, as the greater good of Okrika land is what remains paramount."

In his remarks, the Chairman of Okrika local government area, Hon Achese Igwe thanked the Princess Ibiene Ogan-led CTC for doing a good job whilst in office and promised to give the people good democratic dividends.

27/09/2024

Okrika LGA Begins Payment Of Bursary To Students

Students of Okrika local government area origin have started receiving their bursary payments as promised by the Caretaker Committee led by Princess Ibiene Ogan.

The bursary, which cuts across Ph.D., Masters, Bachelors Degree, OND, and HND, is being paid to 1,444 successful applicants.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government area, Princess Ibiene Ogan, says the payment of the bursary represents a major milestone of her administration and one of the cardinal points of her Concerned About Prosperity initiative.

According to her, upon assumption of office, she made a promise to the people of Okrika to work for their benefit and overall development of the land, adding that her policies, programmes and projects bear testimonial to her commitment.

The CTC boss stressed further that giving bursary to the students will help in a little way to solve some challenges associated with their educational pursuit.

She tasked the students to be serious about their studies , pointing out that an educated generation is a prosperous one.

Hon Ogan commended the Bursary Committee headed by Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi for doing a great job in service to the people of Okrika local government area.

Also speaking, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi lauded the Ibiene Ogan-led Caretaker Committee for fulfilling the promise to pay bursary before leaving office.

According to him, the action of the CTC deserves commendation from the people of Okrika, who says have yearned for such policy.

18/09/2024

1,444 Students To Benefit From Okrika LGA Bursary
.. Committee Submits Report

Over 1,000 students of Okrika origin are to benefit from bursaries to be paid by the Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan-led Caretaker Committee.

The bursary payment cuts across Diploma, Undergraduate, Masters and Ph.D.

This much was revealed when the Bursary Committee, led by Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, submitted its report to Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan.

In receiving the report, Hon Ogan promised that all those that were duly scrutinised and certified by the Bursary Committee would be paid after meeting with the members of the Caretaker Committee.

She commended the Prof Zeb-Obipi-led committee for doing a thorough job despite the limited time they were given to work.

According to her, "the people of Okrika are proud of what the committee has done, I know it wasn't easy, but they delivered in a very short period. On behalf of Okrika people, I commend them for a job well done."

Speaking while submitting the report, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi explained the painstaking efforts they went through to scrutinise all those who applied.

He expressed regrets that some applicants couldn't submit the correct data to enable the committee to verify their documents.

He listed the number of people cleared to include 50 Ph.D students, 68 Postgraduate/Masters, 1,028 Undergraduates, and 298 OND/HND/Certificate students.

15/09/2024

Okrika LGA Begins Adult Education Classes

In what is another watershed in the history of Okrika local government area, adult education classes will begin on Monday, September 16, 2024, across six venues in the area.

The venues include Okrika National Secondary School, Abam Ama Community Secondary School, State School 1, Ibuluya; State Primary School, Ogoloma; Comprehensive Secondary School, Okochiri and Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogbogbo.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan, says the adult education class is part of her Concerned About Prosperity (CAP) project initiated upon assumption of office.

She stressed further that the adult education class would afford those who are not literate enough the opportunity to acquire basic education.

Hon Ogan called on Okrikans, who didn't have the opportunity to go through the walls of primary and secondary education to avail themselves of the programme.

The CTC boss emphasised that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is concerned about the well-being of Rivers people and was ready to support progressive ideas aimed at making lives better.

30/08/2024

Only few kings in Rivers know how to honour their stools. Kudos Bonny king. Others should watch Itsekiri, Benin Kings.

23/08/2024

Okrika Women Call On Princess Ogan To Contest Chairmanahip Election

Women of different age grades have called on the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government area, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan, to contest for the forthcoming chairmanship position of the council.

The women, in their hundreds, marched through several communities, markets, and other public places, stating why they want Princess Ogan to aspire for the highest office at the local government level.

In their various advocacies, they called on the people of Okrika to support the CTC boss to become a substantive chairman, stating that she has done remarkably well since she was appointed by Governor Fubara.

According to them, Princess Ibiene Ogan has proven to be a woman of strong intellect, development orientated, and with strong determination to make life better for Okrika people.

Leader of the women, Bertha Dede, noted their marching around various communities is to showcase the wonderful works of Princess Ibiene Ogan.

According to her, "We are telling the people of Okrika that Princess Ogan is very suitable to become chairman of our local government area. She has been tested and proven to be an excellent administrator.

"Since she was appointed by Governor Fubara, she has left no one in doubt as to her capability to perform beyond expectation and create lasting legacies.

"We are proud of her, and we trust that she will deliver if given the mandate by the people of Okrika. She is our choice, and we are ready to support her through thick and thin.

"We call on our leaders to support her massively. She has proven to be a square peg in a square hole. In just two months, she has achieved in many areas, and we know that when she becomes the chairman, she will do even greater things."

22/08/2024

Okrika CTC Chairman Meets With Simplified Movement Ahead Of Empowerment Programme

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government area, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan, has held a meeting with the Simplified Movement stakeholders ahead of the second phase of empowerment programme.

The CTC boss told the gathering of plans to deliberately empower members of the Simplified Movement as a way of recognising their support and investment in cooperating with the Rivers State Governor.

She commended the stakeholders for their steadfastness and continuous belief in the ability of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of Rivers People.

According to her, Governor Fubara is ready to deliver on all expectations, which is why he is putting Rivers people first in his agenda.

She later went round to inspect the venue for the empowerment programme slated for this weekend in Okrika.

17/08/2024

Princess Ogan Tasks Committees On Effective Responsibilities

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government area, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan, has met with Special Advisers and committees recently set up by her administration.

At the meeting in Okrika, Hon Ogan called on the committee members to discharge their responsibilities with a human face and eschew negative tendencies.

She stressed that their membership of the various committees and special advisers positions are for service to the people of Okrika and not targeting personal agenda.

The CTC noted that the people expect them to make good use of their positions and contribute to the overall development of the area.

She tasked them to work in tandem with the vision of Governor Sim Fubara, which is putting Rivers people first.

Hon Ogan expressed her desire to promote peace, progress, and development of Okrika, adding that she would continue to focus on policies, programmes, and decisions that would benefit the people.

Committees present at the meeting include Revenue, Sea and Land Taskforces, Security, in addition to the Special Advisers.

14/08/2024

07/08/2024

Okrika CTC Completes Rehabilitation Of Ogan Water Scheme

The Caretaker Committee (CTC) of Okrika local government area has completed the rehabilitation of the Ogan Ama water scheme after several years of abandonment.

The rehabilitation of the water scheme is yet another milestone in the Concerned About Prosperity (CAP) agenda of Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan-led Caretaker Committee.

Recall that during the inauguration of CTC members in Okrika, Hon Ogan had unfolded an ambitious CAP agenda, aimed directly at fixing low hanging fruits and initiating projects to better the lives of the people.

The CTC boss, in an interview, stated that rehabilitating the Ogan Ama water scheme is part of an ongoing plan to ensure access to good water by the people of Okrika.

She disclosed that after reviving the long abandoned Okrika central water scheme at Ogoloma, she has also met with the people of Okujagu on how to put up a borehole and now Ogan Ama.

According to her, "His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, gave us a charge to better the lives of the people and also empower them, that is exactly what we are doing. We are making deliberate efforts to deal directly with what affects the people and how to make things better.

"We will still carry out more programmes and policies for our people. They deserve good things, and we will never disappoint them.

"We still have a youth summit coming up in addition to another empowerment programme. Our people should just continue to support Governor Fubrara, who means well for Rivers people."

06/08/2024

Round Up Of Okrika Caretaker Committee Activities In 7 Days

1. The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Okrika local government area, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan has called on women to ensure regular breast feeding of their infant children to make them grow in strength and help fight diseases associated with infants.

2. She stated this during the 2024 Breast Feeding Week organised by the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board.

3. Represented by the Council's secretary, Gold Okujagu, the CTC boss tasked the women about healthy living and guard against all forms of germs and bacteria that cause diseases.

4. Hon Ogan also distributed provisions that included noodles, beverage, milk, custard, and cereals to the women, who all thanked her for offering purposeful leadership.

5. In another development, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan has assured the people of Okujagu community of water within the next few weeks.

6. Represented by the Supervisor for Works, Tamunosiki Longjohn, who inspected the location agreed with the community, the CTC boss assured that a borehole would be made available to ease their pains of accessing good water.

8. Meanwhile, rehabilitation works have commenced on Abam Road in the local government area.

9. The CTC Chairman, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan, stated that the rehabilitation works would allow for easy passage of motorists and commuters, adding that other roads within the local government would be given facelift, one at a time.

03/08/2024

Okrika CTC Organises Capacity Building Workshop For Teachers

The Caretaker Committee (CTC) of Okrika local government area has organised a capacity building workshop for teachers in preparation for the holiday summer classes for pupils and students in the area.

Recall that the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan had earlier met with the teachers, intimating them of her plans to give Okrika students better opportunities to do well in their various classes.

Speaking at the workshop, Hon Ogan tasked the teachers to give their best to the students, pointing out that they represent a huge influence on them.

She noted that the CTC decided to organise the summer classes to broaden the horizon of pupils and students, in addition to making them perform better when schools resumes.

Represented by the Secretary of the Council, Gold Okujagu, the CTC boss stated that her administration remains committed to education and will always evolve policies and programmes that will improve its quality in Okrika local government area.

She commended the teachers for their willingness to participate fully in the workshop, stressing that it showed they were equally interested in providing better teaching.

Also speaking, the Supervisor for Education, Hon Loveday Amietamunopiri lauded Hon Ibiene Ogan for her passion towards education.

He stressed that workshop would go a long way in building and refreshing the capacities of the teachers.

The workshop, tagged: Effective Management of the Classroom, had Mrs. Chinyere Onwuneme as the lead facilitator.

31/07/2024

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika LGA, Princess Ib Ogan makes fresh appointments.

30/07/2024

Breaking News

Water Gushes Out From Okrika Central Water Scheme

It sounds unbelievable, but it is true. Water is now gushing out from the old and long abandoned central water plant situated in Ogoloma, Okrika Local Government Area.

It is the first time water has been pumped from the plant in more than twenty years.

The Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of Okrika Local Government area, Hon. Princess Ibiene Ogan had taken up the responsibility to rehabilitate the central water scheme as part of measures to tackle water supply challenges being faced by the people.

While works are still ongoing to put the general area in good shape and test the quality of the water, it marks a watershed in the administration of the council.

Speaking on the development, Hon Ibiene Ogan stated that her administration is all about the good of Okrikans and that she was ready to do all that is required to improve their standards of living.

According to her, clean water is crucial to fighting a lot of diseases, particularly cholera and typhoid, among others.

She disclosed that experts would be invited to test the quality before allowing people to have access to it.

She commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his support and guidance in the discharge of her duties as the Caretaker Committee Chairman.

Recall that this is the oldest water scheme that supplies the entire Okrika Island.

Pix below: initial and aftermath of water gushing out after rehabilitation of the water plant

19/07/2024

30 Days Of Progress By Princess Ibiene Ogan In Okrika LGA

When Governor Siminalayi Fubara appointed Princess Ibiene Ogan as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government area on June 19, 2024, she became the first woman in the history of the area to occupy such position.

However, if anybody doubted her capability to handle such sensitive position, she has since through sheer determination, respect for traditional and political leadership, ease of accessibility and regard for the people, distilled such thoughts.

With a deep sense of direction and course of action, she unveiled an ambitious pet project christened "Concerned About Prosperity (CAP)," while inaugurating her Caretaker Committee members.

The pet project cuts across almost every sphere of the lives of the people, from education to agriculture, empowerment to health, road maintenance to land reclamation, bursary to security, among others.

Since unveiling the CAP project, she has stayed through to the cause, transversing the local government area, hearing directly from the people, through numerous channels.

As a true daughter of Okrika land, she has met with traditional rulers, where she stated her desire to partner with them to promote peace, security and development in the local government area.

At all the palaces, she was warmly received by the royal fathers and given assurances that they were ready to work with her for the development of Okrika.

With medical concerns of the people uppermost in her mind, she undertook a medical outreach to Ofiomina-Ama Alakiri and became the first council chairman to visit the community as stated by the people.

Her trip to Ofiomina-Ama Alakiri arose from cries of the people, following a pipeline explosion in the area that has affected their means of livelihood and threatening their health. Medical experts were on ground to administer drugs and other associated needs after proper diagnosis.

As a firm believer in education, she has also met with head teachers in the local government, wherein she told them of her desire to work with them and improve quality of teaching. It was the first time they had engaged a council chairman in such close quarters.

An education workshop for teachers, which will hold in early August, is targeted at offering new insight for teachers, in order to equip them for the forthcoming vacation classes for students.

With the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMET) predicting flooding in many states, Rivers inclusive, she wasted no time in ordering for the clearing of drains and blocked waterways, in addition to the filing of potholes and reclamation of land at Ederemebiri community.

Determined to ensure an all-inclusive administration, the CTC boss held a meeting with the leadership of the Community Development Committees (CDCs).

At the meeting, she unveiled her desire to be intentional in her policies and programmes, stressing that such actions will be for the benefit of Okrika people.

She stated that her administration will work in sync with Governor Siminalayi Fubara to put Rivers people first, adding that the Governor means well for the people, especially for Okrikans where projects have been awarded and appointments made.

And to tackle the perennial issue of electricity supply in the local government, she has also held meeting with the top officials of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) company to clear the path militating against improved power supply, and once the issues are resolved, Okrikans will witness better living conditions.

Of great importance to the people is the ongoing reactivation works being carried out at one of the oldest water supply plants in Nigeria. The Ogoloma water supply plant, built in the early 1920s, is now being resuscitated to provide clean and safe drinking water to the people.

Perhaps, the biggest of all, is the empowerment of 1,000 Okrikans and those doing business in the area.

According to her, the essence of being appointed into office is to ensure that the people have access to the commonwealth of the local government area, in addition to working with all to promote peace and security.

The CTC boss noted that the empowerment is to help cushion the challenging economic situation in the country, pointing out that it cuts across all the wards and every strata in the local government.

She disclosed that her committee was also looking in the direction of paying bursaries to Okrika indigenes in higher institutions.

And for the first time in the history of Okrika, she has set up an Internet hub at Awolomebiri, where Okrikans can make use of free Internet access for learning, business development, content creation to earn money, amongst others.

According to Vince Lombardi "There's only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything."

Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan is certainly giving everything in her determination to work for the people of Okrika and charting a new course for posterity.

From the media office
Caretaker Committee
Okrika LGA

17/07/2024

Okrika CTC Chairman Meets With PHED Officials

As part of efforts to ensure steady power supply, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government area, Hon Princess Ibiene Ogan, has met with the officials of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) company.

Recall that under the Concerned About Prosperity (CAP) pet project of the CTC chairman, an improved power supply occupies a premium.

At the meeting, Hon Ogan sought to know the challenges facing adequate power supply in Okrika LGA and how her administration can help provide solutions to them.

She stressed that Okrika people deserve sufficient electricity supply to enable them to promote their various business and small-scale enterprises.

The CTC boss promised to work in partnership with PHED to resolve all contending issues.

16/07/2024

Tracking Omuma CTC Boss

Today, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Omuma local government area, Hon Promise Reginald embarked on a series of activities in the local government aimed at promoting peace, progress and development.

1. He was joined by other stakeholders to inspect the Omu Akani- Eberi Road being constructed by the Rivers State Government, where the contractor gave an update on the progress thus far.

2. He visited the family of late Chief D.U. Amaefule, where he consoled with the family, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

3. He visted HRM, King Barr. Onyekachi Amaonwu, the Eze Eberi Ugo IX and Chairman, Omuma Council of Traditional Rulers, where he was honoured with a chieftaincy title.

In all the visits, he interacted with the people and charged them to continue to support Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who he says places Rivers People First in all his policies and programmes.

Hon Reginald stated that Omuma people were solidly behind Governor Fubara and would continue to pray for him to succeed.