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NDDC Empowers Niger Delta Youths In Advanced Fashion Design To Stimulate Growth

The Atlantic Bell
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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has empowered 30 youths with advanced fashion and garment design skills to promote entrepreneurship, tackle unemployment and stimulate economic growth in the Niger Delta region.

The beneficiaries were selected from 100 youths who participated in the commission’s fashion design training programme in 2025, based on their competence and passion for the industry.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the initiative was part of the commission’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and economic self-reliance.

Ogbuku said the training had equipped the beneficiaries with advanced skills and provided them with opportunities to build successful careers in the fashion industry.

He urged them to put their newly acquired knowledge to productive use, stressing that public funds had been invested in developing their capacity to become self-reliant entrepreneurs.

The NDDC chief executive challenged the graduates to establish their own businesses, create employment opportunities and transfer their skills to others, thereby extending the benefits of the programme to more people across the region.

He also encouraged them to seek mentorship and professional guidance from their training consultant, Mr Greg Daniel, whom he described as a passionate fashion entrepreneur.

Ogbuku disclosed that the commission planned to extend its youth empowerment initiatives to artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology-related skills, noting that technological advancement offered significant opportunities to address unemployment and prepare young people for the future.

He urged the beneficiaries to think beyond their immediate environment and develop the confidence to compete in the wider fashion industry.

“Don’t be limited by your mind or where you come from. The people you see making progress today started somewhere. The dreams they nurtured have brought them this far. Do not be limited by your environment; believe that you can own a house through your fashion business,” he said.

In his address, the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, described the programme as an investment in human potential, economic independence and regional prosperity.

Antai said the initiative was designed to nurture entrepreneurs rather than job seekers, adding that the advanced training would create employment opportunities and strengthen the fashion industry in the Niger Delta.

He urged the graduates to embrace discipline, creativity, professionalism and integrity, while prioritising customer satisfaction, commitment and sound financial management in building sustainable businesses.

Similarly, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, said the programme was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to become productive and economically independent.

He urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities provided by the commission and translate their training into viable businesses capable of supporting their livelihoods.

The Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, encouraged the graduates to develop distinctive fashion brands that could compete favourably in the industry.

Okara also urged them to expand their businesses beyond the Niger Delta and take advantage of opportunities in the wider Nigerian and international markets.

The training consultant, Daniel, commended the NDDC for investing in youth development and sustainable economic growth, noting that the beneficiaries had received training in advanced garment production and entrepreneurial development.

He expressed optimism that the skills acquired would enable the graduates to establish businesses and contribute to the growth of the fashion industry.

Fubara Commissions Corps Members’ Lodge In Nkoro, Backs Grassroots Development

The Atlantic Bell
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Chief of Staff Government House, Mr Sunny Ewule addressing the gathering during the commissioning ceremony on Thursday.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, urging local government councils to prioritise projects that directly improve the welfare of residents.

Fubara gave the assurance on Thursday in Nkoro Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, during the commissioning of the newly constructed Sir Siminalayi Fubara Corps Members’ Lodge.

The facility was built by the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council to provide accommodation for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the area.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule, the governor said the project aligned with his administration’s commitment to ensuring that development was felt across the state’s 23 local government areas, rather than being concentrated in Port Harcourt.

“Today, we are not just commissioning a building; we are commissioning hope, hospitality and responsible leadership,” he said.

Fubara noted that corps members leave the comfort of their homes to serve in communities across the country, contributing to education, healthcare and other areas of development.

He said providing them with decent and secure accommodation was the least government could do to appreciate their contributions to society.
“The least we can do is give them a decent, safe and befitting place to lay their heads,” the governor said, commending James for aligning with his administration’s vision of people-oriented development.

He urged corps members serving in the area to make proper use of the facilities, respect the culture and traditions of their host community, and remain committed to their national service.
According to him, the lodge will improve the security and welfare of corps members, boost their morale and make Opobo/Nkoro more attractive for NYSC postings.

Fubara described the project as a strategic investment in human capital development, security and peacebuilding.

In his goodwill message, the Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Moses Oleghe, identified accommodation as one of the major challenges confronting corps members, estimating that it accounted for 85 per cent of their difficulties.

Oleghe commended the governor for increasing the state’s monthly allowances for corps members to N35,000 for those serving in 21 rural local government areas and N20,000 for those posted to Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City local government areas.

He described the allowance increase as a morale booster, noting that improved welfare and adequate accommodation would enhance corps members’ experience and enable them to discharge their duties more effectively.

EHS PH Alumni Mourns Oburu’s Mother, Prays for Family As Funeral Programme Is Released

The Atlantic Bell
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The Enitonna High School, Port Harcourt (EHS PH) Alumni Association has expressed condolences to its member, Great Eniton Sampson Oburu, over the death of his mother, Princess Dora Gold Oburu, who died at the age of 81.

In a condolence message issued on behalf of the National Executive and the entire alumni family, the National President, Sir Godfrey N. Ohuabunwa, Esq., described the loss as painful and prayed to God to grant the bereaved family the strength to overcome the difficult period.

The association said it joined the family in mourning the late matriarch, while celebrating her life with gratitude to God and praying for divine comfort for her loved ones.

It also prayed that the Almighty God would surround the Oburu family with His love, strengthen their hearts and grant them peace, adding that cherished memories of the deceased would remain a source of comfort, unity and inspiration to generations of the family.

The association further prayed for the peaceful repose of Princess Oburu’s soul, asking God to grant her eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Meanwhile, the family has announced burial arrangements for the deceased, popularly known as Oyibo.

According to the announcement by Hon. Sam Atasia Oburu and his family, the Service of Songs and Celebration of Life will hold on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while the interment and reception are scheduled for Friday, November 6, in Omoku.

The Service of Songs will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Rezo Place Event Centre, Okuru Ama Road, off Peter Odili Road, beside Sukubo Close, Abuloma, Port Harcourt.

The interment and reception will follow on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Pavilion, ONELGA Secretariat, Omoku, Rivers State.
The death of Princess Oburu has attracted condolences from family members, friends, associates and well-wishers, who have continued to identify with the bereaved family.

The College of Administrators and Members of The Renewed Hope; The Way Forward also expressed sadness over the loss, extending condolences to Hon. Sam Atasia Oburu and the entire Oburu family.

The group noted that although the loss of a mother was deeply painful, the memories of her love, care and contributions to the family would remain a source of comfort and strength to her loved ones.

It prayed to God to comfort the family, grant them the fortitude to bear the loss and give the deceased peaceful repose.

For further information about the burial arrangements, the family provided the following contact numbers: 08033061346 and 07038936646.

NASS Backs Bill To Establish Federal Medical Centre in Bonny

The Atlantic Bell
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The House of Representatives has concurred with a Senate bill seeking to establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, paving the way for the proposed healthcare facility to proceed through the remaining legislative and constitutional processes.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who represents Rivers West Senatorial District, is titled Federal Medical Centre, Bonny, Rivers State and for Related Matters (SB 659). It seeks to amend relevant provisions of the Federal Medical Centres Act to provide a legal framework for the establishment of the institution.

The concurrence by the House marks a significant legislative step towards improving access to specialised healthcare services for residents of Bonny and neighbouring communities.

The proposed medical centre is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery in the area, reduce pressure on existing medical facilities and improve access to timely treatment, particularly for patients requiring emergency and specialist care.

Its establishment is also expected to reduce the difficulties and additional costs associated with travelling outside the area to access advanced medical services.

Beyond patient care, the facility could provide opportunities for medical training, professional development and capacity building for healthcare workers, while strengthening the overall healthcare system in Rivers State.

Following the concurrence, the bill is expected to proceed through the remaining legislative and constitutional requirements, including presentation to the President for assent, before it can become law.

Banigo’s sponsorship of the bill reflects efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure and promote equitable access to quality medical services in Rivers State.
When established, the Federal Medical Centre, Bonny, is expected to bring specialist healthcare services closer to residents of the island community and surrounding areas, potentially reducing delays in treatment and improving patient outcomes.

The proposed facility would also add to the state’s healthcare infrastructure at a time when access to affordable and specialised medical services remains a major concern for many communities.

Tinubu Defends $20.5bn Borrowing Plan, Says It Is For Future Generations

The Atlantic Bell
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President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s proposed $20.5 billion fresh borrowing, arguing that the funds would address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit and create better opportunities for future generations amid growing economic hardship among Nigerians.

Tinubu said the proposed borrowing under the Federal Government’s 2026–2027 borrowing programme would finance critical sectors of the economy, including power, transportation, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, employment generation and poverty reduction.

The President’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

He said the country’s infrastructure deficit and the enormous financial resources required to address it had made additional external borrowing necessary.

“In light of the need for significant infrastructure investment in the country and the vast financial resources needed to address this gap, it has become essential to pursue broader external borrowings to close the financing shortfall. This is for our children’s future,” Tinubu said.

The President maintained that the projects and programmes covered by the borrowing plan had been selected following technical and economic assessments to determine their potential contributions to national development.

According to him, the investments are expected to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, promote skills acquisition, encourage entrepreneurship, reduce poverty and strengthen food security.

“These initiatives aim to generate employment, promote skills acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty and enhance food security, all of which improve the livelihood of the Nigerian child,” he said.

Tinubu also disclosed that most of the projects would be implemented across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He said the nationwide distribution of the projects was intended to address development challenges across different regions of the country.

The proposed borrowing comes amid concerns over Nigeria’s rising public debt and the economic pressures facing households, including the high cost of living.

While defending the plan as an investment in the country’s future, the President maintained that the funds would support infrastructure development and programmes designed to improve citizens’ living conditions.

FG Approves King Amachree Airport In Rivers, Sets Conditions For Construction

The Atlantic Bell
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The Federal Government has approved the development and construction of the proposed King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, subject to compliance with regulatory, environmental and engineering requirements.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated October 26, 2026, with reference number FMA/ADD/402/S.101/C.1/1/88, addressed to the Executive Director of Royal Fouche Services Limited, Prince Tonye Princewill.

The letter, signed by the Director of the Aerodrome Development Department on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, outlined conditions the project proponents must fulfil before proceeding with the proposed airport development.

Among the requirements is the preparation and submission of a comprehensive airport master plan detailing the proposed facilities, construction phases and associated infrastructure.

The proponents are also required to comply with all applicable regulations of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), alongside relevant environmental laws and standards.

These include conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other necessary environmental studies, as well as paying all applicable statutory fees.
The government further stipulated that the project developers must submit a detailed topographical and obstacle survey referenced to the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84).

A comprehensive geotechnical investigation is also required to establish the site’s subsurface conditions, soil-bearing capacity, groundwater characteristics and suitability for the proposed airport infrastructure.

In addition, the proponents must undertake detailed hydrological, hydraulic and drainage studies to evaluate potential flooding, tidal influences, seasonal water movements and stormwater management challenges at the proposed site.

The letter specifically addressed the canal traversing the proposed airport location, directing the developers to submit an engineering assessment to determine the most appropriate solution.

The assessment is expected to establish whether the canal should be diverted or realigned, or whether a suitable bridge or other crossing structure should be constructed to accommodate the proposed development.

The Federal Government also made the provision of reliable, all-weather road access to the airport a condition for the project. Such access, it said, would be necessary to facilitate construction, airport operations, emergency response and passenger movement.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its relevant agencies are to be involved throughout all stages of the airport’s development.

Their involvement is intended to provide technical oversight and ensure compliance with the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) and other applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

The approval marks a significant step towards the proposed establishment of the King Amachree Airport in Degema, although the project remains subject to the fulfilment of the conditions specified by the Federal Government.

Court Orders Uzodinma To Quit Imo West Senate Race, Declares Okorocha APC Primary Winner

The Atlantic Bell
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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to immediately stop parading himself as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday after ruling that Uzodinma did not win the APC senatorial primary election conducted on May 18 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Delivering judgment, Justice Egwuatu held that evidence presented before the court established that former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, secured the majority of votes cast during the primary election.

The judge consequently held that Okorocha should be declared the winner of the exercise, in a ruling that deals a major blow to Uzodinma’s senatorial ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision places Okorocha in a stronger position in the contest for the APC ticket for Imo West, subject to the terms and legal effect of the court’s orders.

Eno’s ₦200,000 Bursary Plan Sparks Hope Among Students, To Ease Parents’ Burden

The Atlantic Bell
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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has proposed a fourfold increase in the annual bursary for students in public tertiary institutions, a move expected to bring relief to parents struggling with the rising cost of education and renewed hope to students facing mounting financial pressures.

Under the proposed arrangement, the annual bursary would rise from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, while students studying Medicine, Law and Engineering would receive ₦250,000.

Eno announced the plan on Wednesday during a fireside chat on the second day of the Ibom Ignite 2026 Conference at Ibom Hall, Uyo, explaining that the increase would take effect if he wins the February 2027 governorship election and is sworn in for a second term.

The proposal is likely to be welcomed by students and their parents, many of whom contend with the financial demands of tuition, accommodation, transportation, textbooks and other academic expenses.

For families already stretched by the rising cost of living, the proposed increase could provide a significant cushion, while giving students greater financial support to concentrate on their studies.

The governor said the initiative was designed to make it easier for students to meet their educational expenses.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining free and compulsory education at the primary and secondary school levels.

Beyond the bursary proposal, Eno urged beneficiaries of the ₦50 million Ibom Ignite business grant to deploy the funds judiciously to expand their businesses, create economic opportunities and improve their livelihoods.

He described the grant as seed capital for business development, warning recipients against diverting the money to personal pleasures or unproductive ventures.

“A seed not properly planted and tended was as good as dead,” he said, encouraging the young entrepreneurs to invest wisely and remain focused on their business objectives.

On social welfare, Eno disclosed that his administration had built more than 500 Compassionate Homes for less privileged residents across the state’s 31 local government areas. Each beneficiary, he said, had also received a ₦500,000 business grant to support their livelihood.

He pledged to construct an additional 1,000 Compassionate Homes and provide the accompanying business grants across the state’s wards if re-elected for a second term.

The governor also highlighted youth empowerment initiatives at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED), and newly completed youth development centres across the state.

Earlier, the conference guest speaker and Chief Executive Officer of Strategy House Limited, Dr Maxwell Ubah, challenged young people to embrace a mindset that promotes economic growth, innovation and social relevance.

Speaking on the theme, “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Future,” Ubah said wealth creation begins with the mind, citing Singapore and Dubai as examples of how sound economic policies and transformative leadership could overcome geographical limitations.

He urged young people to view problems as opportunities for enterprise, identifying potential, problems, passion and possibilities as key ingredients for success.

Other speakers included the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hensek Integrated Services Limited, Engr Uwem Stephen Okoko; Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey; the Governor’s Delivery Adviser on Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh; the Sole Administrator of Ibom Paint and Programme Director at Ibom-LED, Ime Uwah; and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Start Innovation Hub, Hanson Johnson.

Spain Train Collision: Death Toll Rises To 64, Over 100 Injured As Death Toll Expected To Rise

The Atlantic Bell
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…15 in critical condition as emergency workers search for survivors

At least 64 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in a high-speed train collision south of Madrid, Spain, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise further as rescue workers continue searching for survivors.

The accident, one of Europe’s deadliest rail disasters in recent years, occurred on Wednesday in the central region of Castilla-La Mancha, where two trains operated by state-owned Renfe and private railway company Iryo collided.

The regional leader, Emiliano García-Page, disclosed the rising casualty figure while speaking to reporters at the scene, raising the previous death toll of 31.
“We are speaking of approximately 64 (dead), but this is probably going to grow even more,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the Castilla-La Mancha regional government told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that more than 100 people had been injured in the crash. Of those taken to hospital, 15 were in critical condition.
Rescue operations continued amid fears that more victims could be found as emergency services combed through the wreckage.

AFP reporters at the scene described a devastating picture, with one train embedded in another and several carriages lying on their sides at the bottom of an embankment.

Dozens of emergency vehicles moved between the crash site and nearby facilities, while helicopters hovered overhead as rescue teams searched for survivors.

The scale of the destruction was evident in the twisted metal debris scattered around the site, while vehicles from a funeral parlour were also seen arriving.
Renfe confirmed that the main high-speed railway line connecting Madrid with southern Spain had been suspended following the collision involving one of its services and an Iryo train.

Iryo said its train was carrying 147 passengers and five staff members, including the driver, when it was struck from behind by the Renfe service.
A resident of the nearby village of Urda, Manuel Ortiz, 49, told AFP that he had spent the morning transporting survivors in his car.

According to Ortiz, passengers aboard the Iryo train told him their train had been stationary when the collision occurred.

He described the scene as “horrific, horrible”, recalling the smell of metal and the devastation caused by the impact.

The cause of the collision remained unknown as investigators examined the scene. AFP reporters observed five people wearing white overalls inspecting the tracks and taking photographs.

The crash has renewed concerns about railway safety in Spain, following another deadly collision involving two high-speed trains near the southern village of Adamuz in January, which killed 46 people.

That disaster was Spain’s deadliest train accident since 2013, when 80 people died after a train derailed on a curved section of track outside Santiago de Compostela in the country’s northwest.

Both fatal incidents this year occurred along the railway corridor linking Madrid with southern Spain, intensifying scrutiny of safety standards on one of the country’s busiest routes.

Spain has invested heavily in its high-speed rail network, which has expanded to become the world’s second-largest after China’s. The network is widely regarded as a major achievement in the country’s transport infrastructure.

The latest collision occurred on a straight stretch of track under sunny, dry conditions, raising further questions about what might have caused the disaster.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed shock over the incident and conveyed his condolences to the victims and their families. His office said he was travelling to the scene of the crash.

In a message posted on X, Sánchez said he was “shocked” by the accident and offered his “love, solidarity and support to all the victims and their families”.

The Spanish royal household also expressed concern, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe mourned with the victims following the devastating news. An EU spokeswoman said the bloc was ready to assist Spain if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Spanish football federation postponed 24 matches in the opening round of the Copa del Rey as a mark of respect and solidarity with the victims.

The collision occurred about a month before Sánchez, whose government has faced criticism following the earlier rail disaster, is due to contest an early general election scheduled for November 29.

The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the latest crash as emergency teams continue their search and authorities prepare for the possibility of further casualties.

Fubara Charges Rivers Monarchs To Remain Neutral Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Atlantic Bell
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…Says traditional rulers must remain fathers to all, custodians of culture

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (fourth from right)in a group photograph with members of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at their Quarterly Meeting held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged traditional rulers in the state to maintain political neutrality, promote fairness and preserve peace in their respective domains as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open the 126th, 127th and 128th combined quarterly meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt.

The governor cautioned the royal fathers against actions capable of creating divisions, escalating political tensions and triggering crises that could undermine the peace and stability of the state.

He stressed that traditional rulers, as custodians of culture and tradition, must remain fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliations, personal interests or differences among members of their communities.

“As we are entering into this political season actively, everyone should ensure that your conduct promotes peace in your place. Your actions should not be what would lead to division and multiple crises that we cannot manage as a government,” he said.

Fubara urged the traditional rulers to uphold the oaths they swore to and abide by the provisions governing their respective stools, stressing that their commitment to justice and fairness was essential to the stability and development of Rivers State.

He also called on them to set aside personal sentiments and place the collective interest of the state above individual considerations.

“I want to enjoin everyone to keep aside issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supersedes whatever we have in our minds,” the governor said.

A cross section of royal fathers at the Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He added that prioritising the state’s interest was not merely a public declaration but a principle that had guided his day-to-day administration.

On the welfare of traditional rulers, Fubara explained that delays in addressing some of their previous requests were attributable to the council’s inability to resolve certain internal issues rather than a lack of commitment by the state government.

He also clarified that monthly stipends paid to traditional rulers by local government councils were statutory provisions and not benefits a governor could alter through verbal pronouncements.

The governor, however, assured the royal fathers that he remained committed to fulfilling his promises to them before leaving office next year.

Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s respect for the traditional institution, describing royal fathers as custodians of the state’s cultural heritage and an important link between the government and the grassroots.

He thanked them for their prayers and support, urging participants to use the combined quarterly meeting to deliberate on issues that would strengthen peace, unity and development across the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, expressed appreciation to the state government for sustaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution.
Wodo highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in conflict resolution, noting that their proximity to the people positioned them to mediate disputes involving chieftaincy matters, family disagreements and land ownership.

He, however, drew the government’s attention to challenges confronting the institution, particularly the lack of official utility vehicles and adequate logistical support to enable traditional rulers to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

The council chairman also appealed for improved monthly stipends and better welfare packages to reflect prevailing economic realities.

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