The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rivers State

  • Wike pledges improved security for Ogoni communities

    RIVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike has assured residents of Ogoni communities that more security assistance would be extended to them to stem the rising insecurity in the communities.

    Ogoni communities of Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas of the state have been enmeshed in incessant violent attacks by hoodlums suspected to be cultists in the last one month.

    The hoodlums appearing to be taking on the communities in twos, penultimate week, were Taaba and Okwali of Khana LGA, where nine persons were reportedly killed and several other injured, as tens of houses were either touched or razed, including the house of a second class traditional ruler in the area.

    Earlier, two communities including Khana and Gokana were attacked with some casualties recorded. Sources said the attacks were cult-related, the latest reportedly took place last Thursday and Friday. Two communities of Kono-Boue and Kereken-Boue Towns in Khana LGA, with about five persons feared dead, and several houses destroyed and burnt by fire.

    Wike visited the communities yesterday in the company of service commanders for on-the-spot assessment of the level of damage and to condole with the families whose loved ones were killed in the attacks.

    Read Also: Wike felicitates with Muslims

    He assured the people of the communities that more security officials would be deployed to help curb the attacks and restore peace and sanity to the area.

    Wike said that security agencies have been mobilised  to go after the criminal cultists operating in Ogoni communities, and assured that they would be punished for the crime they committed when apprehended, and appealed for the cooperation of members of the communities in fishing out the culprits.

    He said that the State Security Council has adopted new strategies to build the security framework in communities troubled by cultists.

    He charged parents to monitor their children. He said communities must take measures to discourage youths from becoming cultists.

    Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Mr Lahteh Loolo, explained that cultists displaced some communities in the area. He commended the Rivers State governor for his sustained response which reduced the level of casualties suffered by the communities.  He said that with the new strategies introduced by the Rivers State governor, the security challenge facing the area would be resolved.

    The traditional ruler of Kono Boue, Chief Ezekiel Manson, expressed happiness with the intervention of the Rivers State governor. He said when the cultists attacked the community, the divisional police officer and his personnel responded positively.

  • Security operatives, vigilante raid suspected cult leader’s home in Rivers

    Security operatives in Rivers state on Saturday burst the camp of cultists/ kidnappers in a community in Emohua Local Government area of Rivers state, recovering guns and human skulls.

    The operation was reportedly carried out in collaboration of a local vigilante group in the area known as Rundele /Odogu Security Peace and Advisory committee(ROSPAC).

    A source close to the area disclosed that it was in the Odohua community. The source who would not want his name printed on paper also said the security men also raided the home of a man in the community suspected to be a cult leader, and recovered two human skulls and dangerous weapons.

    The source said  “security men and members of ROSPAC, invaded DJ’s house in Odohua this morning and recovered two human skull and some weapons.

    “They later went to the camp of these cult boys and recovered ammunition and other dangerous weapons but no person was arrested.” he said.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill vigilance group leader in Rivers

    Speaking further, a member of ROSPAC also confirmed the development and said that the security men  went away with the items that were recovered.

    When contacted, the spokesman of the Army and the Police Col. Aminu Aliyasu and Nnamdi Omoni, a DSP respective could not confirm the story as at the time of filing the report. Both promised to get back to the Report to no avail.

    However, no one was said to have been arrested during  the operation.

  • Controversy trails arrest of notorious cultist Bobrisky in Rivers

    CONTROVERSY is trailing the announcement by Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, that the Nigerian Army has arrested Bobrisky, a notorious cultist in the state.

    Wike during a security meeting with leaders of Rumuolumeni Community at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yon Friday, announced the capture of Bobrisky, an alleged mastermind of dastardly killings in Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoniland.

    But a source at the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, debunked the claim, challenging the governor to parade the criminal to validate his claim.

    The governor, during the announcement said: “The army has captured Bobrisky of Gokana. I will pay the bounty that I promised to the Nigerian Army. Anyone who generates insecurity in Rivers, I am ready to pay any amount to ensure the arrest of that person.”

    Governor Wike called on community leaders to provide information to the State Security Council on criminals in their communities to frontally reduce crime in the state.

    He described Rumuolumeni as one of the flashpoints in the state where criminals had been using the waterway as a getaway point. Wike urged the community leaders to cooperate with the Rivers government to check the activities of cult groups and insecurity in the area.

    On the issue of road construction, Wike assured the people of the area that key roads in the community would be constructed by his administration.

    Read Also: We’re ready to tackle insecurity, says Wike

    He stated that at the end of this month, contractors would be mobilised to commence work on the selected roads.

    The governor said: “Key roads in the area (Rumuolumeni) have been primed for construction. I urge you to have confidence in us that we will continue to develop the area.”

    Wike reiterated the proscription of youth groups in Rivers State, stressing that any youth body that plans to operate must first be profiled by security agencies.

    Rivers Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura, said almost all communities in the state had been overrun by cultists, declaring that security agencies would not watch and allow the situation to degenerate. He hailed Wike for donating vehicles and other equipment to the security agencies to fight crimes, while assuring that security agencies would intensify the battle against crimes, to achieve results.

    A source at the 6 Division, Port Harcourt,debunked the governor’s claim, saying: ”Let me confide in you that Bobrisky has not been arrested. I do not know what Governor Nyesom Wike intends to gain by lying and misleading members of the public. Since Gov. Wike insists that Bobrisky has been arrested by his army, not the Nigerian Army, let him parade Bobrisky on Saturday (today), Sunday or Monday.

    With the lie by Governor Wike and the press statement by his media aide, Bobrisky will escape from Nigeria or he may go underground. The truth remains that Bobrisky has not been arrested.”

  • 18-seater passenger bus hijacked in Rivers

    Gunmen on Monday took 18 passengers on board a commercial bus and the driver captive along East-West road area of Emohua Lical Government Area (LGA), of Rivers state abandoning the bus.

    Eye witness account had it that the assailants suspected to be kidnappers marched the victims into a thick forest unchallenged, leaving the bus parked by the side of the road.

    Giving the first success, the kidnappers later came back to the same area to take on another passenger bus, when they ran into a community vigilante group “Rundele /Odogu security, peace and Advisory Committee (ROSPAC) from Emohua LGA who were in the area to search for the already kidnapped passengers with the aim of rescuing them, when they saw the kidnapper attempting to hijack the second bus.

    The local vigilante members moved in to foil the kidnappers plan and in the process killed three of the kidnappers, while the others escaped.

    Meanwhile the whereabouts of the kidnap occupants of the first bus is not yet to be determined.

    However, the spokesman of the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni, last night claimed that police killed the kidnappers and arrested five.

    Read Also: Police foil bus hijack in Rivers

    In a statement he signed said men of Operation sting intercepted and stalled the attempt to hijack the vehicle and successfully rescued all the passengers.

    However, photographs of those allegedly arrested was not made available to the media, even as the photograph of the bodies of the three kidnapped were provided.

    Omoni said that those being held are helping them in their investigation.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Police foil bus hijack in Rivers

    AN attempt by suspected kidnappers to hijack a passenger bus laden with travellers has been foiled in Rivers state.

    The 18-seater Port Harcourt bound Owerri vehicle was reportedly accosted at Omerelu axis of Ikwerre Local Government area of the state, and had already been diverted into the bush before combined team of police security, led by men of “Operation Sting” security outfit, burst the plan and immediately rescued the passengers and the vehicle.

    Spokesman of the state Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the foiling of the kidnap attempt on telephone, saying the driver of the vehicle sustained gunshot wound on his leg.

    Read Also: Pirates kill one, injure others in Rivers

    Meanwhile, stories making the rounds in the state had it that the kidnapper succeeded in diverting the vehicle and that both the vehicle and the passengers were yet to be traced.

    But Omoni on Saturday said, “No passenger bus was hijacked. Yes, there was an attempt to divert a passenger bus, along Elele / Omerelu axis of Ikwerre LGA, but it was foiled by men of Operation Sting, in conjunction with members of other tactical team of the command. The vehicle and all the passengers were rescued unhurt, except the driver who sustained a minor gunshot wound on the leg, the kidnap attempt did not succeed,” he maintained.

  • Wike sacks Rivers Varsity VC, deputy

    THE Vice Chancellor (VC), Rivers State University, (RSU), Professor Blessing Didia, has been sacked by the state governor, Nyesom Wike.

    The Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Education, Dagogo Adonye Hart,  disclosed this in a statement he signed and issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Saturday.

    Also sacked by Wike was the Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Administration), Professor Magnus Oruwari.

    Although the reason for the sack was not stated, it may not be unconnected with an ongoing employment exercise in the school.

    The statement said that the sack takes immediate effect and that the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Opuenebo B. Owei, has been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university.

    The duo have been ordered to hand over all school property in their care to the Acting VC, as a committee has been set up to investigate an ongoing recruitment exercise in the school.

    Read Also: Tribunal upholds Wike’s re-election

    Copy of the statement obtained by The Nation, reads,  “Rivers State Governor and Visitor of the Rivers  State University, Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike, has relieved the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Blessing  Chimezie Didia, of his appointment  with immediate effect.

    “Also relieved of his appointment is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Magnus Oruwari.”

    Furthermore it said, “Accordingly, Governor Wike has approved the appointment of Professor Opuenebo B. Owei,  Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University.

    “The statement added that Governor Wike has suspended the ongoing employment exercise at the university.

    “Furthermore, a committee has been set up to investigate the employment exercise and report to the Rivers State Governor in two weeks.”

  • Appeal Court dismisses appeal to quash judgment on Saro-Wiwa, others

    THE Appeal Court Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has struck out an appeal by leader of “Conscience of Ogoni People”, Gani Topba, against the judgment of the Ogoni Civil Disturbances Tribunal of 1995.

    The appeal was struck out for lack of merit.

    The tribunal tagged the late environmental activist, Ken-Saro Wiwa, and 11 others, criminals, found them guilty and sentenced them to death.

    Topba approached a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt seeking clearance of the 12 Ogoni heroes from the negative image placed on them by the judgment, and for the court to declare them innocent.

    Justice Lima Abdulahi, in a 2017 judgment, struck out the suit, thereby upholding the tribunal’s ruling. He held that the suit was an academic exercise.

    Abdulahi said the appellant did not state what he suffered following the judgment; neither did he claim damages over the death of the victims, following the decision of the panellists.

    According to him, the decree which established the Special Tribunal on Civil Disturbances, including that of Ogoni, did not make provision for appeal. He added that those sentenced to death or long term imprisonment had no opportunity to appeal the judgment based on the decree binding the tribunal.

    Justice Cordelia Jombo-Ofo on Thursday also upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, affirming that the “appellant was merely exercising his academic prowess”. In striking out the appeal, Justice Jombo-Ofo said the appellant lacks the needed Locus Standi to initiate the appeal. She therefore dismissed the appeal.

    Read Also: Appeal Court cancels vacation for election petitions cases

    She said: “It is not the function or duty of the court to engage in academic exercise or speculation, the court was established to determine live issues.”

    However, Topba said it is not yet over. He insisted that the Appeal Court was bias and he will proceed to the Supreme Court.

    He said: “We are heading to the Supreme Court. It is sad that the right of the minority could be denied, even at this level. I had an incline that today’s judgment would look like this and I am not surprised. I have hope in the Supreme Court to do justice to this matter because Ken Saro-Wiwa was killed wrongly and that must be established, corrected, because if it is not, it will happen again.”

  • How twin brothers touched lives in Rivers community

    No fewer than 200 people who are indigenous to Wakrike Kingdom of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State have benefited from skill acquisition programme organised by Mike and George Etomi for the people of the community.

    The twin brothers, who are natives of Edo State, however, share relationship with the people of Okrika, their late mother being a member of the community.

    Although they are Edo State-born, they were raised in Wakrike community, where they grew up and attended both primary and secondary school before they left for the overseas for further studies.

    The duo pride themselves as Okrikans, “We are from there, we speak their language, know and enjoy all their food, even participate in their cultural dances.” George said.

    Mike, a Medical Doctor and George a Lawyer, jointly set up M & G Etomi Foundation, basically to respond to devastations of oil explorations in the land and the consequent agitation.

    At the 10th graduation, starter packs/certification presentation ceremony held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital recently, George, who represented his brother at the event revealed that no fewer than 200 people of Okrika have been empowered by the Foundation.

    “We grew up and went to school in Okrika before we left for further studies abroad.

    “Then Okrika was a nice place to live; it was friendly and a place of delight because of the natural endowments, the flora and fauna, the mangroves, the fine rivers and their fishes that were the source of income and livelihood for the people, the natural beauty of the land among others.

    “However, when we came back to Okrika in early 2000, we met a completely different Okrika, we saw despair, we saw hopelessness and hardship. Okrika was practically lifeless.

    “When we inquired of what wreaked our Okrika to such point, we discovered that, in-between the years, oil was discovered, exploration began and everything that was dear to us was destroyed.

    “That was the sorry state and story of Okrika we met,” he said.

    He noted that the skill acquisition programme was the way they responded to ameliorate their difficulties.

    “Our response is that we must give back to the place of our birth. So, we set up the foundation to assist people come out of the woods.”

    “Through the Foundation, we’ve been able to identify those who have been to school. Even  those who did not complete school can benefit from the skill acquisition scheme.

    “The stories we have been receiving in the last 10 years we have been giving starter packs have been phenomenal. Many of those who had no hope are now master bakers, some have established fashion making shops and are now employers of labour, while others have picked up jobs based on their trainings.

    “This gives us personal satisfaction, whenever we come down here to assess what they are doing. We are monitoring what they are doing and it gives us relief and satisfaction,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to give their best to whatever skill they have received, develop and grow it to enviable height where they will, in turn, touch other lives in the future.

    “If one person assists somebody and the other person helps the other, before you know it everybody will be meaningfully engaged. In a short time unity and love is restored. There will be growth soon and gradually we will regain our glory,” he said.

    George revealed the plan to expand the scheme to incorporate other parts of the Niger Delta region, beginning from the next batch.

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to Niger Delta Report at the event thanked their benefactors, even as they promised to make the best use of the opportunities provided for them.

    Mr. Abiye Dick Abroka, who holds a Diploma certificate in Mechanical Engineering was trained in Health, Safety and Environment, (HSE 1, 2, and 3), said lack of knowledge, training in this area has been the reason he has no job but expressed the hope for a change in the positive direction, giving his new certificate.

    “I have the National Diploma Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, but I have not been able to get a job because most of the companies that indicated interest to hire are looking for HSE personnel which I did not have. ,” he said.

    In the same manner, George Damiebi Frank, a graduate of Petroleum Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), who studied catering and hotel management in the training, described the decision to delve into cooking profession instead HSE as the best step he has taken in all his life.

    “There is no doubt that women are always regarded as those who are supposed to cook in the kitchen; but I dared to join the number of male folks that have joined in the kitchen business.

    “And today, I make bold to say I am satisfied. I do not need any other job, not even a job at the biggest oil industry can satisfy me now. I may not start big now, but will certainly grow very big and become an entrepreneur in catering and hotel business. I am so excited and proud to say I will soon become a popular chef in town,” he said.

    The beneficiaries, who were trained in catering, were provided with standing gas/electric cooker, and some baking equipment an well as certificate to show they are certified professional chefs, while the HSE graduates were given certificates to confirm they are qualified HSE personnel.

  • Foundation tackles suicide among youths

    An organisation, John Bosco Onunkwo Foundation has intervened in the rising cases of suicide among youths, appealing to them to refrain from taking their own lives. The organisation renowned for its humanitarian services across the country, organised a symposium for youths in Anambra State where they were made to understand that at the end of every dark tunnel, there is a silver lining. The programme, which was tagged the “New conversation” and organised  in collaboration with the state chapter of Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria, gave the platform to seasoned resource persons to educate youths on how to rediscover themselves and depend less on government to realise their dreams and aspirations.

    The theme of the symposium which was “Redeeming Our Youths To Rediscover Their Roots: A Capacity Building Interactive cum Initiative Forum “was an intervention to end the menace of suicidal, as it sought to address erratic thoughts and actions amongst youths which could lead them into committing suicide.

    Founder of JohnBosco Onunkwo Foundation and convener of the symposium, Chief JohnBosco Onunkwo, an accomplished Anambra-born oil and gas magnate based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, took time to explain to the youths that there was no reason youth should commit suicide when he or she can persevere to become a force to reckoned with as well as a reference point in history.

    Onunkwo, who spoke to the youngsters at Omar Event Centre Awka, told the story of how he rose from grass to glory as a youth who had to fend for himself most of the time. He emphasized that no guts, no glory; that there was need for youths to rediscover themselves and diversify into other spheres where they have comparative advantage.

    He said, “We have to tell the people that government cannot do everything. Time has come when the people should call themselves to a meeting and begin to think about what they can do within themselves and be able to stand. I believe in capacity building and I believe in the diversification agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari where he said that people should not only think of one source but should think about diversification. Diversification is a survival strategy.”

    He noted that youths should tap into their talents to get greener pastures. The business mogul equally stated that people perish for lack of knowledge and that the seminar has produced positive response, which will go long way to reduce suicide and other social vices. He pointed out that the symposium exposed youths to the dangers of suicide and why the idea of suicide should not be conceived in the first instance. That the whole essence of the interactive forum was for people to have hope in themselves as well as believe in themselves. He said it was the second edition of the New Conversation series where people were told to be less dependent on governments, politicians and others for their daily bread even as he noted that he has been in philanthropic services for more than fifteen years uplifting humanity. He however revealed that subsequent editions of the New Conversation series would be held before long, stressing that he would use the platform of the interactions with the youths to further encourage them to be innovative, inventive and resourceful to be able to attain economic independence while his foundation would provide the needed backing to those who discovered as well as explored other areas of comparative advantage to stand out amongst the crowd while making efforts also through John Bosco Onunkwo Foundation to disabuse as well as dissuade young people from attempting suicide or other vices detrimental to their dreams and aspirations and capable of putting them in perpetual jeopardy.

  • Widow Nwankwo: Beneficiary of philanthropist’s large heart

    He takes delight in making others happy. He also enjoys solving people’s problems. Right from when he was a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Okechukwu Anyanwu has made reaching out to people across generations one of his cardinal points. Southsouth Bureau Chief BISI OLANIYI reports that for many years, he has empowered the youth so that they could become self-reliant and that the NDDC chief’s aide most striking gestures were scholarships to some youths and a house he built for a blind widow in Etche.

    The great German Kent once said: “If you are in a position where you can reach people, then use your platform to stand up for a cause.”

    This is a true reflection of Hon. Charles Okechukwu Anyanwu who has been positively touching lives of many people in more ways than one. He is a man who has a sense of compassion, empathy, a sense of responsibility and keen in advancement of humanity.

    All his life, the Etche-born lawmaker, administrator, politician, businessman, leader, mentor and organiser has made reaching out to people across generations one of his cardinal points.

    For emphasis, Charlie, as he is popularly known among his friends and family members, is not the richest, neither is he the best, but he has been able to make sacrifices from the little he has, to make life better for other people.

    Recently, he gave cars, houses, financial grants and scholarships to youths across the nine states of the Niger Delta region, a gesture which was aimed at making life better for the beneficiaries.

    It is on record that long before holding any public office, he had sunk boreholes in various communities in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State to mitigate the problem of water scarcity at the grassroots. This singular effort endeared him to the people, who commended him for his philanthropy.

    The Banking and Finance graduate of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University), Port Harcourt, is seen as one of the shining lights of his generation, particularly in the way and manner he has used all the offices he has held to impact on lives.

    Anyanwu began his political career when he was elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly to represent Etche Constituency 2. While in the House of Assembly, he remained one of the progressive members, giving insights and contributions to various bills, motions and debates on the floor of the House.

    Despite being a first-time member of the House of Assembly, he was quite influential and earned the respect of his colleagues, who saw him as a bridge builder and hardworking lawmaker in the House, then led by Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who later became Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation.

    Besides being an active member of the House of Assembly, Anyanwu also made contributions to the educational development of his constituents, through constituency projects.

    Nelson Mandela had noted that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

    Anyanwu influenced the construction of six-classroom blocks each for primary and secondary schools at Ulakwo, in addition to two town halls in the same community. It was the first time a member of the Assembly was doing that in the area.

    Not done with that, he also influenced the building of another six-classroom block in a primary school at Odufor, just as it was done at a secondary school in Egwi.

    The former member of the House of Assembly did not stop at that, he embarked on numerous empowerment programmes, including scholarships, financial grants, donation of cars and motorcycles.

    Till date, no other member of the House of Assembly from Etche has been able to match his record of achievements and direct impact on the people, 12 years after leaving office as a legislator.

    In view of his commitment to the administration of the then Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Anyanwu was twice appointed as the Caretaker Chairman of Etche Local Government Council, first from June to September, 2014 and later between February and May, 2015.

    One of the immediate challenges he experienced while in office was the deplorable state of Chokocho Road.

    Worried about the discomforting state of the road and the sufferings of the people, he hit the ground running. He was able to ensure smooth passage of people and farm products from the rural areas by reconstructing Chokocho Road.

    On the insecurity that he met on the ground, it is to his credit that he tackled it head on. He was able to get all the people involved to a roundtable and they accepted the amnesty offer. This singular effort brought about peace in Etche, which is still being enjoyed till today.

    Anyanwu also continued with his human capital development through scholarships, financial grants and donation of vehicles to some of those who are indigenous to the local government.

    In the light of this, Jillian Lauren said: “I know something about performing. I know that when it seems like the avalanche is about to roll over you, you face into it and keep both arms swimming as hard as you can. You smile and you sell it.”

    This perfectly fits Charlie, as the reward for good performance is more work to be done. In November 2016, he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Youth and Sports to the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He was reappointed in January this year, under the Prof. Nelson Brambaifa-led NDDC’s management.

    This latest portfolio provided another platform for Anyanwu to touch even more lives, as he has always loved to give opportunities to the youth to excel in all spheres of life as leaders of tomorrow.

    Since his appointment, the former legislator has taken compassion, empowerment and philanthropy to a new level, thus earning the sobriquet: “Mr. Touch Life.” His efforts have not only been touching lives, they have influenced generations.

    Touched by the plight of a blind wdow, Mrs. Regina Nwankwo of Etche, Mr. “Touch Life” built a house for her, just as he has done for other less-privileged people in the society. He has not stopped at that, he has also embarked on sustainable means of livelihood for many youths through the donation of over 20 cars to be used for earning income through hire services.

    To prove that his actions are not cosmetic, Mr. Anyanwu has set up Hon. Charles Anyanwu Foundation, which has already begun work.

    At present, two students from each of the wards in Rivers State, beginning from Etche and Omuma local government areas benefit from his scholarships.

    This is in addition to the empowerment of three widows per local government area in Rivers State, while the management of the Foundation is still working out other schemes.

    Not done with his reach out and touching of lives, Anyanwu has graciously assisted no fewer than 50 lawyers to attend the forthcoming National Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    To ensure that youths in the Niger Delta find meaning, purpose and pursuit of their God-given talents in sports, his office, last year, organised the “Catch Them Young Football Competition” among the nine states that make up the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers, where each of the state winners travelled abroad for exposure and competition. Season two is in the pipeline and it promises to be illuminating.

    Fredrick Lenz had noted that “selfless giving does not imply superiority. Selfless giving is about love.” Nothing can be farther from the truth, regarding Hon. Anyanwu, who, out of the little God has given him, is reaching out to people.

    His good deeds have not gone without history keeping records. He is a recipient of many honours, including Certificate of Credence by Progressive Fellowship of Nigeria, Pre-Eminence and Excellence Award by the National Union of Etche Students (NUES), Merit Award by Rivers APC Students’ League, Most-Friendly Public Officer by Port Harcourt Comedy Club and Special Son of Honour Award on 2019 Mothering Sunday Thanksgiving by Mothers, among others.

    Many people have stated that if all office holders (either elected or appointed) can emulate Anyanwu, there will be less worries in the crude oil and gas-rich Niger Delta and indeed, across the federation.

    In the words of Debi Mazar: “A hero is somebody who is selfless, who is generous in spirit. Who just tries to give back as much as possible and helps people. A hero, to me, is someone who saves people and who really deeply cares.”