16/05/2025
THE ADMINISTRATOR OF KHANA L.G.A. HOSTS THE RIVERS STATE SOLE ADMINISTRATOR, VICE ADMIRAL IBOK ETTE EKWE IBAS (RTD) AND THE SERVICE CHIEFS IN RIVERS STATE TO A STRATEGIC STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT.
The Administrator of khana Local Government Area, on Friday, May 16, 2025, hosted the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), who was ably represented by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, alongside other Service Chiefs, at a strategic meeting with a high-level interactive session with the Stakeholders of khana Local government Area.
The Service Commanders in Rivers State comprising the Commissioner of Police, Heads of Nigeria Army 6 Division Garrison,115 Special Operations Nigeria Airforce, Nigeria Navy Ship Pathfinder, NSCDC, and DSS were in Khana Local Government Area in furtherance of meeting with stakeholders on the directive of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju while addressing the stakeholders said in quote ; "We are here representing the Sole Administrator of the State. We are here to discuss welfare and security. We are all aware of the National Assets in the Local Government Area which includes Crude Oil and Gas. We need to ensure the critical assets are secured as well as lives and property. We need you to work as a team to ensure protection of the national assets. He wants to see what he can do within the short period he is in office. The Sole Administrator wants to know the challenges facing the Local Government in terms of health, schools, and roads".
In his welcome address, Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere, highlighted his mandates to include protection of lives and property of Khana people.
He solicited the support of the State government in areas of infrastructure, education and security.
In his remark, His Royal Majesty, King (Dr.) Suanu T.Y Baridam, said there are no schools in the L.G.A. His Majesty also listed some dilapidated schools to include; Community Secondary School, Sogho, Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, Community Secondary School, Lueku, Community Secondary School, Kaa, amongst others.
Other challenges bedevilling the Local Government Area, according to the Monarch include; absence of healthcare centres,
influx of herdsmen in our farms, little or no manpower in the Police Stations in Bori and Taabaa.
Ambassador Prince Sordum Leke, Coordinator of NYCN in Khana who spoke on behalf of the youths, noted that the key challenges of the youths is unemployment. He solicited the Sole Administrator to empower the youths through skills acquisition.
Mr. Alobari Larry from Wiiyaakara community, lamented the invasion of farmlands by the herdsmen. He appealed for government intervention.
In the same vein, His Royal Highness, Mene Frank Nule Nam, decried the savagery with which a Sogho son came with herdsmen to survey lands in the community. He said that the herders who are with arms are threatening the community.
Mrs. Rita Jumbo who spoke on behalf of women asked for empowerment for women. She said Khana women have the capacity to deliver and they need skills acquisition as well as grants for farming.
Comrade Nwinee Kayii Lucky requested for electricity and pipe borne water, stating that all the villages in Khana should enjoy electricity as a basic amenity.
Mr. Moses Pianee, on his part, said that some schools have only one principal and one staff while in some schools pupils/students are sitting on the ground due to absent of chairs and tables for learning.
Mr. Kuenee B. Shaddy, the representative of persons with disabilities, said that Physically challenged persons need rehabilitation centres for skills acquisition and a bus for transportation.
Comrade Robbison Gbenenee on his part, said they need roads in the rural areas.
Comrade Jumbo Neenaenee, the representative of NULGE, asked for the upgrade of the Council Secretariat.
Chief Kobani Bere, a retiree said, "we still suffering from insecurity as a people.” He appealed that the Taabaa Police Division should be encouraged while calling on the CP to restore Luumene Bangha Police post.
Dr. Prince Sudor Nwiyor requested for a commitment in walking the talk. He stated that the issues should be properly addressed with particular attention given to Luawii Police post which was abandoned so that the Babbe kingdom will be properly secured.
The service commanders led by the Administrator, Khana Local Government Area, Prof. B.M Nwibere visited Community Secondary School, Bori and the Primary Healthcare Centre Bori for an on the spot inspections.
May 16, 2025.
