– Security chiefs, stakeholders unite at Omoku town hall meeting to strengthen safety and progress
Omoku, Rivers State – The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has called on the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) to prioritize peace as a necessary foundation for meaningful development.
Represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, alongside a high-powered delegation of military and security chiefs, the Sole Administrator made the declaration during a town hall meeting held at Omoku, the ONELGA headquarters.
This was contained in a statement released by Hector Igbikiowubo, the Senior Special Adviser – Media to the Rivers State Government.
“Without peace, no society can achieve progress,” the Sole Administrator emphasized, assuring residents of robust engagement and inclusive collaboration to strengthen internal security across the state. He stressed that “peace is not negotiable and is everyone’s business,” urging the ONELGA Sole Administrator, Dr. Chukwuma Ajie, to sustain regular stakeholder dialogues to maintain order in the area.
CP Adepoju also appealed to youths to safeguard government facilities and identify abandoned but critical projects for revitalization under the current administration. “Protect infrastructure that benefits your communities and report projects needing attention,” he urged.
Dr. Ajie, who hosted the meeting, commended the engagement, describing it as timely for areas facing security challenges. He praised the Sole Administrator for grassroots outreach and lauded security agencies for restoring peace, declaring ONELGA “safe and open for investors.”
“We must support the government and security agencies while encouraging our youths to embrace productivity,” Dr. Ajie stated, calling for sustained cooperation among traditional rulers, vigilante groups, women, and religious leaders.
Following concerns raised by community representatives, CP Adepoju directed that unresolved issues be formally documented and forwarded to the state government for action.
The meeting concluded with an inspection of the ONELGA Secretariat, reinforcing the government’s commitment to infrastructural development.
As Rivers State pushes for stability, the message remains clear: lasting progress begins with peace.
