The Paramount King of Akpor Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Levi Ozonwhonwu Oriebe, has asked citizens to clear clogged drains and stop dumping of garbage in drainages to avoid flooding during the rainy season.
In an address to the citizenry recently, the king stressed that improper waste management and clogged drainages continue to be the major causes of floods in the kingdom, regardless of efforts by the government to develop infrastructure.
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He appealed to all citizens to ensure cleanliness around their environment.
“I would like to encourage the people of Akpor kingdom – sons, daughters and all residents – to consider drainage clearance a collective responsibility because the practice of throwing rubbish in the gutters causes flooding,” he added.
King Oriebe appreciated the efforts of the government towards improving the roads and drainage in the area, although he emphasized that there will be no use for such investments as long as residents block the water channels with their garbage.
In addition, King Oriebe made an appeal to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to expedite the construction of Port Harcourt Ring Road project and other road works currently being implemented in Akpor Kingdom.
Also, King Oriebe congratulated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on the appointment of Professor Princewill Chike as Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, calling it a milestone for the Ikwerre nationalities.
He went further to advise the newly appointed vice chancellor to accord more employment opportunities to indigenes of Akpor Kingdom, arguing that previous management had ignored host community members during recruitment.
According to the king, this will help enhance the bond between the university and the host community
