Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has appealed to the residents of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) to make peace a priority for the sustainable development of the region. Ibas called during a recent town hall meeting held in Omoku, the ONELGA headquarters. The event brought together key stakeholders, including security personnel, traditional leaders, youth representatives, and community leaders, all focused on strengthening security and fostering progress within the area.
Represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, along with a team of senior security officials, Ibas emphasized that development cannot flourish without peace. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to engaging with the community through collaborative and inclusive initiatives focusing on security and socio-economic development in ONELGA.
Ibas underscored that “peace is not negotiable” and called for unity among all stakeholders—youths, traditional leaders, women, and security agencies—to ensure the region remains stable. He instructed Dr. Chukwuma Ajie, the ONELGA Sole Administrator, to hold regular town hall meetings to address grievances and promote harmony within the community.
CP Adepoju also urged the local youth and community leaders to protect government property and report incomplete but essential projects for swift government intervention. Dr. Ajie praised the enhanced security in the area, calling ONELGA “safe and open for investors,” while also acknowledging the efforts of the security forces in restoring order. He encouraged continued cooperation with the state government.
During the meeting, representatives from different zones raised several concerns, prompting CP Adepoju to request written submissions for further government action. The event concluded with a tour of the ONELGA Secretariat, highlighting the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. Vice Admiral Ibas reaffirmed that Rivers State can only thrive when unity and security prevail, urging residents to remain law-abiding and actively engage in peacebuilding initiatives.
