News
Two-Storey Building Collapse in Rivers Kills One and Injures Another
On Monday afternoon, a two-storey building under construction in Rivers State collapsed, leading to the tragic death of one worker and leaving another severely injured.
The incident occurred in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of the Ogbogoro community within the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area around 2 p.m., marking the second building collapse in the area within just one week.
An eyewitness, Jonathan Obey, who was on-site during the collapse, recounted that the structure gave way as workers were labouring on the second floor.
The deceased, identified simply as Udeme from Akwa Ibom State, was a young man who tragically lost his life when the building crumbled.
Another worker managed to escape death but sustained serious injuries that required immediate medical attention.
Obey attributed the incident to poor construction practices, claiming the foundation and support structures were weak and made with substandard materials.
“When we arrived, it was clear that the quality of materials used was subpar,” Obey explained.
“They used low-quality rods, and the cement was inadequate for a building of this size.
The decking lacked central pillars and beams, which ultimately caused the collapse.”
In response to this incident, Evans Bipi, the Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and immediately ordered the premises to be sealed.
Bipi expressed his disapproval of the developer’s negligence, revealing that the construction had been carried out without necessary government permits and was built using substandard materials.
Bipi went on to declare the developer wanted, emphasizing that such disregard for safety regulations would not go unpunished.
“We’ve repeatedly warned developers that any construction without government approval will face serious consequences,” Bipi stated sternly.
He highlighted that the developer’s actions were not only irresponsible but also unlawful, risking the lives of workers and future occupants by cutting corners.
As he spoke with locals and officials on-site, Bipi promised that the government would take decisive action to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“This situation is unacceptable,” he added. “We need to make an example out of this developer to deter others from taking similar risks.”
Through a statement issued by his media aide, Emeka Idika Kalu, Bipi extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
He shared that the remains of Udeme would be held at a designated mortuary, with the location being disclosed to allow family members to claim his body.
Samuel Anya, the Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, also visited the site and voiced his frustration over the negligence that led to the collapse.
Anya stressed that profit-driven motives should never outweigh safety considerations.
“This tragedy is deeply disheartening,” Anya remarked. “It’s clear that the building was not only poorly constructed but also lacked proper approval.
Someone’s life has been taken because of these reckless shortcuts.”
Anya further asserted that those involved would face accountability measures, adding that the government prioritizes the safety of all residents and would not tolerate such careless practices.
“The owner and the engineer responsible must answer for this.
The state will not stand by while innocent lives are endangered.”
The Rivers State government has been intensifying efforts to monitor construction projects and enforce building regulations in recent years.
Still, incidents like these reveal the challenges of ensuring compliance across numerous private developments.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the representative of Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency and spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), for gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.
The expulsion was confirmed in a statement released on Friday, December 6, by the Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiak.
According to the statement, the decision was communicated in a letter from the Ideato LGA chapter of the party, signed by Chairman Hon. ThankGod Okeke and Secretary Onyebuchi Umeh, following a report by the party’s disciplinary committee.
The report, dated November 27, 2024, accused Ugochinyere of misconduct as per Section 57 (1-4) of the PDP constitution. His expulsion followed his suspension at the Umuopia/Umukegwu ward level on October 14, 2024, after he failed to respond to multiple invitations from the ward Executive Committee.
The Ideato North LGA Executive Committee unanimously adopted the disciplinary committee’s findings during a meeting on December 5, 2024, solidifying the decision.
New Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, has sent a clear and intense message to his squad: they must push themselves to the limit if they want any chance of competing for the Premier League title.
Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag during the November international break, believes that effort and commitment are non-negotiable for success.
Since stepping into the role, the 39-year-old Portuguese coach has managed only one victory, a commanding 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.
Despite the underwhelming results so far, Amorim is focused on reshaping the team’s mindset and work ethic before fully implementing his tactical vision.
Speaking passionately about his expectations, Amorim emphasized the importance of relentless effort on the pitch.
“We need to sprint back, sprint forward, and fight for every ball. This has to be the foundation,” he explained.
“If the players aren’t ready to give everything, the tactics won’t matter.”
Amorim’s comments highlight his no-nonsense approach. He made it clear that even the most talented players cannot rely solely on skill.
“It doesn’t matter if you have the best starting XI in the world; if you don’t run, you won’t win anything,” he stated.
“To win the Premier League, we need to run like mad dogs. If we’re not willing to do that, we’re not going to succeed.”
UK-based Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, known for his lavish lifestyle and controversial persona, has revealed that his partner, Mary Olubukola Alade, is the one who financially supports his lifestyle.
Adegboyega, who leads the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), made this revelation during a legal battle with the UK immigration authorities.
During his hearing before Judges Bruce and Rastogi, Adegboyega explained that he does not receive any salary from the church.
Instead, his partner Mary, who holds a high-paying job at the insurance company AON and earns £100,000 annually, takes care of his financial needs.
Adegboyega emphasized that his flamboyant appearance, complete with designer clothes and luxury cars, is entirely funded by her earnings.
The pastor’s immigration woes began when it was discovered that he had overstayed his visitor’s visa, which he entered the UK with in 2005.
Despite multiple attempts to remain in the country on human rights grounds, the UK Tribunal ruled for his deportation back to Nigeria.
The court cited that he had no legal right to remain in the UK after his visa expired and that his appeals had failed to meet the required criteria for residency.
Addressing his choice of lifestyle, the 44-year-old pastor defended his need to showcase wealth and success.
He claimed that his flashy image is designed to motivate young people to pursue legitimate ways of making money, such as entrepreneurship.
“I believe it’s crucial to dress well and drive nice cars so young people can see there are lawful ways to achieve success,” he stated.
Adegboyega further explained that despite holding a first-class law degree from Nigeria, he had willingly given up a potential legal career to serve his community through his church.
“I’ve sacrificed my career to help those who cannot help themselves,” he added.
PDP Expels Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities
“To Win The Premier League, We Need To Run Like Mad Dogs” – Ruben Amorim To Man Utd Players
“I’ve Sacrificed My Career To Help Those Who Cannot Help Themselves” – Pastor Tobi Adegboyega
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