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Two-Storey Building Collapse in Rivers Kills One and Injures Another

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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.”

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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.


 

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Chimamanda Adichie Tells Women not to Rush Marriage but Choose Right

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Famous Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has advised young women to be intentional when choosing who they marry.

Speaking at the Dream Count event, Adichie pointed out how much a life partner can influence a woman’s journey. She urged women not to rush into marriage out of pressure or desperation, adding that choosing the wrong person can affect one’s life for years.

She also encouraged women to find fulfilment in themselves, no matter their passion or path. “It’s really important for a woman to have her own thing, something that brings her fulfilment, no matter what it is,” Adichie said.

She continued, “Be careful who you choose. Sometimes, deep down, you know the person you’re with isn’t good for you, but because you’re eager to settle down, you ignore the signs. Don’t settle. The person you marry plays a huge role in how your life turns out. If you choose someone who is kind and supportive, it changes everything. There are good men out there.”


 

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Amaechi Says Buhari Performed Better Than Tinubu

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Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, believes that despite his shortcomings, former President Muhammadu Buhari performed better than the current administration under President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Amaechi admitted Buhari didn’t achieve everything he set out to do, but insisted that things were still better under his leadership compared to now. “Buhari will be the first to tell you he didn’t accomplish all his plans, but by every standard, his government outperformed this one,” Amaechi said.

The former Rivers State governor pointed to areas like security and the independence of institutions, especially the electoral commission, as key areas where Buhari did better. “In terms of security, Buhari placed more focus there. When it comes to the independence of INEC, there was far more freedom under Buhari than we’re seeing now,” he added.

Amaechi also criticised the current state of politics, claiming that new political parties can’t even get registered because of interference from government officials. He made it clear that his comments are not personal, saying he would have been the first to commend President Tinubu if things were going well.


 

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Amaechi Says It’s Time for a Southern President to Rule Nigeriar

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Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi has maintained that Nigeria’s next president should come from the South. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Amaechi stressed that while power should shift to the South, competence and character must be the key factors in choosing leaders, not just regional sentiment.

He pointed out that the coming elections won’t just be about political parties but will be a fight between everyday Nigerians and the political class. In his words, “Nigeria belongs to everyone. We can’t keep running a system where one region holds all the power and others are sidelined. There are capable leaders in the South. It’s time to restore balance and deliver real results.”

Amaechi added that the elections should not be based on blind party loyalty, saying, “This is about Nigerians taking a stand against the political elite. If we truly want change, now is the time to act.” He believes the South is prepared to take the lead, promising a platform that gives every Nigerian a voice and renewed hope.


 

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