Tua-Tua communities ask for more action from STAND
By Alloy Khenom
After a successful three-day sensitization exercise among Tua-Tua communities in Tai local government area of Rivers State, residents in the area have called for more programmes from STAND, the NGO which organised the event.
Their request was necessitated by what they described as a satisfactory and informative content of the lectures delivered by the organisation during its brief period of interaction with the people.
They recalled how STAND gave them valuable knowledge about advocacy through peaceful approach and how to achieve development in their communities.
The programme began with a rally, featuring Tua-Tua residents and NYSC members led by Joy Ayafulu as they jointly sang and danced, creating excitement wherever they went.
From Botem to Kpite, Korokoro, Ueken and Horo, speakers representing various organisations joined the STAND crew to spread the message of peace, unity, development and positive advocacy among the people.
Explanations were giving as to why STAND facilities are sited in some communities and the need for indigenes from other places to jointly access such facilities for their benefit.
The Vice President of Botem youths association, Mr. Goodnews spoke on the need to embrace the programme, even as the view was also emphasised by the councillor representing Kpite in the council's legislative assembly, Hon. Dickson.
At a point between Korokoro and Kpite communities, an unexpected but interesting action came into play as the STAND rally moved on.
A man identitied as Mr. Joseph Wuep from Langtan North in Plateau State working with the amiable second class traditional monarch of the Tua-Tua dynasty, HRH, Mene Samuel Nnee (JP) halted the procession.
He wants organisers of the programme (SDN) to extend the event to his place in Plateau State, assuring attendants of safety, hospitality and good attendance.
The consultant to SDN which organised the event, Mr. Marshal Jumbo in his reaction commended Mr. Wuep for embracing activities and actions that would develop his community and State, assuring that the organisers would reach out to him for a fruitful discussion.
Mr. Marshal Jumbo told this reporter that the organisation had successfully put in place the necessary facilities to facilitate community growth and equally created the enabling environment for people to, among other things, become computer literate, ask for their rights in a non-violent manner, live as one people and contribute to development of their areas.
Some speakers at various places during the exercise include Mrs. Erekpana Nnah (at Ueken), Godspower Nnagbara (Horo) and, more importantly, Chief Sunday Nsaanee of Koroma-Tai who spoke at length to enlighten people on the values of the STAND facilities, advocacy and the need to patronise them.
Other speakers also include, Mrs. Diana Yeghe, Mr. Bariton Nordee, Dumle Ngbor, Innocent Sunday and Sebastine Kpalap.
At one of the interactive sessions, the wife of the Tua-Tua king, lady Catherine Baride Nnee had queried the lackadaisical attitude of government towards according more socio-political opportunities for women in Rivers State.
Her hussy, the Gbenemene Tua-Tua Tai, HRH, Mene Samuel Nnee (JP) also spoke about his admiration for community and public enlightenment groups like STAND and requested it to increase its presence through projects and programmes in Tua-Tua area.
