Rivers

Ajibola Submits Report On Jos Mayhem

Published

16 years ago

November 1, 2009

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General (AG) of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola, has hinted that his investigation of the causes of the Jos sectarian crisis of November 28, last year, will be the last of such assignment in his life.

Ajibola, chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Jos mayhem vowed not to handle such assignment, while submitting the commission’s report to Plateau State government.

Ajibola, who served as Minister under General Ibrahim Babangida however, told a large audience that “we have faithfully and conscientiously carried out the assignment”.

Describing the report presentation as “a glorious event,” the chairman explained that the report was made up of five volumes.

According to him, the commission received 221 memoranda while 213 gave oral evidence during its public sitting.

Besides, he stated that the commission had an interaction with General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), former Head of State; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III; Chief Solomon Lar, first Civilian governor of the state; Chief Joshua Dariye immediate past governor and Gbong Gwom Jos, elder Jacob Gyang Buba.

According to him, the interaction with these prominent persons gave the commission “food for thought”. Giving an insight into the report, the former Attorney General (AG) said chapter four of the nine-chapter report, examined in detail the roles of individuals and organisations that were alleged to have been directly or indirectly responsible for the crisis.

Receiving the voluminous report, governor Jonah Jang assured that the commission’s report will be implemented. “This government will not allow reports to gather dust in the shelves, but will be implemented”, pointing out that the implementation will serve as a deterrent to offenders, and ensure permanent peace in the state, and further assured that his administration will continue to accord high premium to peace and security.

This, he stressed informed why his government acted on the reports of previous Commissions of Inquiry.

Commending members of the Ajibola-headed commission, for a job well done, Jang said “posterity will count you as honourable men and women, who stood courageously to get to the root causes” of the recurring sectarian violence in the state.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.