Rivers

Diete-Spiff Tasks RSG On Greater PH

Published

16 years ago

July 25, 2010

First Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, has called on the state government to show more political will in realising the dream of the Greater Port Harcourt City.

King Diete-Spiff gave the challenge at a special awards ceremony and 50 years anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), organised by the South-South zone over the weekend in Port Harcourt.

The Twon-Brass monarch lauded the vision of Governor Chibuike Amaechi to expand the city but however, said more efforts needed to be given to drive the scheme in order to make it a reality.

Aside plans to transform Port Harcourt, King Diete-Spiff said efforts should also be made to develop the sub-urban centres of Ahoada, Opobo, Bori, Ahoada, Degema, as was envisaged by his administration in the early 1970s.

He recalled that during his tenure as governor, his administration envisaged developing new towns at the local areas in tandem with the capital city.

Though his administration was cut short, the former governor said the vision was to transform the city to a tourist haven adding that with the Greater Port Harcourt scheme, Port Harcourt would become a mega city by 2020.

King Diete-Spff decried that a lot of cities lack a blueprint in Nigeria and therefore tasked architects on the need to participate in politics so that they can influence policies through their profession.

Also, former governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, who received a special award at the occasion called on the state government to incorporate architects in the implementation of the Greater Port Harcourt scheme.

Obong Attah commended Governor Amaechi for conceiving the scheme and stressed the need for local contents in physical developments in Nigeria.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Noble Abbey and Managing Director of Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone lauded the body for organising the event.

Dr. Abbey described architecture as a noble profession since before anything takes form, they are usually conceived and designed by architects.

Highlights of the occasion include special awards to King Diete-Spiff and other selected members who have contributed to the profession in the country.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

17 hours 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

18 hours 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

18 hours 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.