News
NGE Tasks Political Parties On Foi-Bill
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on political parties seeking power in the April elections to incorporate the pursuit of passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) in their manifestoes.
The charge was part of a six-point communiqué issued at the end of its biennial convention held in Lagos earlier in the week.
Lamenting the failure of the National Assembly in pushing for the passage of the FOI Bill, the body noted that a decade after the bill was introduced, the federal lawmakers have failed to demonstrate openess in governance and democracy.
It therefore tasked political parties to include the bill in their manifestoes, if indeed they are committed to a transparent, accountable government and development of the country.
The body called on editors to set national agenda by avoiding divisive issues capable of retarding the growth of the country through mobilisation of the people for positive development such as the current voters registration.
As the watchdogs of the society, the editors emphasised the need for the mass media to continue to scrutinise public policies by always providing solutions to bad ones.
The Guild further tasked the mass media to explore partnership with relevant stakeholders in providing adequate awareness on checking the menace of ailments such as cancer, HIV/AIDS.
In his address at the convention, the president of the body, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye hinted of plans to resuscitate the Nigerian Press Organisation, comprising of the Guild, Newspapers Proprietors, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria and Union of Journalists.
Mr. Adefaye observed that there was need for synergy amongst the media bodies towards advancing the cause and business of journalism.
The NGE President spoke of the need for capacity building in the media industry, while expressing hope that the proposed Centre of Excellence at the School of Communication at the Lagos Business School Pan African University will come on stream and members to take advantage of the opportunities.
Moreover, the NGE elected new officials to oversee its affairs in the next two years, as Mr. Adefaye was elected for a second term in office.
Other members of the new exco Hajia Aishatu Sule as Deputy President, Mallam Ahmed Shekarau as Vice President North, while Mrs. Funke Egbemode was elected as Vice President West.
Mr. Victor Agosiobu emerged the Vice President of the NGE for the East as Isaac Ighwre became the General Secretary of the body. Steve Ayorinde became the Assistant Secretary, while Abdulhamid Majia emerged the Treasurer.
Mr. Sam Egbala was elected to serve as the Social and Publicity Secretary with other standing committee members; as the body adopted a new constitution to govern its affairs.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
-
Sports4 days ago
‘Expect New Players Against Mali’
-
Nation4 days ago
FG, IFAD Target Poverty Reduction In Northern Nigeria
-
News2 days ago
Delta Bloodbath: Tinubu To Attend Slain Soldiers’ Burial, Today
-
News2 days ago
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
-
Oil & Energy4 days ago
Army Begins CNG Conversion Of Vehicles, Trains Officers
-
Maritime4 days ago
COWA Distributes Food Items To Members In Abuja
-
News4 days ago
FG To Incentivise Local Producers In Power Sector
-
Rivers2 days ago
NCSU Lambasts Rivers LawmakersOver LG Reforms