Rivers

Prospective Perm Secs To Undergo Examination

Published

14 years ago

March 23, 2012

Henceforth, candidates for appointment as Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service would have to undergo written examination to qualify them for the position.

The Head of Service, Mrs. Esther Anucha announced this in Pot Harcourt recently at a meeting with Directors in the state civil service.

The new system, which she said, was in line with ongoing reforms in the civil service was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring competence. She said that already the system which had been adopted at the federal Level since 2005 was approved for implementation by the State Executive Council last year.

She said Directors from Tai and Khana Local Government Areas sat for the examinations in May 2011 to fill vacant positions from the two local government areas, adding that names of the best performing directors had been submitted to the state Governor for approval.

Mrs. Anucha disclosed that the next set of examinations, which would be for all substantive directors whose effective dates of promotion fall between 1995 and 2007, would hold on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt and the examinations would be set and marked by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), to ensure transparency.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of ASCON, Elder Mike Whetode said the examination would consist of four papers, which include Management, Civil Service Rules, Financial Regulations and General Paper and all prospective candidates must put in their best and urged the state government to adopt the standard for all categories of its workforce as it is the case at the federal level and other states of the federation.

He commended the Head of Service for the aggressive approach to the training and re-training of its workforce and expressed gratitude to the state government on behalf of the Director General of ASCON, Mr. A. Peters for the provision of an office accommodation at the South-South zonal office.

The meeting, which was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Mr. Lambert Ekwueme and his counterpart in the Establishment, Pensions and Training Bureau, Mr. Gift Ake, also featured an interactive session with the Head of Service.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.