Rivers

Rumuolumeni Residents Alert On Scavengers

Published

13 years ago

August 20, 2012

Residents of Rumuolumeni Community in Obio Akpor Local
Government Area of Rivers State, are now living in apprehension following
activities of criminals who disguise as scavengers to rob unsuspecting members
of the public in the area.

The Tide investigations reveal that the scavengers rob
residents at gun point when once they gain entrance into their houses in the
ploy to dispose wastes.

Speaking to journalists over the matter, Rumuolumeni Youth
President, Comrade Kenneth Olumeni stated that for about nine months now,
residents of the area have been living in perpetual fear over actvities of the
hoodlums who attack their victims mostly at night.

Aside robbing victims of their belongings, he disclosed that
young girls and women have equally been raped.

According to him, the hoodlums usually come out from the
dumpsites at Iwofe near the University of Education, where they lay ambush for
taxis and buses who ply the road at night.

Comrade Olumeni alleged that the hoodlums pretend to be
scavengers who pick scraps from the dumpsite, only for them to come out in the
night to rob people, after using the day to survey the area and mark houses to
attack.

The youth leader while lamenting the development, said the
community was a peace loving one and would not tolerate any form of criminal
activity, and therefore, called for the relocation of the dumpsite while the police should beef up security in the
area.

Another resident who spoke to The Tide, Mr Harry Alalibo
noted that operation of the hoodlums has been on for over nine months, and
fingered the dumpsite of the Environmental Sanitation Authority in the area as being
responsible for swelling criminal activities in the community.

A victim, Mrs. Darlyn David, who was robbed few days ago,
said that the hoodlums entered her shop at about 8pm in the evening, and
ordered her to bring all the money she sold for the day at gun point.

Mrs. David revealed that the physical cash collected from
her was N50,000 while recharge cards worth over N25,000 was also collected from
her. She appealed to government to come to their aid by either relocating the
dumpsite or beef up security in the area.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Rivers State Enivonmental
Sanitation Authority, Mr Isobo Jack has called on residents to report
activities of the hoodlums to security agencies, stressing that the scavengers
do not work for the authority and as such have not been engaged by them.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

20 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

20 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

20 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.