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Rivers Budgets N1bn Monthly For 13,000 New Teachers …Moves To Tackle Impending Floods

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The Rivers State Government is to spend N1billion monthly as salaries for the newly recruited 13,000 teachers.
The 13,000 teachers made up of both indigenes and non-indigenes were presented with their appointment letters last week Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
The state Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi said that the teachers appointment was part of the moves by the present administration to ensure quality education in the state.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice  Lawrence- Nemi while playing host to a delegation from UNESCO, commended the governor for giving much attention to the educational development of the state.
She said that UNESCO would assist the government to undertake an assessment of the number of children that are out of school.
“Not that the Ministry of Education did not know the figures but we want professionals to make their assessment and tell us particularly, how Nigerians are jittery that about 10.5million children are out of school.
“And at the same time, every state is fighting hard to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), she said.
Dame Nemi also said that induction course shall commence for the newly recruited teachers pointing out that they shall be sent to the classrooms for training and would be deployed by September, to both junior and senior secondary schools.
She urged the new teachers to be committed to their assignment and professional calling towards ensuring quality education in the state.
The commissioner said that the 13,000 teachers will reduce the burden of teachers in several subjects at a time when in actual sense, they were meant to teach only one subject each.
She also revealed that 90% of those recruited were indigenes while 10% were non indigenes.
The commissioner also said that 9,000 of the existing teachers have been retrained in a special programme with the British council.
Meanwhile, The flood enlightenment campaign organized by the Rivers State Government has ended with a call for
people living in the five flood prone local government areas of the state to make preparations and
identify higher grounds in their communities for easy evacuation following the2013     imminent flood
prediction by the National Metrological Agency (NIMET) and National Emergency Management
Agency(NEMA).
Addressing participants at the  sensitization in Abua/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni council secretariats special Duties Commissioner, Barrister Dickson Umunakwe explained that their preparations will help cushion the effects associated with flooding.
He identified clogging of drainages with refuse, building over drainages and erecting structures along shorelines as the major causes of flooding, noting that these factors hinder  the smooth flow of water and warned against such practice.
Determined to forestall loss of lives from last year’s flood, the Special Duties boss said the state government will deploy six flying boats each, in the five prone LGAs of the state for easier evacuation and a marine ambulance stationed at the Orashi River in Ahoada West Local Government for first hand medicare.
“We will also partner with the lining ministers including power, water, health, environment, housing who will provide the needed facilities to cater for the imminent need of the flood victims at the camps.
On the issues raised during the interactive session on dredging of the River Niger, which the participants say, will help stop floods once there is an overflow of water from the dams, the commissioner said such projects are capital intensive, which the state budget cannot hand, and  called on the federal government to come to their aid.
Also speaking, the South-South coordinator of NEMA, Mr Emenike Umesi represented by the Desk Officer, Mr Denis Egwu called for government -community synergy to enhance emergency operations and appealed to the indigenes of the areas to harvest their corps early before the flood steps in.
In another development, the Rivers State Government says that the era of haphazard and unco-ordinated projects in the state is over.
Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who said this during the launching of the state partners for sustainable Development (RSPSD) on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, said that  the initiative would provide the platform for a coordinated and integrated  infrastructural development across the state.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Dickkson Umunakwe, also restated the commitment of the government to use the state resources to improve its condition.
He said that the government expects the various partners in the developmental initiative to work together for the common good of the state and its citizens.
The Regional Director, United Nations in Nigeria, Mr Dauda Toure, described the launching as a bold attempt by the Rivers State Government to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Mr Toure, who was represented by the coordinator United Nations Institute for training and Research (UNITARE), South-South, Dr Larry Boms, said that the organization will continue to work with state government s to achieve MDGs but noted that the United Nations was already looking at post-MDGs era.
He also stressed the need for a new spirit of solidarity and mutual accountability among development partners and solicited government cooperation with international agencies to enhance development.
Chairman of the state Economic Advisory Council, Prof Nimi Briggs described the programme as timely as it would ensure that  the resources of the state were used to improve the welfare of ordinary people.
According to him, it is something that should be welcome by all concerned.
Earlier, the executive director of the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), Mr Noble Pepple, said that the state partners for sustainable development which is a brainchild of the RSSDA, is a platform to ensure coordinated development in the state.
Mr Pepple, who described the initiative as one of the mandates of the agency to promote sustainable development in the state, however, said that the RSPSD is owned by all the partners.

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Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns

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A group of Eminent persons from the Niger Delta region under the aegis of The Niger Delta Watch Dog has warned the Federal Government against yielding to the call to decentralize pipeline surveillance in the region.

The Eminent persons who said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt said those calling for decentralization of pipeline surveillance are ignorant of the dangers it poses to the peace and stability of the Niger Delta.

.They argued that the proposal poses significant risk to the peace security and economic stability of the region.

According to the release” While decentralization is often perceived as a means of promoting inclusivity and local participation, in this specific context it poses significant risks to peace, security, and economic stability.

It further said”evidence from community dynamics across the region suggests that decentralization will cause more harm than good, leading to increased conflict, fragmentation of authority, and heightened threats to critical national infrastructure.
“By contrast, the centralized model currently implemented by Tantita Security Services under the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo Tompolo has demonstrated measurable success in stabilizing the region, reducing conflict, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifelines”

While describing the Niger Delta region as the backbone of Nigeria oil and gas, it added that any changes in policy will lead to crisis in the region.

“The Niger Delta region remains the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, hosting extensive pipeline networks that are vital to national revenue and economic sustainability.

“Given the sensitive nature of this infrastructure, the framework through which pipeline security is managed must prioritize stability, coordination, and conflict prevention.

“Any policy shift particularly toward decentralization must therefore be carefully evaluated in light of the region’s socio-political realities”
It said
The release jointly signed by Chief Idowu Asonja ,Ellington Pokumo the Public Relations officer of the group Comrade Douye kojo Isoun and others,

said decentralization will lead to escalation of Inter-Community land dispute, intensifies rivalry between groups as well as heightens the struggle against Territorial control among others.

“Decentralizing pipeline security will likely intensify existing disputes between neighbouring communities as many communities in the Niger Delta have been involved in conflicts over Land ownership and territorial boundaries as well as Control of natural resources and

“Claims over oil pipelines passing through their territories” adding
“Such instability not only disrupts social harmony but also directly endangers pipeline infrastructure, increasing the risk of vandalism, sabotage, and production losses”

It said the gains recorded so far by the present centralization policy should be preserve as any shifts could wrecked havoc in the region.

“Any policy shift must preserve these hard-earned gains. At this time, decentralization presents a significant risk, while the current system continues to offer stability, security, and economic assurance for the nation.

“It is therefore strongly advised that the Federal Government of Nigeria carefully scrutinize and ultimately disregard calls for the decentralization of pipeline security contracts. “Available evidence and prevailing realities suggest that such calls may not be driven by the broader national interest, but rather by narrow, self-serving agendas that could reignite conflict within the region, this we know the Government does not need” the group said

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RSIPA DG Unveils New Rivers Investment Pathway At BRACED Commission

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The Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, has used the platform of the revived BRACED Commission to unveil investment opportunities and plans in Rivers State.

 

The BRACED Commission just bounced back and has already held a roundtable in Port Harcourt preparatory to an economic summit in the near future.

The roundtable featured the investment promotion agencies of the cooperating states: Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states.

Dr Peterside not only chaired the roundtable but made presentations for Rivers State economic landscape.

He hailed the rebound of the BRACED Commission which did well at the onset. “The governors of the region were one and united for one cause. Then, politics came and everything scattered. The agenda is simple, to integrate the economy of the region into one strong bloc.”

He admitted that Rivers State’s investment promotion agency is very young, plus six months in the limbo of state of emergency. “This thus is a very unique opportunity to get resurgent momentum.”

He listed the achievements of RSIPA in the short period since its establishment, saying it has received numerous investment proposals.

“We’ve engaged actively with the private sector, both those currently operating in the state and those intending to invest. We do realize the fact that investment begins from domestic investors. and you have to guide them.

“Through outreach programmes and establishment of a One-Stop-Center (OSC), we have created a streamlined system for addressing investor needs, supporting their business operations. For the first time in Rivers State, prospective investors and small and medium enterprises now have a centralized hub that can address their challenges and find solutions that enable them to thrive.”

He outlined the plans ahead thus: “One of our cardinal focuses at RSIPA is to enhance the operating climate and improve the ease of doing business.

“We are committed to creating a vibrant and business-friendly environment that attracts and retains investment. We are also working closely with other ministries, departments, and agencies to harmonize our activities.

“Collaboration for us is key; we see Rivers State as a single ecosystem where all stakeholders work together to support investment inflow and build a favorable environment for businesses to flourish.”

For the region, he lamented the situation whereby “the carpet is shifting under our feet. The IOCs (international oil corporations) have moved offshore. The issue before us now is how should the region act now. We should target big ticket investment proposals. This is because some proposals will involve other states. There is thus need to collaborate.”

He gave examples of projects that cannot be for one state. “Railway system is not for one state. At the moment, there is no railway line that links Benin to Port Harcourt to Calabar. BRACED can push this agenda.

“There is an oil route from Opobo to Akwa Ibom where Sterling Oil is operating. It’s a route of interest. Governor Sim Fubara wants us to synergise with other states economically. The best time is now because all the governors are now in one political party.”

He called on all the agencies in the BRACED states to sell the idea to their governors.

“Let the governors know that BRACED task is not a competition but as a collaboration. We have the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SSCCIMA), the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), etc. This is the ripest time to strike the iron.”

The Director General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Mrs. Patience Ranami Abah, also shook the floor when she presented what she termed ‘Closing the Value Capture Gap’.

She showed how the states will win bigger by playing together to present an economic front.

David Franklin, a deputy director, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Abuja, said investment in people is the beginning of prosperity.

“The South-South is the hub of power of Nigeria due to the hydrocarbon industry, blue economy, agriculture, tourism, etc.”

The Director General, BRACED Commission, Amb.Joe Keshi, in his welcome remarks, said the roundtable was themed around synchrosnising investment frontiers in a strategic framework for south-south economic integration.

The roundtable ended with a communique that recommended setting up a monitoring committee, and other organs to drive integration and investment.

Some of the key resolutions in the Communique issued at the end of the two-day symposium included the call for a BRACED Investment Promotion Charter with a harmonized Regional Investment Promotion Framework and a roadmap.

The Communique called for infrastructure alignment, uniform economic reforms, human capital development plan, and a technical oversight group.

The communique urged state governments, investors, and development partners to collaborate in transforming the BRACED states into a beacon of economic dynamism.

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Easter: DHQ Orders Troop Alert, Confirms US Support

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The Defence Headquarters has placed troops on nationwide alert ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring Nigerians of tightened security.

The DHQ also reaffirmed that ongoing support from the United States is strengthening counter-terrorism operations, with a visible impact expected in the coming weeks.

Addressing journalists during the end-of-the-month briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, assured citizens of heightened vigilance by troops during the Easter celebrations.

Onoja said the Armed Forces had already placed personnel on alert nationwide to prevent any security breach during the holiday period.

He added that similar measures were implemented during previous festive seasons, including Christmas and Eid-el-Fitr, and would be sustained.

“We know that festive seasons usually have heightened security activities. The military command gives instructions to ensure all personnel are on alert. This time will not be different,” he said.

He emphasised that security agencies would not relax despite the celebrations, noting that adversaries often attempted to exploit such periods.

“I can assure you that we will always be on alert, particularly at this period of festivities, because we know that the threats expect us to relax.

“But we are not going to relax. Everything will be okay for this Easter,” he added.

Speaking on the ongoing collaboration with the US forces, Onoja said the impact of the collaboration may not be immediately visible due to the nature of military engagements, but expressed confidence that the benefits would become evident in the coming weeks and months.

He said the U.S. support to Nigeria’s operations had been significant, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing and training, noting that the assistance was being provided on favourable terms to strengthen ongoing counter-threat operations.

According to him, “You are aware that they are bringing intelligence and training support to us, which we need. They are giving that to us on very favourable terms. There are lots of things I cannot say because of confidentiality.”

He added that the intelligence being provided included information on the location of threats and hostile elements, stressing that Nigerian troops would act accordingly.

“All we can say is that these things take time. There is a gestation period when we are conducting military operations.

“You will not see it immediately, but in the next few months or weeks, you will feel the difference in the impact of the assistance that the U.S. is providing,” Onoja stated.

On February 16, 2026, DHQ confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 US military personnel and equipment at Bauchi Airfield.

According to the military high command, the personnel, who are not combat troops, were in Nigeria strictly for technical assistance, training, and advisory roles in counter-terrorism efforts.

However, insecurity has continued to surge in several parts of the country since their deployment, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the collaboration.

 

 

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