Rivers

Utilise Federal Character, Rivers People Told

Published

13 years ago

July 31, 2013

Top Civil Servants and other stakeholders in Rivers State have demanded the full utilization of River State quota in the federal civil service, which is mostly occupied by outsiders. The position of the stakeholders was made known during a dinner hold by club 401 with top civil servants in Rivers State yesterday at the Conference Hall f the Ministry of Justice, Port Harcourt. The stakeholders decried a situation where transfer of personnel from the state to federal civil service was made hectic by political interests and other scathing processes. Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Godwin Mpi, said the state should develop a proactive measure and aggressive policy to address the issue, which he noted, was of prime concern to Rivers State. Commenting on the issue, the Rivers State Head of Service, Barr Samuel LongJohn, said the transfer of some top civil servants to the federal civil service suffered setbacks in the past as the list included some retired commissioners already earning pension. The HOS said the process was worsened by the fact that some top ranking federal civil servants, gang up to hard vacancies to avoid loosing their positions and cautioned against politicization of the civil service. Barr LongJohn also called on civil service to adopt goodwork ethics and the principles of transparency and accountability to enhance productivity in the service. The Head of service, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, noted that the objective of civil service was selfless service, devotion to duty and discipline, and urged civil servants to re-examine themselves to add positive value to the system. In his presentation, one of the guest speakers, Dr Steve Organ, said the under-development of the civil service in Africa was not due to lack of resources, but lack of effective leadership. Dr Organ, who spoke on the topic, “Positioning the Civil Service for Development,” called for depoliticisation of the civil service to ensure transparency and effective service delivery in the system. In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, Elder Gomba Osarolor, called for synergy in the development of civil service in the state.

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.