News

RSG Posts 13,000 Teachers Soon …Partners UNITAR On Floods

Published

12 years ago

August 7, 2013

The Rivers State Government would soon deploy the newly recruited 13,201 teachers to various schools across the state for the commencement of their teaching careers.
Indication to this emerged on Monday during the induction of the teachers, 50 of whom are physically challenged.
Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi, while declaring open the programme, said that the recruitment would guarantee that every public school enjoyed the services of good teachers.
Dame Lawrence-Nemi described the programme with the theme: “Teachers of Distinction”, as part of government efforts in building a culture of excellence in education, saying that the training would improve talent and create good relationship among stakeholders.
She urged the teachers to take advantage of the opportunity to further improve their competence and skill and directed those yet to get their appointment letters to see the Board chairman.
Chairman of BRACED, professor Jose Aisuku who described the programme as a land mark achievement said that with the progress made, the state will soon see quality education in all ramifications, worthy of emulation by other states.
Chairman of the Rivers State Advisory Council and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Nimi Briggs likened Governor Amaechi to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who laid the foundation for education revolution in Western Nigeria.
Prof Briggs also said that the innovation will transform education in the state, stressing that the programme will go a long way in character moulding in schools and also help improve educational opportunities for the subsequent generation of Rivers children.
Also speaking, the chairman, Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon Augustine Ngo said that the Rivers State House of Assembly will support every effort by the government to improve the quality of education in the state.
A cross section of the new teachers who spoke to The Tide described the ceremony as a welcome development, noting that it will put them in the right perspective to perform their task better.
The ceremony, which would last for four weeks is taking place at Model Girls Secondary School, Rumuene, Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta and Government Girls Secondary School Oromenike.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has entered into a partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to tackle the challenges for flood disaster in the state.
The Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, said the partnership will help in addressing issues of perennial flooding and cushion the devastating effects through adroit mitigating measures and training of personnel on flood disaster management.
The governor, who declared open a 10-day special training programme on flood risk management orgainsed by the ministry of Special Duties and UNITAR in Port Harcourt, yesterday, enjoined the participants to take seriously the lesson learnt from the training to improve their expertise in flood management.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Energy, Chief Okey Amadi, attributed most causes of flood to improper disposal of wastes as well as building along water channels and cautioned against such practices.
Speaking at the training event held under the theme: ‘capacity building in flood management in Rivers State, Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Dickson Umunakwe, explained that the training was aimed at stepping up measures to avert a recurrence of the devastating flood recorded in the state.
The commissioner said participants at the training were drawn from line ministries including, environment, health, power and other relevant agencies and stakeholders, who are expected to bring their experiences to bear in handling issues of flooding in the disaster prone LGAs.
According to the commissioner, the training will afford participants the opportunity to explore better ways of doing things and be exposed to more discernible experiences and methodologies in flood disaster management.
On his part, resident representative of UNITAR in Nigeria, Dr Larry Boms said the training was a milestone in the UNITAR/ Rivers State Government partnership on flooding, and expressed confidence that the programme will empower the participants with the requisite skills to be more effective in addressing today’s growing development challenges in flooding.
He pointed out that Rivers State, by its location in the Niger Delta region, remains one of the most susceptible to flooding in Nigeria.
Some of the participants, who spoke with The Tide, thanked the Ministry of Special Duties for the programme, and assured that the experience will be put into practices in the state.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

4 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

4 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

4 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor