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Rivers Plans New Widows Aid Scheme
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has assured widows in the state that his administration will improve on their standard of living through a new widows economic empowerment scheme.
Similarly, the wife of the governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, advised widows to explore the option of litigation to protect their rights .
Speaking at an event to mark the 2016 International Widows Day in Port Harcourt, at the weekend, Wike stated that his administration will always protect the rights of widows.
Represented by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani, the governor said that “Government is considering to set up widows economic empowerment scheme, which essentially would be instituted to alleviate the poverty or dangers of extreme poverty after the demise of their dear husbands”.
He explained that the new scheme would assist the widows pick up their lives as bread winners of their respective families.
Wike called on widows and concerned non-governmental organizations to join hands with the state government to work for the complete abolition of dehumanizing widow practices in the state.
He said this will be achieved through through prevention, participation, promotion and protection strategies to end the said barbaric practices.
In her remarks, wife of the Rivers State Governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike decried the situation where the laws made by the state House of Assembly to check harmful widowhood practices were yet to record any success due to lack of awareness.
She appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, NGOs, companies as well as well-meaning citizens to join hands to advocate for the eradication of obnoxious practices against widows in the state.
Earlier in her welcome address, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ukiel Oyagiri, had noted that the 2016 International Widows Day celebration was a United Nations-ratified day of action to address poverty and injustice faced by widows in the world.
The theme of the 2016 International Widows Day Celebration is: ”Invisible Women, Invisible Problems”.
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
