News

AIPS, Others Laud Wike On Sports Dev …As Gov Bags ‘Power Of Sports’ Award In Brussels

Published

8 years ago

May 9, 2018

President, International Sports Press Association(AIPS), Gianni Merlo has commended Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his commitment to sports development.
Speaking during a brief meeting with the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike on the sidelines, AIPS Congress (Belgium 2018) Cocktail in Brussels on Monday night, Mr Merlo said that sports invrstments made by Governor Wike are worthy of recognition.
The AIPS President particularly commended Governor Wike for the decision to set up a Real Madrid Football Academy in Rivers State, pointing out that it will develop international stars from Nigeria.
Also speaking during the meeting, International Sports Press Association-Africa (AIPS) Africa, President, Mitchell Obi said ths association is proud to honour the Rivers State Governor for his outstanding developmental strides in the area of sports.
President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Mr Honour Sirawoo said that Governor Wike by his contributions to sports development, has placed Nigeria on the international sporting map.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Austin Opara said that Governor Wike has continued to live up to the expectations of Rivers people by his outstanding achievements .
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah said that under the leadership of Governor Wike, sports development has been given a new meaning to the advantage of the youths.
Senator George Thompson Sekibo said the benefits of Governor Wike’s quality investments in sports will be manifest in the coming years. He said the governor merits the recognition by AIPS.
Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye and Majority Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Evans Bipi said following the outstanding performance of Governor Wike in sports development, Rivers State has become an international reference point.
Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Politics and Strategy, Chief Glory Emeh noted that sports development has been effectively used as a tool of empowerment by Governor Wike.
Speaking during the meeting on the sidelines of the cocktail, Governor Wike assured that his administration will continue to invest in sports to empower the youths.
He said that the Real Madrid Football Academy will be actualised by his administration to create avenues for Rivers youths to further excel.
The governor who was accompanied to Brussels by his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike to receive the AIPs Africa “Power of Sports “ Award noted that he remains committed to the holistic transformation of Rivers State.
Governor Wike will be honoured with the Power of Sports Award by AIPs Africa on Wednesday
He is also expected to deliver a lecture on the topic: ‘Peace and Progress through Sports in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria’ to the full house of the 94-year-old International Sports Press Association (AIPS) comprising no fewer than 108 countries on Wednesday , May 9, 2018.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah has described Governor Nyesom Wike as an undisputable Pillar of Sports in the State and Nigeria at large.
Bro. Obuah stated this in a goodwill message to Governor Wike following the conferment of the prestigious Power of Sports (POS) Award on him by the International Sports Press Association-Africa (AIPS), in far away Brussels, Belgium yesterday.
Bro. Obuah praised Governor Wike for the harvest of awards and described the development as a testimony of the Governor’s untiring quest for sports development in the State and Nigeria at large.
Bro. Obuah said the Africa POS Award on the Governor has marked him out as a brand ambassador of sports development as according to him; the feat comes on the heels of a flurry of sporting achievements including the successful hosting of the African Wrestling Championship which has been adjudged the best in the continent in recent times.
“For me, this award is very significant for two reasons. One, the President of AIPS, Mr. Mitchell Obi is an icon in sports journalism and one of Africa’s best, and I deem it a privilege that the good works being done by Mr. Projects have continued to draw the attention of the international community.
“Two, the 94 year- old body (AIPS) commands an enviable pedigree with membership drawn across no fewer than 108 countries. For me it’s a great honour and a no mean achievement for His Excellency and I am proud of him”, said Bro. Obuah.
Bro. Obuah who is also the President/Sole Sponsor of Go-Round Football Club of Omoku, expressed confidence that the Award would spur Governor Wike for greater enthusiasm as he continues to unfold his master plan to make Rivers State the sports hub of the nation.
The PDP boss who is also Sole Administrator of Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) praised Governor Wike for his policy of developing other segments of sports and urged him to keep up the tempo, assuring that posterity would certainly celebrate him among the heroes of the State.
He called on the people of the State to continue to support the Governor who is working assiduously to make life meaningful for everyone irrespective of party affiliation.

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