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RSG ’ll Continue To Support UNIPORT, Wike Assures

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The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that the state government would continue to support the University of Port Harcourt to deliver on its core mandate.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike said that the University of Port Harcourt has played a key role in human capital development of the country.
“I had my foundation at the University of Port Harcourt. I owe it a duty to contribute to the development of my alma mater.
“I will release the sum of N200million to the university to complete the Faculty of Law building at the school. That faculty was initiated when I was a minister. I will ensure that the facility is delivered”, he said.
The governor directed the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Special Projects to liaise with the university management for the commencement of the Convocation Arena of the institution to be funded by the Rivers State Government.
Commenting on the issue of the university land, Wike directed the Surveyor General of the state to work with the university authorities to map out the land belonging to the institution.
The governor, however, advised federal agencies not to acquire land that they cannot use for development purposes.
He said many communities are denied access to land because some federal agencies acquire land they cannot put to use.
“I am not in support of federal agencies taking land without using same. I am discouraging the non-usage of such land”, he said.
He said the state government would install electricity and water facilities at the Faculty of Humanities building at the institution.
The governor said though that faculty was approved by the immediate past administration, it was his administration that funded its construction with over N400million.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Mvendaga Jibo congratulated the Rivers State governor on his victory at the polls.
He said though the contest was tough, the governor emerged victorious through planning and the grace of God.
He said: “As a political scientist, I closely followed the contest. I knew that it was very tough. It required good planning; it required foresight to achieve the victory you won. I think God was on your side.
“We appreciate what you stand for in this country’s politics, even if now and again you make statements that people may not immediately understand. Nevertheless, I think you are in the right direction of nation building”.
He praised the Rivers State governor for contributing to the infrastructural development of the school and improving the relationship between the school and its host communities.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Ndowa Lale thanked the governor for delivering on the Faculty of Humanities in the institution and starting work on the Convocation Arena of the university.
Lale said that the University of Port Harcourt remains eternally grateful to the governor for his contributions to the development of projects in the school.
He said such projects would remain worthy legacies.
The VC appealed to the Rivers State governor to assist the university to stop the encroachment on its land by the host communities.

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Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

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A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.
The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.
Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.
In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.
The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.
Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.
By: Enoch Epelle
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Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

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The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management  of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State
The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.
On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.
The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.
MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator,  Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.
LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama,  Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.
He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities
“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.
On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is  at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.
“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”
On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.
“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”
By: Chinedu Wosu
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Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

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The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians  to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

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