The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalising state-owned media organisations to enable them meet modern operational standards and better serve the public.

Ibas made the pledge following an extensive inspection tour of State media houses, including The Tide Newspapers, Rivers State Television (RSTV), Radio Rivers FM, Garden City FM, and the State Printing Press.

The Administrator who described the media as “indispensable to societal survival and development,” emphasised the need for urgent intervention to restore these critical platforms.

He said, “Without the media, we wonder how society would survive,” adding “We must identify key areas requiring intervention and ensure our media houses operate at the standards expected by the public.”

Highlighting the media’s pivotal role in fostering good governance and an informed citizenry, the Administrator revealed that his administration has already laid out plans for facility upgrades.

“If funds are available, I assure you that within six months, we will complete the necessary improvements,” he said.

“I have directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, to develop a comprehensive plan, leveraging provisions in the budget,” he added.

Expressing concern over the current state of infrastructure and equipment in all the state-owned media houses, Ibas assured that revitalisation efforts would be both immediate and sustained.

He urged media personnel to adopt a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, stressing that “longevity depends not just on the age of machinery but on proper usage and maintenance.”

“It’s not only about replacing old equipment. Staff must also commit to preventive and corrective maintenance practices to maximise efficiency and lifespan.”

The inspection tour forms part of the Administrator’s broader agenda to rejuvenate public institutions across Rivers State, ensuring they deliver optimal service to the citizens.

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, yesterday rolled out 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses saying that the new transport system will create no fewer than 20,000 jobs and boost the economy of the state and country.

Mbah revealed this in Enugu, yesterday while inaugurating the New Enugu Transport Management System, five modern bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa and Nsukka as well as the CNG buses.

He said that the projects inaugurated would spur the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of Enugu State and the country to grow to $30 billion and $1 trillion respectively within the next six years.

According to him, the projects delivered are part of the promise we made to the people to ensure world class infrastructure, which will not only uplift the economy but dignify their living standard.

The governor said that the projects would provide the people with cheaper, accessible and seamless movement as other infrastructure meant to support the projects and the new system are already in place.

“I must commend President Bola Tinubu, whose vision and wisdom to remove fuel subsidy, have led to all the projects and change to a new transport system that is based on 21st century infrastructure and service for our people.

“I will also appreciate the state’s commissioner for transport for all efforts to make these projects a reality as well as the contractors and other people that ensured their timely delivery.

“It is a reality that transport remains the central pillar of modernisation and measure of the people’s progress; thus, touching every aspect of human life and the way the people think as well,” he said.

He noted that the state would roll out 2,000 hybrid vehicles to support the air conditioned and People with Disability friendly CNG buses.

The governor said that the CNG buses would shuttle routes leading to schools and higher institutions.

“The CNG will ensure over 40 per cent reduction in household expenses on transport and will also convey residents along markets and major places along the schools/institutions routes.

“We are remodeling all bus stops within Enugu metropolis, built and rebuilt most roads within the metropolis and other major cities in the state.

“We also placed a modern transport e-ticketing process that checks leakages and manipulations.

“Few weeks ago, we launched Enugu Air; plans have reached an advanced stage on putting rail services and waterways transport while all these projects have safety and dignity of our people as their priority,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, said that the terminals inaugurated would entertain over 10 million commuters each year; while providing a place of comfort after long journeys or interval break from long journeys.

Ozor explained that each of the terminals have a fully air conditioned hall and television screens, eateries, lodging accommodation, fuel station, sunscreen covered walkways, solar powered security lights/systems and surveillance cameras.

“These projects are a clear vision of His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, to make Enugu State a model and point of reference in any modern infrastructure. We thank your excellency for insisting on quality and taste,” he said.

In a welcome address, the Chairman of Enugu North Council Area, Dr Ibenaku Onoh, thanked the governor for bringing order, aesthetics, employment and one-stop transport comfort with two terminals built in the Holy Ghost axis of Enugu.

“We quite appreciate all developmental efforts, which included: terminals, smart schools, smart type-2 primary healthcare centres, surveillance cameras and provision of security among others,” Onoh said.

Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, warned, yesterday that Israel would annex the occupied West Bank if the international community formally recognises a Palestinian state at next month’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

“You have no chance, there will be no Palestinian state,” Smotrich declared at a news conference, addressing countries planning to support Palestinian statehood at the UN.

“You will not decide from overseas what the future of the Jewish people looks like,” said Smotrich, who is known for advocating the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank—settlements deemed illegal under international law.

Speaking near the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem, he added: “If you recognise a Palestinian state in September, our response will be to assert full Israeli sovereignty over all areas of Judea and Samaria.

“Judea and Samaria” is the term used by Israel to refer to the West Bank, which it has occupied since 1967.”

Several countries, including France, Canada, and Australia, have signaled their intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the UNGA in response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

They argued such recognition could help advance the long-sought two-state solution, envisioning a peaceful coexistence between Israel and a future Palestinian state.

However, both the current Israeli government and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, have consistently rejected that vision.