Rivers
Sekibo Extols Amaechi’s Commitment To Development
The Senator representing Rivers-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, has extolled the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi in the development of rural communities in the state, especially as it affects Ogu/Bolo local government area.
Senator Sekibo made the commendation Saturday, during the commissioning of Ogu civic arena, a constituency project nominated by Hon. Maureen Tamuno, member of the Rivers State legislature, representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency.
He recounted that within the short stay in office by Governor Amaechi as the state chief executive, the state has witnessed a lot of infrastructural development in areas of road constructions, building of health centres, constructions of model primary and secondary schools, among others, noting that if past administrations in the state had done a little as the present administration is doing in the state, Ogu community, he said, would be like Cotonou.
“The governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi is doing well, if it were like this in the past, Ogu and its environs would be like Cotonou,” he said.
The stated that the people of the area were impacted positively by the projects and programmes of the present administration in the state under the leadership of Governor Amaechi, adding that the people of Ogu would continue to give their support to the present government in the state.
The Senator urged the people of the area to continue to give peace a chance so that more democratic dividends could be attracted for the benefits and development of the community.
Also speaking, Hon. Maureen Tamuno, thanked Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi for approving the construction of the project as nominated in the 2009 budget.
She stated that the project was part of her electioneering promise to the people as well as to promote peace, tourism in the area.

General Manager, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr. Celestine Ogolo (centre) presenting an address during the 7th round table discussion programme on Embrace & Participate in the Amnesty Initiative for Enduring Peace & Development of the Niger Delta at National Orientation Agency, State Secretarial, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, recently, while the state chairman of NUJ, Mr. Opaka Dokubo and Assistance Director, Programme (NOA) Mrs. Doris Sperojack watch. Photo: Nwiueh Donatus Ken.
Rivers
FTAN Marks Tourism Day With March, Awards
The Rivers State Chapter of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) joined the global community to celebrate the 2025 World Tourism Day with a march through the streets of Port Harcourt, recently.
They used the opportunity to welcome the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The celebration themed “Tourism and Peace: Pathway to Sustainable Transformation,” underscored the strategic role of tourism in economic growth and social development.
Speaking at the event, the Rivers State FTAN Coordinator, Mr. Iminabo Princewill, reaffirmed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the State Government to expand the economic impact of tourism in the State.
“This year’s theme highlights how sustainable tourism can transform societies. FTAN is prepared to partner with the Rivers State Government to create long-term, impactful initiatives that will not only attract visitors, but also generate employment and preserve our cultural heritage”, Princewill said.
Highlight of the day’s event included a guided tour of SaveALife Mission Hospital, a world-class medical facility in Port Harcourt recognised for its excellence in medical tourism, which showcases Rivers State as a growing hub for healthcare-driven tourism in Nigeria and West Africa.
FTAN also presented special awards to distinguished individuals and institutions for their contributions to tourism development.
Among those awarded are the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who received the prestigious award of “Most Tourism-Friendly Governor.”
Governor Fubara was applauded for his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, cultural heritage promotion, and investor-friendly policies that enhance the tourism sector in the State.
In their various responses, the awardees expressed gratitude for the recognition accorded them, and pledged their continuous support for tourism-related projects, noting that the sector remains key to diversifying the state’s economy beyond oil and gas.
The event drew stakeholders from the hospitality industry, travel operators, cultural promoters and health tourism promoters, who were all united in showcasing Rivers State’s immense potential as a premier destination for leisure, business, and medical tourism in Nigeria.
By; Soibi Max-Alalibo
Rivers
PHCCIMA, Others Laud ‘Made In Nigeria Conferences, Exhibitions’ Organisers

The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and other stakeholders have praised the organisers of the “Made in Nigeria Conferences and Exhibitions” for their efforts and consistency in boosting the Small and Medium Enterprise (SMES) in Nigeria, as well as patronages of Nigerian Made Goods.
President of the PHCCIMA, Dr. Chinyere Woka, said this during the opening ceremony of the 15 edition of the “Made in Nigeria Conferences and Exhibitions” in Port Harcourt, stated that for 15 years the event has not only boosted the development of the SMEs sector in the country, but also encouraged young people to become enterpreneurs.
Woka, who was represented by Surveyor Emmanuel Ogbonda, particularly praised the convener of the conference, Mr. Uche Onochie, for his consistency within the past 15 years.
He said the annual conferences and exhibitions have not only showcased Nigerian products to the world, but also boosted patronage.
The PHCCIMA President also described the Small and Medium Enterprise as the pillar of economic development, stressing that the solution to the development of the Nigerian economy lies in the hands of the common people.
She also urged young people to embrace farming, saying it is the only way to go, especially in Africa and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, leaders at the conference are canvassing for investment in smart agriculture in order to attract young people.
They also called on young people to embrace farming and agriculture, saying the future of Nigeria and Africa as a whole depends on farming.
They said, “mass investment in agriculture by youths will make food available and cheaper.”
The leaders also stressed the need for Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria goods instead of depending on foreign made goods.
While declaring the conference open, it’s convener, Mr. Uche Onochie, said the future of Africa lies on smart farming and agriculture.
He said technology-driven agriculture will make farming appealing to the younger generation, describing farming as the future of Nigeria and Africa.
According to him, “technology will make food cheaper as well as help farmers to deal with less stress”, adding that “time has come for farmers to embrace technology to improve their farming.”
Onochie, who assured farmers at the event that the conference will amplify their voices, assured them of support.
He also stressed the need for young people to look inward into agriculture, and the need for investment in storage system, manpower development, and digital marketing of agricultural products.
According ro him, the theme for the conference, “Future of Technology and Agriculture”, will run for the next five years.
He also stressed the need for Nigerians to patronize made in Nigeria goods.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Maurice Ogolo, said his ministry is taking the issue of agriculture seriously, and encouraged young people to go into farming.
Other dignitaries at the event also called for introduction of technology into farming, saying that “without mechanisation of agriculture, the nation (Nigeria) will continue to experience food shortages.”
By: John Bibor, Birane Progress, & Igwe Fortune
Rivers
Eight Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs Win N2.4m In Youth Enterprise Challenge
Eight young Nigerian Entrepreneurs have won N2.4 million in a Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge competition.
The event, which held in Rivers State, was funded by the British Council in partnership with King’s Trust International, and delivered by Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (ENDIP).
The award of N2.4 million in seed funding was to eight young entrepreneurs in Rivers State under the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme (YSECP).
YSECP supports young Nigerians to develop sustainable businesses, build entrepreneurial skills, and contribute to local economic growth.
Each winner received ¦ 300,000 to scale their business ideas following a competitive pitch process.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director, ENDIP, Mrs. Lilian Ari, said the organisation has in the past 25 years stayed true to its vision of developing 10,000 enterprises capable of generating 30,000 jobs in the country by 2030.
“Our mission has been simple but powerful: to give young people the tools, training, mentorship, finance and network they need to turn ideas into thriving businesses.
“From vocational skills to business incubation, from micro credit to venture equity, we have walked this journey with thousands of young people and today we celebrate the next generation of change makers”, Mrs. Ari said.
She also stressed the need for multinational corporations operating in the region, including oil companies, Banks and others, to develop the entrepreneurial skills of the youth.
The Tide learnt that each of the eight winners will get a sum of N300,000 each.
Speaking with newsmen, the Director Programmes, British Council, Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, said the organisation in conjunction with the King’s Trust International has been making efforts to develop the entrepreneurial skills of young Nigerians.
He said the programme was to create opportunities for the participants to develop skills that will be useful to them.
Onyemerela, who described Nigeria as a vast country with unlimited resources, also stressed the need for corporate organisations and governments to invest in skills development of young people in the country.
He said by doing this, insecurity and other social vices will be checked in the country.
He also urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunities to improve themselves and the society.
Onyemerela, who was the guest of honour at the occasion, noted that the British Council has organised similar programmes in Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Owerri, and other parts of the country.
According to him, the participants will be assisted through mentoring and other support programmes to enable them nurture their skills.
Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman, Joint Association of Persons With Disabilities, Enugu State Chapter, Mr. Onyebuchi Mba, said majority of the members of the Association in Enugu State have benefited from the programme, adding that it was the reason he was in Port Harcourt to show solidarity with them.
He said partnership between the British Council, King’s Trust International, and ENDIP has established a sustainable development ideology that should be appreciated by all concerned.
Also speaking, some of the participants and winners of the final business pitch and grant awards, expressed excitement over the programme and pledged to make judicious use of their money.
By; John Bibor
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