Rivers

Rivers: Okada Riders Get Reflective Vests, ID Cards

Published

16 years ago

July 1, 2009

The Rivers State Government has charged commercial motorcycle operators in nineteen local government areas of the State and parts of Eleme and Oyigbo council areas where their operation has not been banned to cue into the transport reform programmes of the present administration for their good.

Speaking at the launch of a new regime of commercial motorcycle operators’ reflective vest, identification card and crash helmets at Isiokpo, headquarters of Ikwerre local government area, the state, Transport Commissioner, Mr. George Tolofari, explained that the launch was part of government’s plan to improve the security of lives and properties in parts of the state where okada business was still operational.

Hon. Tolofari expressed appreciation to the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Chris Oruge for uniting commercial motorcycle operators in the State under the National Union of Road Transport Workers, stressing that with the present unity of purpose government could partner with them to make okada business more profitable and security-oriented.

The commissioner, who said that both the Rivers State Commercial Motorcycle Operators Law No. 5 of 2001 and the Rivers State Road Traffic Law No. 8 of 2003 had remained moribund ever since they were enacted into law, stated that the present administration was determined to enforce the laws not as a witch hunt but for the improvement of the transport sub sector in the state.

According to him, commercial motorcycle operators in the affected council areas who would readily buy into the new reflective vest, crash helmet and identification cards regime would not only save themselves, and their families from unwarranted pains and loss of lives, but would also not have any hard times in the hands of law enforcement agents as it affects the enforcement of the safety kits.

Hon. Tolofari, who expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Kerian Wobodo for his impressive hosting of the launch, appealed to the area police commands and federal road safety commission units across the affected council areas to join efforts to see that commercial motorcycle operators use the kits in line with government position on safety and relevant legislations.

The commissioner used the opportunity to announce government’s commitment to empower indigenous okada riders who were affected by the state government ban on commercial motorcycle business through the Skye Bank Taxi Scheme and appealed that when the taxis are given to them, it should be used to improve their living standards.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Mr. Kerian Wobodo, thanked the state ministry of transport for its determination to ensure that the Okada and Rivers State Road Traffic Laws are implemented in order to realise set objectives in the transport sub-sector in the state, adding that they should always carry one passenger as required by law.

Mr. Wobodo appealed to commercial motorcycle operators in the council areas where their operation has not been banned to appreciate the use of the reflective vest, crash helmet and identification card for their well being and improvement of security in the state.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Transport, Prince Vincent Atako, applauded the new vest, identification card and crash helmet initiative, saying that the development was a government gesture that commercial motorcycle should take advantage of to improve their operations for their good and that of commuters.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the NURTW, Okada branch, Chief S.O. Chukwu, had expressed their commitment to the transport reforms of the state government and assured of the willingness of their members to abide by the government new vest ID card and crash helmet regime to give their operations a better corporate image.

Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry (right) welcoming Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey, Archibisshop of Niger Delta Province and Bishop of Niger Delta North Diocese during the latter’s visit to the Assembly penultimate Monday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Rivers

Technology Key to Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Development, Says Computer Scientist

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

Dr. Legborsi Emmanuel, former state Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), has emphasized that technology is the sure way for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

He made this assertion while speaking with newsmen at the sideline of 118th inaugural lecture series of Rivers State University (RSU) held in port Harcourt, wednesday.

He stressed that the lecture, which focused on emerging technology and its impact on the socio-economic development of the country, aligns with the NCS’s economic focus.

He highlighted the importance of building an economy driven by technology, citing the success of the Rivers State Smart Economy policy as an example.

The computer scientist emphasized the need for innovation and doing things differently, asserting that “technology is the only way out” for Nigeria’s development. He praised the lecturer, Professor Mathias Daniel, for exploring the applications of technology in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, transport, and socio-economics.

Dr. Emmanuel underscores the critical role technology plays in driving socio-economic growth and development in Nigeria by leveraging technology, the country can unlock new opportunities and address pressing challenges.

Akujobi Amadi

City Crime

Association Raises Alarm Over Increasing Migration Of Young Pharmacists Abroad

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the growing shortage of academic pharmacists in the country.

National Chairperson of NAPA, Prof. Catherine Stanley, made the appeal during the opening of the 23rd Annual National Scientific Conference of NAPA, held at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), midweek.

The event had as its theme: “Pharmacy Practice in the New Global Economy: Education, Technology and Collaborations”.

Stanley attributed the shortage of pharmacists to increasing migration of young professionals to Europe and North America in search of better opportunities.

She described pharmacists in academia as “an endangered species”, citing their migration to foreign countries and the lack of replacements for retirees and deceased colleagues.

“There is an acute shortage of needed manpower in critical sectors of pharmacy education. This trend should not be allowed to continue”, she pleaded.

Stanley urged the government to prioritise the welfare of academic pharmacists to ensure sustainability in pharmaceutical education and research.

According to her, the current situation poses a threat to the future of pharmacy training and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

In a keynote address, Prof. Charles Esimone, a former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Enugu, attributed the dearth of pharmacists to new global challenges confronting the profession.

Discussing the theme of the conference, Esimone noted that the world was more interconnected than ever, and blamed globalisation for some of the difficulties facing the education sector.

He stressed the need to balance local requirements with a global outlook.

“This realisation has fuelled a push towards purposeful best practices in curriculum development, faculty exchanges, and addressing regulatory issues across borders.

“Our curricula must train pharmacists to be effective both locally and globally, ably to understand local health traditions while applying international standards”, he said.

Esimone explained that the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and other global bodies have been working on developing a Global Competency Framework to harmonise pharmacist training worldwide.

He said the goal was to align education with the competences required to deliver essential services in any country.

He also highlighted the impact of advances in technology, which are revolutionising every aspect of pharmacy practice from dispensing processes to patient counselling, noting that the pace of change was accelerating.

“Pharmacists have increasingly embraced digital health tools, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their services.

“However, technology in pharmacy is a double-edged sword, it can greatly enhance our practice, but must be wielded with care”, he warned.

On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, called on pharmacists in the academia to adopt practical and innovative approaches that would transform pharmacy education and practice in Nigeria.

Represented by the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Chukwudi Onyeasor, Georgewill urged practitioners to move beyond theoretical discourse, embrace technology, strengthen collaborations, and align pharmacy with global standards.

“This is necessary to produce professionals who are equipped to serve a rapidly evolving healthcare system”, he concluded.

The Tide reports that the conference brought together pharmacists, researchers, educators, and policymakers from across the country to discuss innovations and strategies for advancing pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Ikwerre Traditional Rulers Urge Council Chairmen On Unity, Development

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognised Traditional Rulers has advised the chairmen of the four Ikwerre-speaking Local Government Areas in the State to embrace unity, collaboration, and community-centred governance as the basis for sustainable development across the region.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman and Secretary of the body on behalf of the forum, the Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom (Eze Woji XII), HM Prof. Leslie N. Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, and Nye Nwe Ali Omerelu, HRH, Eze (Engr.) Ben O. Ugo, Elumoha VIII, respectively, at the end of its monthly meeting held at Atali, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Saturday.

The Forum, in the statement, said it was compelled to address the need for synergy between political leadership and traditional institutions in Ikwerre land.

It specifically addressed the chairmen of Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Ikwerre, and Emohua Local Government Areas, urging them to pursue policies that reflect the collective interest of the Ikwerre people.

“It is no longer acceptable for each council chairman to operate in isolation. We are one people, with shared history, culture, and destiny. Our political leaders must not forget that their strength lies in unity”, the statement read.

The royal fathers expressed concern over what they called “political fragmentation” among Ikwerre leaders, warning that failure to close ranks could hinder future development initiatives and diminish the influence of the Ikwerre ethnic group in the state’s political landscape.

They also called for regular inter-council meetings to harmonise development strategies, share best practices, and address cross-boundary issues such as insecurity, youth restiveness, and infrastructural decay.

The Forum further cautioned the chairmen against sidelining traditional rulers in the administration of grassroots affairs, noting that many local councils were taking major community decisions without due consultation.

“Traditional rulers are not political spectators. We are custodians of our people’s values and should be engaged on issues that affect our communities”, the Forum stressed.

The monarchs urged the council bosses to invest more in youth empowerment, skill acquisition, and educational programmes to reduce unemployment and the lure of criminal activities among young people in the area.

They decried the increasing rate of cult-related violence, drug abuse, and communal clashes in parts of Ikwerre land, calling for joint security task forces supported by the local councils in collaboration with traditional institutions.

“Security cannot be left to the state government alone. The councils must take the lead in creating safe environments for commerce, learning, and peaceful living”, the statement noted.

In addition, the Forum advised against the politicisation of development projects, warning that no community should be denied infrastructural development due to perceived political affiliations or past voting patterns.

“The mandate of the council chairmen is to serve all constituents without discrimination. The people are watching, and posterity will judge”, it stated.

The Forum also proposed the institution of an annual “Ikwerre Unity and Development Summit” to bring together traditional rulers, elected officials, youth leaders, women groups, and civil society organisations to chart a common course for the ethnic nation.

While congratulating the chairmen over their electoral victory, the traditional rulers reaffirmed their commitment to working with them and the State Government to promote peace, cultural preservation, and inclusive development in Ikwerre land.

King Onunwor