News
RSG Wants Govt Media To Be Competitive
The Rivers State Government has charged state media organs to de-emphasise the use of government stories and pictures on the outside pages of the newspapers and as major news on radio and television stations and strive to compete with the independent and privately-owned media in the state and the country at large.
Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who threw the challenge last Friday at a Dinner/Award night at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, organised by the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as part of its 2009 Press Week, said government was not interested in the use of stories emanating from its activities as a priority.
The governor, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, said a situation where state media organizations splashed four to five stories emanating from activities of the governor on front and back pages with related pictures or used government stories as major news on radio and television had made them boring sources of information for majority of the reading, listening and viewing public.
Mrs Semenitari stressed that the over reliance of the state media organs on government stories had seemingly narrowed the vision of most reporters in the government media, thereby making it difficult for them to undertake investigative and developmental journalism.
She regretted that most of the stories in the state media lacked depth, intellectual dexterity and purposefulness, emphasising that the dependence on stereotypes was neither enhancing their capacity to inform nor educate the people.
Semenitari noted that in a highly competitive environment, it was meaningless and unprofitable for government media organs to concentrate on use of unworthy government stories, adding that while stories with high public interest potentials should be given prominence, those that were likely to put off the greater majority of readers, listeners and viewers should be played down in order to be commercially viable.
The commissioner pointed out that the government was committed to restructuring, repositioning and adequately funding the state-owned media in order for them to break even and compete with the private media establishments in stories for stories, advertisements for advertisements, saying that government as a business-man would commensurate returns on its investments, and therefore would not tolerate unproductive, indolent and lazy staff in the affected media organizations.
Earlier, chairman of Rivers State Council of NUJ, Mr Opaka Dokubo, had said journalists reflect, take stock and unwind, while also rewarding deserving members and past leaders as well as the state governor for his courage, exemplary leadership and transparency in governance.
Also speaking, Sen. Benneth Birabi tasked journalists to see themselves as mirrors of society, be constructive in their criticisms and strive to avoid yellow journalism, and commended the leadership of the NUJ in the state for putting together such an all-embracing programme for its members.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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