Rivers
Rivers Opens Tenders For New Fire Stations
The Rivers State Government has opened tenders for the construction of fire service stations in some locations in the state.
Areas where the stations will be sited include; Degema and Rumuodumanya while tenders were also opened for the rebuilding of the Ahoada and Borokiri service stations.
Declaring the event opened Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the state commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikonya said that the event was in line with the Rivers State Public Procurement Law.
Chief Ikanya said that the state put the law in place to ensure transparency and due process, stressing that, the ministry has been dully guided by the law.
In his words; “The Ministry’s Tender Board constituted within the context of the enabling law, has worked assiduously to make this occasion a reality.”
“We have all gathered here today for one purpose which is basically to open the sealed bids received in response to the advertisement before all of us who gathered here”.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Tony Wokekoro, said that lowest biding will not be considered the condition for the award of the contract as all conditions specified in the Advertorial must be fulfilled.
In their separate responses, Chief A.P. Igwe and Engr. Marcus Oriji both contractors commended the ministry for the transparent process in which the exercise was conducted.
Rivers
IAUE Governing Council Chair Assures On Mandate Delivery


Rivers
World Food Day: Farmers Urge Collaboration For Improved Productivity


Rivers
PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
-
Rivers4 days ago
World Food Day: Farmers Urge Collaboration For Improved Productivity
-
Nation4 days ago
MOSIEND Hails Benibo Anabraba Appointment As Rivers SSG
-
Rivers4 days ago
IAUE Governing Council Chair Assures On Mandate Delivery
-
Featured4 days ago
Fubara Tasks New SSG On Honour, Service, Protection Of Rivers Interest
-
Opinion4 days ago
Dangers Of Unchecked Growth, Ambition
-
Editorial4 days ago
Making Rivers’ Seaports Work
-
News4 days ago
RSG Cancels ?134BN Secretariat Contract, Orders Refund Of ?20BN Mobilisation … Revalidates Four Projects
-
Opinion4 days ago
Betrayal: Vice Of Indelible Scar