Rivers
Mrs Anucha Calls For High Standards In Service Delivery
The Rivers State Head of Service (HOS), Mrs Esther Anucha has called on civil and public servants in the state to exhibit high standards of integrity in the discharge of their duties to enable government achieve its developmental objectives for the people.
Mrs Anucha made the call recently at a one-day Capacity Building Workshop organized by the State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Port Harcourt for civil and public servants.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary (Service Welfare), Mr Gogo Isong, Mrs Anucha decried the negative attitude to work displayed by public servants pointing out that the setting up of several reform projects like the anti-graft agencies and the recent publication of a book by the Rivers State Government entitled, “Doing Government Business – A code of Conduct for Public Servants”, were all aimed at raising standards in the public service.
She urged these categories of workers to acquaint themselves with the principles and virtues contained in the book and endeavour to put them into practice as to give impetus to good governance.
A one-time Secretary to the State Government, Chief Sampson Agbaru in his speech, stressed the need for strict adherence to the rules and regulations guiding the public service and the imposition of sanctions on errant public servants to serve as a deterrent to others.
Chief Agbaru also called for professionalism in the public service through regular training and re-training programmes and the need to accord civil servants recognition and respect by the political class.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Idi Farouk, represented by the State Director of NOA, Chief Andy Nweye said, the main objective of the workshop was to sensitise public officers on the need to imbibe the culture of transparency, honesty, accountability and integrity in their official conduct and to enlighten them on the dangers of corruption and abuse of office.
The workshop, which was declared open by the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Chief Anthony Egobueze, had the theme, “Raising Integrity Standards in the Public Service”.
Highpoints of the occasion were the presentation of papers by a representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Iheneacho Ikele and the State Director of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mrs Sotonye Isokariari.
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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
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