News
Taraba Govt To Train Media Personnel
The Taraba Government says it is to set aside special funds to train its media personnel on digitisation.
Its Commissioner for Information, Mr Aminu Jika, told newsmen on Saturday in Jalingo that the idea was to ensure that the workers were trained on modern media practices as characterised by digitisation.
“Our major challenge in the state’s media houses is ensuring effective transition from analogue to digital broadcast through training and getting qualified personnel on board by 2011.
“Although digitisation will ensure a quality broadcast, it does not exist in a vacuum as trained personnel will be needed to drive it.
“To this end, we have made a case to the state government to approve a special media training fund different from civil service training fund for the training of our media personnel,’’ Jika said.
He said the essence was to fast track the training of personnel in the state’s media houses and to ensure that training was not hindered by civil service bureaucracy and bottlenecks.
Jika said the state government had already put in place a target of three years to train all its media personnel.
Meanwhile, the commissioner has called on the federal government to speed up work at the NTA booster station on the Mambila Plateau to provide Nigerian signals to people living in the border area with Cameroun.
He said that Nigerians in the border area were continuously bombarded with broadcast signals from Cameroun while they had no access to signals from Nigeria.
“As a state sharing border with the Republic of Cameroon, we receive broadcast signals from that country and this to a large extent poses a challenge to Nigeria.
“This is because if our people keep receiving broadcast signals from other counties, their loyalty and commitment would diminish in no time because perceptions are shaped by information received.
“This is a big challenge to Nigeria that needs to be tackled head-on without delay.
“Although the NTA is working on the establishment of a booster station at the Mambila Plateau to broadcast signals to those at the border areas, there is a need to speed up the action.
“On our part, we are trying within our limited resources to contribute our quota to address the situation.
“We hope that by the first quarter of 2011, some of the things we have set in motion will make a difference in the situation’’ Jika said.
He said that effort was being made to ensure that signals of the state radio station became stronger within the next few months, adding that equipment had been procured to establish a television booster station in the area.
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.
-
News5 days agoNSCDC Arrests 20 Suspects For Alleged Threat To National Security
-
Health5 days ago
Police Hospital Reports More Malaria Incidence
-
Politics5 days ago
Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction Tragic, Unacceptable – Northern Govs
-
News5 days ago
Kalabaris Celebrate New Year Amid Fanfare
-
Business5 days ago‘Entrepreneurs, Not Foreign Aid Drive Nigeria’s Growth’
-
News5 days ago
FG Scraps Mother Tongue As Teaching Language In Primary Schools
-
Health5 days ago
Nch Technical Session Reviews 35 Memos …Sets Stage For Council Deliberations
-
Politics5 days agoOsun 2026: INEC Challenges Political Parties On Lawful Primaries