News
Prices Of Goods, Services Soar In PH
Barely a day to Christmas the Christians celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Price of various goods and services have risen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This is the observation of The Tide reporters who went round major markets, motor parks and shopping malls within the Port Harcourt city.
A meat seller at Mile 1 Market, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Mr. Ndifereke said that goat sold at N15,000 before the Yuletide now goes for N22,000 while goat head sold at the rate of N500 is now N1,000 indicating a 50 per cent increase in price.
Ndifereke attributed the increment to the general economic crisis in the country as well as the transportation of most agricultural products from the far North.
“You know, the Hausas are in change of cattles, goats, yam, tomatoes, onions, pepper etc. We have to go there, buy them and them transport them at high costs down here.
So, at the end, the price would just climb up.” Mr. Ndifereke said.
He expressed displeasure over rising rate of Youth Unemployment in Nigeria, noting that many youths have taken to such negative vices as armed robbery and kidnapping as a result of frustration occasioned by the worsening economic situation in the country. He observed that even those into private enterprise are not better off either because of enormous expenditure which leaves them with little or no gains at the end of the day.
Also speaking, a trader, Mr. U.D. Fred was not happy with the rising cost of major commodities especially rise but said the minimal price increase recorded 50 depended on the quality of the commodity.
Mrs. Judith Gwaziem, a trader in Port Harcourt Market observed that a basket of tomatoes which sold at N5,000 now goes for between N9,500 – N10,000 depending on the bargaining power of the buyer. Also, a basket of onions formerly at N15,000 now sells at N35,000 while a bag of pepper sold before at N7,000 now goes for N12,000. She attributed the increment to flooding which beverly affected the seedlings earlier in the year, adding that despite these changes in price, the buyers are still insisting on the old price.
Mrs Gwaziem, however appealed to the state government to encourage the youths to venture into the lucrative field of agriculture by providing the enabling environment and farm inputs, implements and subsidies. She identified agriculture as very important and necessary to the growth and development of any nation and Nigeria, she said, should not be an exception.
Mr. Obodo a poultry dealer and Mrs. Thereza Obamanu, a yam trader also bared their minds on the increment in the price of commodities during the yuletide. While Mr. Obodo said many people now price of the latter, Mrs. Obamanu noted that before Christmas, 100 tubers of yam sold at N15,000 at the rate of N150 each by now sold at N25,000 at the rate of N250 each. The reason, she said, is due to rising cost of transporting yam from the North to the destinations.
A garri seller, Miss Ruth Fabake observed that the season has not affected the price of the commodity as it does not constitute a major staple food during the celebration. The same goes for oil (palm oil and groundnut oil) whose sellers said are yet to record any price increment.
In major motor parks visited by our reporters, it was gathered that while transportation fares have increased in some routes, others remain largely unaffected. For instance, from Port Harcourt to Aba in Abia State that was N400 before the beginning of the season is now N500 while Port Harcourt to Calabar and Bayelsa remain the same.
All the traders and service providers who spoke to our reporters appealed to the government to consider the poor masses in their various policies and programmes. They are however optimistic that the 2011. General Elections would be free and fair towards bringing the needed change in the country to better the lots of Nigerians.
Ozibo Ozibo/Kelechi Awulohya/Esther Ihekoromadu
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol