Rivers
Commissioner Lists Importance Of Debts Management
Rivers State Commissioner for Finance, Dr Chamberlain Peterside, has said that effective debt management is key to adequate planning of the economy of any nation.
The commissioner who made the assertion, on Monday, shortly after declaring open a two week debt management training for 20 accountants in the state, noted that for effective planning, it was imperative for every state to know its debt status.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr George Nwaeke Peterside, he noted that the reason for the training was to ensure that the state kept abreast with debt management strategies and knowing how much it owes.
“In fact the essence of this training is to know how to effectively manage debts and also know how much the state was owing, pointing out that it was important to know how much you owe before incurring another debt.
He explained that it was not late to start the programme, because there is no particular time to plan, noting that the most significant thing now was that we know our debt profile.
He warned that any Ministry and parastatal that did not make its debt status known would bear the burden of repaying such debt.
The Permanent Secretary urged the facilitators of the programme (Debt Management Officers) to put in their best to ensure that the programme achieved its purpose. Earlier, the Accountant-General of the State, Sir Ngozi Abu, said that the present administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was transparent and accountable to the people.
“This government is open to everybody, that is why we are making sure that every money owed is made public”, Abu said.
He used the forum to advise the participants to take the training seriously so that the state would have the required crop of professionals.
Tonye Orabere
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
-
News4 days ago
Fubara Reassures Rivers People Of Completion Of PH Ring Road Project
-
Rivers5 days ago
World Food Day: Farmers Urge Collaboration For Improved Productivity
-
Nation4 days ago
MOSIEND Hails Benibo Anabraba Appointment As Rivers SSG
-
Rivers5 days ago
IAUE Governing Council Chair Assures On Mandate Delivery
-
Featured4 days ago
Fubara Tasks New SSG On Honour, Service, Protection Of Rivers Interest
-
Opinion5 days ago
Dangers Of Unchecked Growth, Ambition
-
Editorial5 days ago
Making Rivers’ Seaports Work
-
News4 days ago
RSG Cancels ?134BN Secretariat Contract, Orders Refund Of ?20BN Mobilisation … Revalidates Four Projects