News

Ikuru Urges Proper Engineers Use

Published

14 years ago

April 13, 2012

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, says Nigeria’s progress in terms of infrastructural development lies in the proper utilization of qualified engineers in critical sectors of the economy.

Engr. Ikuru said this yesterday when the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Port Harcourt Branch, led by its Chairman, Engr. Dennis Dania visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt.

“If this country wants to move forward we need to begin to focus on engineers and properly engage them, “Engr. Ikuru, who is also a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) said, stressing that the contribution of engineers is critical to national development, declaring that “it is time for the leadership of this country to focus on engineers, to put engineers where there should be engineers”.

Regretting that the power sector is still in the doldrums, the state Deputy Governor observed that “we can’t get power right in this country until we put square pegs in square holes,” calling on stakeholders to ensure the right thing is done and the right personnel utilized in the power sector.

He stressed the need for engineers to update their knowledge continuously in order to remain relevant in their profession, urging engineers in the State to contribute positively towards the building of the NSE’s proposed Engineering Resource Centre in Port Harcourt, expressing optimism that it would enhance their capacity to deliver on their jobs.

Earlier, Engr. Dania, who is also the Head Engineer, Federal Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development, Rivers State Office, expressed delight at the infrastructural revolution in the State, especially in the education sector, saying “I am pleased with what the Rivers State Governor, for the contributions to the Governor Amaechi led administration in the state.

He congratulated Engr. Ikuru on his appointment as the South/South representative on the Board of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), noting that “it is a great achievement to represent the South/South on the Board of COREN”, appreciating his efforts at repositioning the Port Harcourt branch of NSE, while commending his commitment to professionalism.

In a related development, the Rivers Sate Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, says the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is poised to ensuring that engineering practice in the country is standardized.

Engr. Ikuru said this yesterday while presenting a Communique on the outcome of a Meeting of Chief Inspectors of COREN, South/South. In Government House. Port Harcourt.

The State Deputy governor, who is also the Chairman, South/South Zone of COREN disclosed that this was part of the decisions reached at the meeting, decrying the anamlies associated with engineering practice in the country, stated that “this is both a proactive measure to standardize engineering practice and also a reaction to the sad incidences of collapsed buildings across the nation.”

“COREN will henceforth commence the process of regulating engineering practice in the South/South and ensure our presence is felt by companies industries and organizations Engr. Ikuru declared adding “we solicit the cooperation of engineering establishments and engineers to make it work easy.”

Engr. Ikuru who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) stressed that “we want to ensure that companies engage engineers who are qualified, registered and authorized to practice in the country,” noting that “it is when we ensure that the right people are doing engineering work in the country that we can ensure that development is assured and properly done.”

Also speaking, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Rivers Stat University of Science and Technology (RSUST) and Chairman Engineering Regulation and Management COREN South/South. Professor Howells Hart, disclosed that COREN is working in tandem with tertiary institutions in the country and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to streamline curriculum content, staff and facilities in ternary institutions across the country to ensure that quality engineering graduates are produced.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

3 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor