News
Govt Denies Boko Haram’s Presence In Rivers …As IPSA Training Begins, Today
Th Rivers State Government has debunked the claim by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika that fundamentalist Islamic Sect Boko Haram is spreading to some states including the Rivers State.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha disclosed this to newsmen while reacting to news report credited to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika that the sect has spread its activities to Rivers State.
The Army boss in a presentation he made before the 20-member Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters set up to investigate the alleged extra judicial killings of eight persons who were suspected of being members of Boko Haram members in the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja said he has convincing intelligence that Boko Haram operate in the state.
Okocha stated that it was untrue that Boko Haram has spread its activities to Rivers State adding that there is no evidence to show the presence of the sect in the state.
He said such report was a ploy to heighten military operations in the state ahead of the general election in the state.
According to him, “despite lapses on the Rivers State Police Command, to curtail increase in criminal activities as a result of its dereliction of duty and involvement in partisan politics, the state is yet to receive any report of Boko Haram’s activities in any part of the state.
He urged the Military Formation to make its finding public and not to jeopardize the relative peace in the state.
Chief Okocha equally enjoined the investing public to disregard any negative report capable of classifying the state as a security risk or operational base of Boko Haram Sect.
Meanwhile, as part of government effort on the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) for Rivers State, a two week training programme for Heads of Accounts in Government, Parastatals and agencies will begin on Monday December 2nd and Friday December 13th 2013.
This is another noble step by the administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to entrench accountability in public service.
The Commissioner of Finance Dr. Chamberlain Peterside said that IPSAS focuses on the accounting, auditing and financial reporting needs of national, states and local government and related agencies.
According to him, IPSAS emphasises the role of technology in accounting and budgeting as well as helps to improve financial reporting, transparency whilst delivering the dividends of democratic government.
Addressing newsmen in his office recently, Peterside reiterated the tremendous benefits of this training programme towards a seamless transition to accrual method of accounting based on international best practices in Rivers State.
He appealed to nominated attendees and participants to prepare for the training as scheduled with the first batch starting on December 2nd to December 6th while the second batch will be from December 9th 13th at Tinapa Resort in Cross River state.
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.
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