Rivers

Experts Urge Greater Investment In Theatre

Published

11 years ago

March 31, 2014

The Theatre Arts Industry has
been described as a prospective and profitable discipline and a platform for promoting cultural values and national integration.
Experts in the industry wh spoke at the 2014 edition of the World Theatre Day organised by the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture in conjunction with Street Pings Entertainment in Port Harcourt, said investment in the sector would enhance professionalism and boost the production by the practitioners.
A university Don, and Theatre Arts, Practitioner, Prof Henry Belgam, who delivered a special lecture at the event, said the theatre had played a critical role in the promotion of Nigeira’s unity through the works of celebrated playwright, like John Pepper Clark, Elechi Amadi, Prof Wole Soyinka, among others.
Prof Belgam, who is also the Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Port Harcourt, said the theme of the 2014 edition of the World Theatre Day; “The Power Of The Theatre To Strengthen Cultural Exchange And Mutual Understanding Across Borders,” was apt and called for an overhaul of the theatre in Rivers State and Nigeria in general.
The university don, emphasised that theatre arts programmes should be entrepreneur-based to boost self employment, and added that young Theatre Arts graduates should be encouraged to stage plays against corruption, cultism and other vices.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture, Chief Deede Baede, said the event was unique as it was the maiden edition since the establishment of the premier council for arts and culture in the state.
The director appealed to the Rivers State government and other stakeholders in the state to invest in the development of the theatre to complement other related sectors to achieve holistic development.
He expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi, for building a new State of the arts facility for the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture.
In her remark, the Rivers State Chapter Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union, RATAWU, Mrs Opakrite Erekosima, tasked theatre arts practitioners on professionalism and stated that the future of the theatre depended on indepth commitment to excellence.
Highlights of the event was arts exhibition and the presentation of awards to veterans in the theatre arts industry, such as Elechi Amadi, Pioneer Executive Director of the State Arts Council, Chief Uriel O. Paul Worika, Prof Henry Belgam and the immediate past Executive Director, Mr Arthur Willie Pepple.

Taneh Beemene

President, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, Rtn Chidi Ikeji (middle), presenting hospital equipment to the Hospital Administrator Rev Fr. Noel Nalelo (2nd right) in Port Harcourt recently. With them are Medical Director of the hospital, Rev Sister Vivien Okereke and District Governor nominee of the Club, Rtn Ijeoma P. Okoro (2nd left).

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

19 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

20 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

20 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor