Rivers

Etche LG Budgets N3.7bn For 2014

Published

12 years ago

May 12, 2014

The Chairman of Etche
Local Government Area of Rivers State, Barr Reginald Ukwuoma, has presented a budget estimates of N3.7 billion for the 2014 fiscal year.
Presenting the budget christened “Budget of Hope”, to the legislative arm of the council at Okehi, last Thursday, the chairman said the budget would strengthen the local government administration and also impact positively on the lives of the people.
Ukwuoma said the essence of the budget was to enable the council administration continue with the provision of its obligations to the people as well as provide a financial footing for the incoming local government administration and the area.
Giving the breakdown of the appropriation bill, the LG boss said the recureort expenditure would gulp N1.869.42 billion while the capital expenditure had N1.877, 179.57k adding that the recurrent expenditure represents 50.1%, while the capital expenditure represents the 50% of the total budget.
He thanked the councilors for their cooperation and support to his administration noting that the success recorded by the present leadership in the council was a function of the unity and peaceful co-existence that characterized the legislative arm and the executive since the inception of the 7th Assembly and urged them to continue to work in unity especially at this last lap of their tenure.
The council boss announced the immediate payment of their severance gratituity package to the councilors adding that the executive arm would continue to work in a harmonious relationship with the legislative arm to make life more meaningful to the people of the area.
He urged the councilors to give the bill accelerated hearing with a view to passing it in record time adding that he will be handicapped to pay staff salaries and other entitlements of workers if the budget was not approved.
Responding, the leader of the Etche Legislative Arm, Rt Hon Henry Nwekwe commended the council boss for his pragmatic leadership in the area adding that his administration had lived up to expectation.
He assured to council boss of the readiness of the legislative arm give the bill the needed attention it deserve and state that the 2014 appropriation bill would be passed on time after the councilors have carried out the expected legislative oversight on the proposed estimate.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

4 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

4 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

4 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.