Rivers
Garden City Radio Trains 200 Youths
As part of its Corporate So
cial Responsibilities, the Management of Garden City Radio, 89.9 FM Port Harcourt organized a one-day skills workshop for youths in Rivers State.
Addressing over 200 participants at the workshop which took place at knowledge Development centre, Waterlines Port Harcourt, the General Maanger of Garden City Raido, Mr Dagogo Ezekiel-Hart, said the programme was intended to sensitise youth to cope with the challenges of a knowledge driven society.
The General Maanger emphasized the need for youths to acquaint themselves with useful information on how to access existing job as well as boost their sence of creativity in economic development.
He called on the participants to avail themselves with the opportunities provided to set values for themselves and raise their standards for development.
He pointed out that “a socirty without standards was on a fast tract to nowhere,” and tasked youths to be cutting edges for the desired change in the society.
In his lecture, one of the resource persons, Mr Chuks Choju said most youths cannot attain available jobs because of ignorance, and stressed the need for youths to build their capacity for growth through effective mentorship.
He also said that youth should discover that inherent potentials through diligence to ake them useful to themselves and the society.
Mr Kalada Apiafi, who spoke on the Topic: “Getting your CV and Applications right,” said most youths lose available jobs because of lack of preparations for interviews.
A representative of one of the partners of the programme, ETC, Corporate and Media Concepts, Mr Abiola Abimbola, said the programme was committed to the objectives of preparing the youths one how to add value to themselves and play active role in the process of economic development.
The Regional Trade Marketing Manager, of MTN, Sochi Okereke who spoke with our correspondent said the organization was in partnership with Garden City to articulate its averred commitment to yoth development as a corporate policy.
Taneh Beemene
Rivers
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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