News

NGE Inducts 28 New Members …Re-Elects Adesina As President

Published

11 years ago

April 27, 2015

Mr Nelson Chukwudi of The Tide Newspapers and Paul Damgbo of Rivers State Television (RSTV) were among 28 new members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) inducted last Saturday into the elite club of Editors in the country, with a charge to comply with the Code of Ethics of the Journalism Profession and the Constitution of the NGE while ensuring absolute respect for rights and privileges of Nigerians in the discharge of their sacred duties.
Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Bonnie Iwuoha, who gave the charge while performing the induction of the new members at a dinner/gala to mark the end of the 2015 Biennial Convention of the NGE in Lagos, last Saturday, admonished the new inductees to exhibit high sense of integrity and professionalism in the management of their various media organisations, just as he warned that the Guild would not take likely to any member who, by his or her conduct, brings the reputation of Nigerian Editors into disrepute.
Iwuoha reminded the new NGE members that their induction at a critical time of transition in the nation’s democratic experiment, demands that they bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in contributing to the promotion and sustenance of the nation’s democracy, and urged them to open new windows of interaction to improve relations with their older colleagues to ensure harmony and growth of the Guild.
The 28 new members, who swore oath of allegiance to the Guild as part of the induction, were given certificates of membership and a copy of the NGE Constitution each.
Earlier, Mr Femi Adeshina was on Saturday re-elected unopposed as the president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE.
Adeshina, along with some executive members of the association, were returned unopposed during the 2015 Biennial Convention of the NGE held in Lagos at the weekend.
The other executive members re-elected were Garbadeen Mohammed as deputy president, Mr Suleiman Gaya, as vice president North, Mr Victor Agusiobo, as vice president East and Mr Steve Ayorinde as vice president West.
Others are, Asst. General Secretary, Mrs Mary Atolagbe; Treasurer, Mr Ogbang Akwaji and Social and Publicity Secretary, Mrs Funke Egbemode.
However, the post of national secretary was contested for by Mrs Victoria Ibanga and Mr Mustapha Isah.
Ibanga won the position with115 votes against Isah’s 103 votes.
A Deputy Editor-in-Chief with the News Agency of Nigeria, Malam Sani Adamu and Fred Fabor of Bayesa Broadcasting Service were among the seven persons who won membership of the Guild’s Standing Committee.
At the opening ceremony, President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, in a goodwill message, lauded the media for its roles in facilitating Nigeria peaceful and credible elections.
Represented by Vice President-elect, Porf Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari said that any meeting of the Guild of Editors was very important because of the role Editors play in nation-building.
He charged the media to monitor the activities of his incoming administration to ensure sustainable democracy.
Ex-information Minister, Tony Momoh stated that any editor who compromises in discharging his or her duties was a disgrace to journalism, and challenged editors to monitor the performance of government officials at all levels in line with their statutory obligations
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State urged editors in the country to set agenda for political discussions that would guide future election campaigns.
Fashola, while receiving executive members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in his Alausa office, said future elections would be more peaceful and free of tension, if they are actually focused on national burning issues.
The governor said that with issues-oriented campaigns and elections, even children would freely participate in future election campaigns and town hall meetings.
Reminiscing on the last general elections, Fashola said year 2014 and the last few months were quite eventful for the country, given the election threats and tension that engulfed the whole country.
According to Fashola, “Though, there is no nation without conflicts, but I think in all that has happened, one thing was missing in this election; we didn’t see our children there.
“One question I’ve continued to ask myself is that if this is about the future, why do our children not come to the campaigns or the town hall meetings?
“Why don’t we have sessions where school children on excursion begin to get involved? How many parents can allow the children to come, given the atmosphere that we’ve created? Yet, we say this is about tomorrow.
“This is one of the issues we all must reflect on, and I hope that it will manifest itself even in your relations.
“You (editors) know better than all of us what the issues are. And we expect that you will tackle, as well as confine the candidates who are seeking to lead and see who best articulates the issues,” he said.
The governor said that he disagreed with popular school of thought that argued during the election that there was no difference among the contending parties.
“I disagree with that and vehemently so. I can argue for a whole year and give you 101 reasons why the parties are different.
“I hear some people say that ‘nobody is talking about issues’. But security was an issue, corruption, economy were all issues. What do we want to talk about again, if those ones are not issues?
“So, we need to raise the bar in political discussion in order to douse the tension, which has been about people who really don’t want political discussions to be about issues.
“The British election is coming and all the parties have released their manifestos. So, the public are now looking at who has the best plans to reduce the debt because the issue in that election is economic.
“We must also begin to put issues forward and nobody can set the agenda for discussion better than you (editors) because you decide what goes into the news,” he said.
The President of the Guild, Mr Femi Adesina, earlier said that the 14-man Executive Committee team had come on a courtesy visit ahead of their Biennial Convention, which begins today in Lagos.
Adesina said that three of such conventions had held in Lagos in the last six years, “which confirms the State government’s affinity with the press.”
He appreciated Fashola’s contributions to the state and said that he would be sorely missed.
The NGE president said that Fashola had always been with the Guild at its conventions, either in person or represented, and thanked him for his support.

News

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

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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 days 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