News
RSG Commissions The Tide Rotary Machine …RSBC Digital OB Van, Too
The Goss Rotary Machine of The Tide Newspaper Corporation, commissioned in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The out-going administration of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has fulfilled its promise of reviving the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC) following the commissioning of a state-of –the art Goss Community Rotary machine for the Corporation by the government, yesterday.
The machine, described as one of the best in the world, is expected to print 35,000 copies of The Tide Newspaper per hour.
The Head of Department, Mass Communication, Rivers State University of Science and technology (RSUST), Dr. Godwin B. Okon who said this while commissioning the facility in Port Harcourt, described the achievements as part of the enviable track record of Governor Amaechi in the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria.
Okon also said that the new machine will take The Tide to a higher level in the printing industry as well as bridge the gap between the government and the people in information dissemination.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, said that contract for the procurement of the machine was awarded to the most competent contractor by the government.
Semenitari, who described the ceremony as a dream come true, described the governor as a stickler for to due process, adding that Governor Amaechi has never been involved in the contracting process.
The Commissioner also said that the machine was top of its class, adding that with the facility the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation would have no rival in the printing industry East of the Niger.
She stressed the need for staff of the corporation to use the opportunity to make both the state government and the people proud by putting the machine into maximum use.
The Managing Partner, Images and Media Associates Limited, Mr. Chituga Clement Chuku said that the Goss Community Rotary machine, which is one of the best in the world, will churn out 35,000 copies per hour of The Tide Newspapers.
Chuku also said that Rivers State Newspaper Corporation has been placed in a favourable position to compete with other national dailies in the printing industry in Nigeria.
Earlier, the General Manager of the Corporation, Mr. Celestine Ogolo had said that the ceremony marks the end of turbulent era in the corporation as the issue of Rotary machine for The Tide dates back to 1999.
Ogolo also said that The Tide was now properly positioned to assert itself as the pride and authoritative voice of the Niger Delta.
While commending the government for the gesture, he said that the corporation will reciprocate with a good measure of performance to satisfy the huge investment
of the government in the corporation.
Highlights of the commissioning was the cutting of tape, unveiling of the plaque and the printing of first copies of The Tide Newspaper from the new machine.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has commissioned a brand new digital Outside Broadcast Van (OBV) and other studio equipment at the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation (RSBC), popularly known as Radio Rivers.
Performing the commissioning ceremony at the premises of the corporation, the first female Commissioner in Old Rivers State, Her Royal Majesty, Dr. Constance Sarowiyo, who represented the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, said she was highly impressed with Governor Amaechi’s developmental strides in Rivers State.
Sarowiyo tasked the management of RSBC on the judicious utilization of the equipment, and pointed out that Amaechi’s developmental strides would not be erased in the next 50 years.
Taneh Beemene, Enoch Epelle, Benice Iraguruima &Gift Mercy
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi