News
RSG Presents NUJ Secretariat Keys To Union …To Review Posting Policies For NYSC
The Rivers State Government yesterday handed over the keys of the ultra-modern Ernest Ikoli Press Centre to the new executive of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) barely 34 days after the official commissioning of the building.
The secretariat was commissioned by the immediate past Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the 27th of May, 2015 amid fanfare and celebrations from journalists in the state.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Sam Woka, who performed the handover ceremony on behalf of the state government, explained that the ceremony had to be delayed to protect the edifice from being vandalised by hoodlums following perceived crisis in the union.
Woka, who expressed the hope that journalists in the state, will get access to the secretariat in the next few weeks, also stressed the need for proper maintenance of the facilities at the press centre.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary has assured of the state government’s readiness to work with journalists to improve access to government information in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the new executive of the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in his office in Port Harcourt, yesterday, he said that government will continue to insist in responsible journalism practice.
Woka stressed the need for journalists to always verify their stories before going to press to avoid litigation, and urged the new executive to always maintain listening ears, while discharging its duties.
The Permanent Secretary also commended the union for its successful triennial delegates’ conference, and assured that its request for assistance to enable the journalists in the state participate in the forth-coming triennial National delegates’ Conference in Abuja will be communicated to the state Governor for prompt action.
Earlier, the newly elected state Chairman of the Council, Mr. Ayo Tamuno had said that the visit was to thank the Ministry and government for their continuous support to journalists in the state.
Tamuno, particularly thanked the government for the ultra-modern secretariat, and stressed the need for the government to facilitate its connection to the national grid.
He also requested for a yearly grant and vehicles to enable the union discharge its duties effectively.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has promised government’s support to the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) in the state.
Speaking when the state Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Dorothy Nwatarali and other senior officials of the scheme visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, Wike said the state government will not hesitate in providing the necessary support to make the programme effective
Against this backdrop, he promised to upgrade facilities at the orientation camp and also provide a 500KVA generator to guarantee sufficient power supply for the camp.
The Rivers State governor reiterated the desire of government to make the welfare of corps members a priority, as he donated two coaster buses and over 1,000-life jackets for those serving in the riverine areas of the state.
He also pledged government’s support for the Rural Mobile Health Scheme floated by corps members, and commended them for their efforts in raising the standard of health care delivery at the grassroots.
On the request by the state coordinator of the scheme to review its posting policy for corps members, the governor said the review will not be total, since that will negate the essence of the scheme.
In his words, “the scheme is to contribute to the development of the country. Therefore, if we are going to revisit the posting policy of the state, we are going to post you where you are relevant and not necessarily were you want to be posted to”
The governor remarked that his experience as Minister of State for Education has shown that many corps members shy away from contributing to the nation’s development by refusing to be posted to where they are expected to practice their profession – an act, he attributed to the poor quality of graduates in the country who are half-baked and scared of being exposed.
He insisted that while professionals like doctors, lawyers and engineers can be engaged in the ministries and parastatals, others should be sent to the classrooms, saying that he could not comprehend what a graduate of mathematics will be doing in an oil company.
Wike commended the State’s director for the role of corps members in the last general elections.
Conceding the brilliant performance of INEC, Wike argued that the success of INEC cannot be divorced from the role of corps members.
His words: “they said INEC performed well but without corps members, they would not have achieved success.”
Earlier, the state Coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Dorothy Nwatarali, had congratulated the governor on his success at the polls as she sought for government’s support for the scheme.
In addition to the provision of the 500KVA generator, the NYSC state director had also prayed the governor to renovate the orientation camp and offices of the scheme, disclosing that there are over 11,000 corps members serving in Rivers State.
Nwatarali, had earlier called for the review of the state’s posting policy for corps members, disclosing that currently the state has over 11,000 members posted and that all cannot serve in schools.
Pledging support of the scheme to promote education and health policies, the state director of the NYSC, pleaded with government to pay corps members special allowances in addition to the provision of safety gears, especially for those serving in the riverine parts of the state.
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