Rivers
45 Students, 21 Teachers For Lagos Skills’ Training

Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Onimim Jacks (right), with her Finance counterpart, Dr Fred Kpakol (middle) and fromer Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye, during the 2015 Rivers State Civil Service Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Tuesday Photo: Chris Monyanaga
Forty five students and 21 teachers from some government technical colleges and craft development centres in Rivers State have departed for Lagos to acquire practical experiences in vocational education under the Technical Vocational and Agricultural Training (TVAT) sub-component of the state employment and expenditure for results (SEEFOR) programme.
The affected institutions are Government Technical College, Port Harcourt, Government Craft Development Centre, Aba Road, Port Harcourt and Government Technical College, Ahoada.
The rest are Government Technical College, Tombia, Government Technical College, Ele-Ogu, School To Land Authority, Port Harcourt and Women Development Centre, Taaba.
The State Coordinator of the programme, Mr. Kelcious Amos, said that the programme would equip the trainees with technical skills to make them useful members of the society.
Mr. Amos said that the students will be going to skill up Academy Lagos to be trained within six weeks, while the teachers will have their own training in two weeks.
According to him, Skill-up Academy is an internationally certified institute for practical training in all vocational fields and urged the trainees to see themselves as ambassadors of Rivers State and avoid those things that will bring shame to be state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Education, Barrister Minabelem Michael West, said that the programme was an indication that the SEEFOR is on course in the state .
Rivers
IAUE Governing Council Chair Assures On Mandate Delivery
Rivers
World Food Day: Farmers Urge Collaboration For Improved Productivity
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
-
News4 days ago
ASUU Begins Two-Week Strike Today
-
Sports4 days ago
S’Eagles Survive Plane Malfunction Emergency
-
News5 hours ago
Digital Infrastructure Key To Nigeria’s Economic Growth -NIEEE
-
Oil & Energy4 days ago
Gencos’ Debts: NDPHC Commends Tinubu Over N4tn Bond Approval
-
Education4 days ago
NAS moves to end Out-of-School syndrome in Enugu
-
Featured3 hours ago
Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women
-
Rivers4 days ago
Daewoo Restates Commitment To Transperancy In Tax Administration
-
Business4 days ago
SEME Customs Foils Smuggling Attempt Of Expired Flour, Seizes N2bn Contraband