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Banigo Woos Investors To Rivers
Rivers State Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chika Onuegbu (left), in a hanshake with Commissioner 2, Civil Service Commission, Dr. G. A. I Nworgu, during the one-day seminar organised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Rivers State branch in Port Harcourt, yesterday Photo: Egberi A. Sampson
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has reiterated the commitment of the present administration to make the state investors friendly.
Dr. Banigo stated this when she played host to the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) led by its National President, Arch. Tonye Oliver Braide at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Deputy Governor said the choice of Rivers State for the association’s national dinner is a way of showcasing the State as peaceful and friendly to investors while noting that the Governor Wike-led government is committed to restoring the glory of Rivers State by tackling the issues of security challenges such as kidnapping and other criminal acts.
She assured that Governor Wike would not abandon projects that are beneficial to Rivers people for reasons that they were initiated by past administration.
“Governor Wike is committed to ensuring that all projects that have positive impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of the State will all be completed.” She asserted.
Dr. Banigo lauded the NIA for their plans to regulate and control activities of high rising buildings in the State, noting that it will check the issue of building collapse.
She assured the NIA of the State Government’s support in its programmes.
Earlier, the National President of the Nigeria Institute of Arch. Tonye Oliver Braida thanked the State Government for the warm reception accorded them and lauded the Wike-led administration for the massive road construction, especially in the Borokiri area where traffic has been drastically reduced.
He said Governor Wike has been able to fulfill his electioneering promise of infrastructural development and has given the State a face lift within 90 days in office.
The president also revealed that the State has been chosen to host the first Western African Architecture festival next year which would draw exhibition from about 18 countries to the State.
In another development, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has charged alumni associations in the state to collaborate with Government to initiate educational policies that will enhance the quality of education in the country.
The Deputy Governor stated this at the 50th Anniversary of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Port Harcourt branch.
Dr. Banigo who was represented by her Special Adviser, Legal, Barr. Ishmael Blue-Jack, noted that as a responsive government, it was committed to the education of its people.
“As a government, we are concerned about the number of persons not having access to education, so we are ready to partner any association like yours to make it happen,” she asserted.
Dr. Banigo congratulated the association on its 50th anniversary, adding that it shows how consistency and hardwork have taken them through the years, while urging them to increase their efforts in the areas of human capacity development.
Earlier, in her welcome address, chairman Port Harcourt branch, University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), Mrs. Tonia Nzekwe expressed gratitude for the association’s jubilee celebration, same year the national body is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Gabriel G. Toby, lauded the branch for putting up such a remarkable event, urging the executive to step up the good work while assuring them of his support.
The event featured cutting of the anniversary cake, and presentation of awards.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.