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RSG Donates N5m To Legionnaires …Promises Support To FIDA
Members of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State chapter and other guests, cutting the end of year cake, during the body’s end of year party and awards ceremony in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson
Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike says his administration is committed to the welfare of Nigerian legionnaires in the State.
The Governor who stated this during the Emblem Appeal Launching marking the 2016 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Celebration at the Obi Wali International conference centre, Port Harcourt donated N5 million to the legion.
Governor Wike who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the State Government would continue to do the needful to encourage the Soldiers as well as sustain the families left behind by the fallen heroes.
He emphasized that Government would support security agencies in order to guarantee the safety of the citizens while calling on well-meaning Nigerians to assist the Armed Forces.
“I therefore call on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day by donating generously towards the welfare of families of our fallen heroes and those serving in various military operations in Nigeria and other countries.” he said.
Governor Wike said the programme is to remember those who served in various peace keeping operations and paid the supreme sacrifice for the peace and stability of the nation.
He promised to address the challenges faced by the legionnaires especially in the area of agriculture which he said would add value to the agricultural development programme of the state.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Sir. Kenneth Kobani said the emblem launch and appeal fund support was intended to provide a forum for Nigerians and corporate bodies to appreciate the sacrifices of the gallant officers and donate generously to their welfare.
“Let everyone rise up and support those they left behind, their labour must not be in vain.” Kobani declared.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Col. Wilberforce Josiah, thanked the Rivers State Government for engaging the legionnaires to serve as Security Guards at the State Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt since 1999.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that he will give the Rivers State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers ( FIDA) Nigeria, his full support.
Governor Wike who was represented by his wife, Justice Suzzette Eberechi Nyesom Wike, made the statement yesterday, at the opening ceremony of the FIDA Law Week 2015 and its National Executive Committee/ Annual General Meeting at the Chief Judge’s Ceremonial Court, State High Court Complex, Port Harcourt.
The theme of the 5- day conference is making effective use of Legislation to end violvence against women
According to the Governor: “I will do everything in my power and capacity as the Governor of Rivers State to support FIDA and the women of Rivers State. Women can be provocative, it should not be an excuse for men to be violent towards women. Our men should be taught to exercise more self control and our women should be less provocative. Men should be the best they can be as husbands so that they can look after their wives,“ he said.
The governor who expressed the belief that there was a lot to be achieved in the raising of children said that the issue of violence against women stemmed from the different upbringing given to the male and female child by parents in the home.
The State Chief Executive maintained that since all religions preached peace , children should be taught peace and how to be accommodating and tolerant so that the society will be better for it.
He called for more collaborative efforts between FIDA and non-governmental organisations dealing with actualisations of women’s rights and also advised that FIDA should tilt its advocacy and sensitisation programmes more to women of the rural areas, but should not totally ignore the urban women.
Governor noted that there were many frequent and embarrassing cases of rape and indecent assault of very small children whose parents were not ready for prolonged court cases and collected pittances as out of court settlement from offenders.
Governor Wike who noted that many cases of violence by men against women are regarded as domestic affairs between spouses by the police , suggested that FIDA representatives who will act as liaison officers be present in busy police stations to facilitate speedy dispensation of justice against offenders.
Wike also suggested that he and members of his cabinet would sponsor new bills and review existing ones to stem the tide of violence against women.
Speaking earlier, the Chairperson FIDA Rivers State Chapter ,Mrs. Florence Itamunoala, said that the theme of this year’s NEC meeting was very apt and germane to women lawyers whose most potent weapon for the protection of the rights of women and children are legislations.
The key note speaker of the occasion maintained that violence against women can be put to an end through legislation in the courts.
Also speaking the outgoing National President/Country Vice President, Mrs. Evelyn Shekarau, said that despite the many achievement of FIDA during her tenure, there was need for the incoming president to soldier on and not to rest on her oars because the rights of women and girl children are still being violated.
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.