Opinion

What Should New Commissioners Do?

Published

10 years ago

December 28, 2015

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom
Wike, recently swore in 22 Commissioners and Special Advisers, thereby fully constituting the State Executive Council. He described the team as “a mix of politicians and technocrats, women and men of good character and excellent experience in diverse endeavours”.
What do Rivers people expect from this highly praised team? Our Deputy Editor (Features), Calista Ezeaku went round the Port Harcourt city to get the views of some members of the public. The photographer was Nwiueh Donatus Ken Mr. Iheanyi Ogbakiri Ezinwo – Publisher
The new Commissioners are coming into government at a politically challenging time in the history of Rivers State. Well, Rivers people expect them to come with a mind to serve the interest of the citizens. They expect the new commissioners to come up with new ideas on how to improve the quality of lives of the people. We expect the new Commissioner for Transport to restore sanity on our roads. Irregular parks are emerging in unusual places, just as commercial drivers now carelessly obstruct free flow of traffic, picking up passengers while on the road.
We expect the Commissioner for Information to convince publishers in Rivers State that the current administration means well for them, and that the administration will not preside over the demise of hitherto vibrant local press. Governor Wike appears to have good intentions but relevant stakeholders must be carried along. This way, nobody is left behind and the government will be seen as government of the people.
The commissioners are coming at a time when the state is faced with more questions than answers. Wike’s administration will not be able to solve all the problems of Rivers people in so short a time. However, genuine efforts in the right direction would be recognised and appreciated by the people just as they are responding to reconstruction of roads.
Each commissioner is expected to add value to governance in their own domains even in the face of limited resources, while trusting God for improvements on revenue allocations.

Mr. Okorie Chizindu – Public Servant
Well, we’ve been so much expectant of good change from our politicians. Right from the time Wike was elected, we’ve been expecting good things. So, we are expecting the new commissioners to work hand in hand with the governor to achieve the vision of the governor. We have seen all his efforts in road repairs and other areas. So, we are expecting the commissioners to work hand in hand with the governor to bring back the lost glory of the state. We want our state to re-acquire the “Garden City” status it was known for.
Here in Port Harcourt, we have serious issues of traffic congestion. The governor has also started the project of road repairing and constructing new ones, so we are expecting the in-coming Commissioner for Works to work together with the governor on road rehabilitation. We need better road network. The Commissioner for Power should work hard towards solving the epileptic power supply in the state. I will also urge the Commissioner for Youth to ensure that more youths in the state are empowered.
So, my own advice to the new commissioners is that they should see their positions as an enviable position. They should see it as an opportunity to serve the people who have confidence in them. So they should go there and represent us.

Mr. James Ekarika – Civil Servant
The new commissioners have been sworn in and it is our hope that they will help the governor to administer the state. They have a lot of things to do. We need development in the state. In a place like Andoni for instance, there are no roads, no developmental infrastructure. So, they should work hand in hand with the governor to bring about development in various parts of the state.
I believe that with good roads and conducive environment more investors will come into the state. The state has been loosing a lot of viable investors due to lack of good road, in security and other factors and we expect the commissioner that will be in charge of these to bring a lot of improvement in these areas so that more investors will be attracted and the state will be economically vibrant.
I will specifically want the Commissioner for Youths to reach out to the youths in the state, know their problems and ensure that these problems are given adequate attention so that there will be peace in the state. Many youths in the state do not have jobs and that is why they are always involved in one trouble or the other, creating bad image for the state. If they can create job opportunities for them, I believe the state will be calm, cultism will no longer be the order of the day.

Ani Joshua Maduabuchi – Civil Servant
I will want them to think of ways to move the state forward, they should find ways of creating more jobs for the teaming jobless youths in the state. There should be a way of carrying the youths along, so as to give them a sense of belonging. This will reduce crime rate and insecurity in the state. I don’t expect the governor to do everything in the state. He has appointed these commissioners and special advisers and it is now their duty to see that they perform in their various ministries so that the state will develop and move forward.
Talking about job creation, I will expect the commissioner for agriculture to take the lead in this. He should develop the agricultural sector so that the sector can absorb many unemployed persons. If we can invest sufficiently in agriculture instead of totally depending on oil, I think we can do a lot better. Whoever will be in charge of works and infrastructural development should not concentrate only on Port Harcourt City. Our rural areas need good roads, water and power. I think they should work on that.

Mr. Abel Nwikomade – Businessman
I will advice the new commissioners to make good use of their offices. They should not be corrupt. They should give contracts only to the deserving contractors and follow up the contract to see that it is delivered. At the same time, they should think about the youths because if the youths have jobs, all these issues of picking pockets, kidnapping, armed robbery and other kinds of crime will not happen.
The most important areas that needs attention is education. If you go to some of the government schools now, the teachers are not there. You will only see the children playing up and down. Because of that, many people have removed their children from government schools to private schools, because they don’t teach well in government schools.
As a businessman, I will also expect the commissioner in charges of the business sector to see how he can organise soft loans for businessmen and women to help our businesses to grow. I will also want attention to be paid on the issue street trading in Port Harcourt. Because there are no standard markets, everywhere is Port Harcourt is being used as street market. Since Mile 1 market gutted fire many years ago, there is nothing. They just covered that place. And because many of Mile 1 market traders don’t have anywhere to stay, they now sell on the roads and streets. If you go to many of the streets within Mile 1 here, you will see people selling on the streets.
Likewise many other streets and roads, people are selling things everywhere and it doesn’t make the city look good at all. Take for instance Rumuokoro, everywhere around Rumuokoro round about is now market. Infact market is gradually taking over the entire road, thereby by causing heavy traffic jam everyday. Before you move from Rumuokwuta to Rumuokoro, it wil take two hours because everywhere there is market, market, market.
So, we want the Commissioner for works to look in the situation of Rumuokoro. We need a flyover there. The commissioners of work and transport should join hands and bring a permanent solution to the problem of traffic jam in Rumuokoro and other parts of Port Harcourt.

Mr. John Bigilar – Businessman
The commissioners should join hands with the governor to ensure a conducive environment for business men and women in the state. If the issue of multiple taxation and touting is handled it will make those doing business in the state to succeed more and encourage others to come and do business in the state. The Commissioner for Youths should also look into the issue of youth empowerment. Youths in the state need to be empowered for there to be peace and security in the state.

Opinion

Policy Intervention: More Than Administrative Reform

Published

1 week ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This policy intervention proves that education reform is not just about administration, but about restoring dignity, equity, and integrity to the learning process.”

On September 24, 2025, the article” A Growing Emergency: How Marked-Up Textbooks Are Sabotaging Nigeria’s School Children”, written by King Onunwo, was published in The Tide Newspaper. In the said article, the writer expressed pains in what he viewed as ‘a silent but damaging practice’ taking root in homes across Nigeria, one that threatens the academic future of millions of children in primary and secondary schools. From the paintings of the writer, this seemingly minor convenience where older siblings complete their homeworks directly inside their school textbooks, may seem harmless on the surface. On the contrary, it is creating a dangerous ripple effect. What used to be a normal practice—siblings reusing textbooks year after year to ease the financial burden on families—has now turned into a nightmare. The writer could best describe its impact in our educational system as a stumbling block for students, and a ticking time bomb for the education system and to say the least, a source of distress for countless parents.

The core message of the article is that writing homework and classwork inside textbooks has evolved from a harmless household habit into a national educational crisis that is quietly undermining learning outcomes in Nigeria. Specifically, the article argues that: marked-up textbooks sabotage learning by denying younger students the opportunity to think independently, practice problem-solving, and engage meaningfully with lessons. Economic hardship has normalized textbook reuse, but misuse has turned a cost-saving strategy into an educational disadvantage. The problem is systemic, not merely individual, reflecting failures in policy enforcement, public awareness, and educational support structures. Hence, government’s intervention is urgently required, including regulations, awareness campaigns, textbook audits, penalties, and subsidized writing materials.

Violation of education equity was also fingered as children are academically punished due to circumstances beyond their control—birth order and family income. King Onunwo opined that small oversights can cause large-scale damage, and ignoring such “minor” issues threatens Nigeria’s broader educational goals. Ultimately, he called for a national textbook integrity policy to protect learning materials and ensure fairness in education. Deductively, the writer ‘s feelings and emotional tone conveyed a deep concern and alarm, repeatedly framing the issue as a “growing emergency,” “ticking time bomb,” and “quiet academic crisis.” which signals a genuine fear that the problem if unchecked, may have irreversible consequences.

The writer ‘s tone is outrightly that of an advocate, not a neutral observer, speaking with a strong sense of justice, emphasizing on education as a right, meaning that children should not be academically disadvantaged by family circumstances, hence, the need for society to protect educational tools.The repeated calls for “immediate,” “urgent,” and “no time to waste” action showed impatience with delays and excuses. The writer believes every academic term lost worsens the damage. It is not just about textbooks—it is about educational dignity, equality, and systemic responsibility. The closing metaphor (“the handwriting is on the wall”) reinforces the writer’s belief that the consequences are already visible and that failure to act would be inexcusable. By responding decisively to growing concerns around the misuse and rising cost of learning materials, the Federal Government has demonstrated that thoughtful advocacy still matters—and that public interest writing can indeed influence policy in meaningful ways.

The recently unveiled education policy banning disposable workbooks and mandating the use of durable, reusable textbooks is a commendable step in the right direction. It directly addresses the very issues raised by King Onunwo and other concerned writers and parents who have long warned about the silent damage being done to Nigeria’s school children through poorly designed textbook practices and unchecked misuse of learning materials. For years, families—especially those with multiple children—have struggled under the weight of repeated textbook purchases. Worse still, the culture of writing directly into textbooks turned what should have been reusable learning tools into single-use items, sabotaging younger siblings who inherited books already filled with answers, errors, and confusion. The new policy does not merely reduce costs; it restores the integrity of textbooks as reference materials meant to guide thinking, not replace it.

By insisting on standardized, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years, the government has effectively validated the core argument of education advocates: that sustainability, affordability, and quality learning are deeply interconnected. The decision to prohibit the bundling of disposable workbooks—often used as a commercial tactic to force annual purchases—is particularly laudable. It signals a shift away from profit-driven educational practices toward child-centered learning. Equally important is the policy’s emphasis on strengthening assessment and quality assurance for instructional materials. This tackles another long-standing problem: superficial textbook revisions that compel parents to buy “new editions” without meaningful improvements in content. Such practices have eroded trust in the system and placed unnecessary financial strain on households already stretched thin.

Beyond textbooks, the introduction of a uniform academic calendar and the rationalization of graduation ceremonies show a broader sensitivity to the hidden costs of schooling. These reforms recognize that education expenses are not limited to fees alone but are compounded by traditions and inconsistencies that quietly drain family resources. This policy intervention is more than administrative reform; it is proof that government can listen, reflect, and act when issues are clearly articulated and grounded in lived realities. It affirms the value of public-interest writing as a bridge between citizens’ experiences and policy action.While implementation and enforcement will be the true test, the direction is encouraging. Parents, teachers, and school administrators must now play their part to ensure that these reforms translate into real change in classrooms across the country.

In acknowledging and addressing the concerns raised by writers, educators, and families, the government has taken a vital step toward protecting the learning future of Nigerian children. It is a reminder that when the handwriting on the wall is read early enough, it is still possible to rewrite the story—for the better.However, kudos to Federal Government for the intervention, but it should not end on the table rather should be given accelerated attention in order to ensure full implementation.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Redefining New Year Resolutions

Published

1 week ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Transformation begins the moment intention meets action.”

At the dawn of a new year and throughout its early days, millions of people across the globe make promises to themselves—to improve, to grow, and to transform. The New Year carries a unique sense of renewal, hope, and possibility. It offers a clean slate on which aspirations are rewritten and goals are redefined. But beyond the excitement and optimism lies an important question: what truly gives power to these resolutions, and how can they be sustained to positively impact individuals, families, and teams?

New Year resolutions emerge from different platforms, perspectives, and points of need. For many, the focus is personal growth—acquiring new skills, practicing mindfulness, improving physical health, or cultivating emotional resilience. Others prioritize relationships, seeking to strengthen bonds with family and friends, heal broken connections, or build new ones. Career development also ranks high, with goals such as professional advancement, job transitions, skill enhancement, or entrepreneurship. Financial stability—saving money, paying off debt, investing wisely—remains a major concern, while some individuals turn to creativity, exploring new hobbies, talents, or artistic pursuits.

Regardless of the resolution, a clear roadmap is essential. Transformation begins with reflection—understanding personal values, clarifying what truly matters, and identifying the change one desires to see. This process often involves shedding unproductive habits and mindsets to create room for growth. Setting specific and achievable goals, then breaking them into manageable tasks, increases the likelihood of success. Equally important is establishing an accountability system—whether through self-monitoring, trusted partners, or structured reviews—to sustain commitment over time.

New Year resolutions embody the power of intentional living. They allow individuals and groups to pause, evaluate past actions, and consciously chart a new course. When intentions are clearly defined, it becomes easier to identify growth areas, develop a realistic plan, maintain motivation, cultivate healthy habits, and strengthen relationships. Setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—ensures that resolutions are practical and purposeful rather than vague aspirations. In addition, prioritizing self-care enables the mind, body, and soul to function optimally, providing the stamina needed for long-term success.

Many resolutions require learning something new—whether acquiring professional skills, developing hobbies, or broadening intellectual capacity. For personal growth, this may include learning a new language, reading more books, or gaining knowledge that enhances competence and confidence. Involving family members in shared goals strengthens bonds and encourages collective responsibility. Regular family activities, open communication, shared meals, and intentional time together help instill values such as kindness, empathy, discipline, and accountability.

Career-focused resolutions may involve enrolling in online courses or certification programs, improving digital literacy, or networking with professionals in the same field. Financial growth requires discipline—creating and adhering to a budget, building a savings plan, investing wisely, and paying off debt systematically. When creativity or leisure is the focus, starting a journal or blog, learning an instrument, engaging in arts and crafts, or pursuing writing can be both fulfilling and therapeutic.

For families and teams, resolutions foster unity and shared purpose. When goals are collectively set and pursued, they promote collaboration, trust, and mutual support. Teams that align their resolutions with shared values experience improved productivity, morale, and accountability. Clear communication, regular progress reviews, and celebrating small wins reinforce commitment and sustain momentum throughout the year.

However, common pitfalls must be avoided. Unrealistic expectations often lead to discouragement and failure; goals should be challenging yet attainable. A lack of planning or strategy undermines even the best intentions, while poor accountability increases the risk of giving up prematurely. To make resolutions stick, it is important to track progress using journals, planners, or digital tools; celebrate milestones; remain patient with setbacks; and review goals periodically to adjust when necessary.

As the year unfolds, may our goals, hopes, and resolutions inspire meaningful change. Resolutions are not merely seasonal rituals—they are journeys of growth and discipline. With intentional planning, focused action, and collective effort, individuals, families, and teams can thrive, transform, and make lasting strides toward a better future.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi

Opinion

Trans-Kalabari Road: Work In Progress

Published

2 weeks ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This Dream project is one of the best things that have happened to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas in recent times.”

This is the concluding part of this story featured in our last edition.

Good road network helps farmers to convey their agro-allied products to commercial hubs where buyers and sellers meet periodically to transact business. Road network engineers and motivates people resident in unfriendly geographical terrains, like riverine areas, to own property and shuttle home with ease. Some people will prefer living in their own houses in a more serene and nature-blessed communities to living in the city that is fraught with pollution, and other environmental, social and economic hazards. Prior to the cult epidemic that ravaged parts of Rivers State, the Emohuas, Elemes, Ogonis, and Etches were known for rural dwelling. Most public servants from these areas do their official and private transactions from their villages. For them it was comparatively easier to live in the village and engage in a diversified economic endeavours through farming, fishing or other lucrative business without outrageous charges and embarrassment associated with doing business in Port Harcourt, where land is as scarce as the traditional needle.

That is why the decision to construct the Trans-Kalabari Road by the administration of Dr. Peter Odili was one of the best decisions that administration took. When Dr. Odili vacated office as the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi took over and awarded contracts for continuation of the road project which in my considered view is the felt need of the people of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. Unfortunately, Rt. Hon. Amaechi’s efforts to drive the project was sabotaged by some contractors some of whom are Kalabari people. The main Trans-Kalabari Road is one project that is dear to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This is because through the road commuters can easily access several communities in the three local government areas. For instance, the road when completed will enable access to eight of the ten communities in Degema Local Government Area, namely: Bukuma, Tombia, Bakana, Oguruama, Obuama, Usokun, Degema town and the Degema Consulate. It will also link 15 of the 16 communities in Asari Toru Local Government Area. The communities are: Buguma, the local government headquarters, Ido, Abalama, Tema, Sama, Okpo, Ilelema, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama, Krakrama, Omekwe-Ama, Angulama. The road will also connect 14 of 17 wards in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, and other settlements. It is interesting to note that It is faster, and far more convenient and economical for the catchment Communities on the Trans-Kalabari Road network to go to the State Capital than the East West Road. The people of the three local government areas will prefer to work or do their transactions in Port Harcourt from their respective communities to staying in Port Harcourt where the house rent and the general cost of living is astronomically high.

Consequently, development will seamlessly spread to the 28 out of 34 communities of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. The only Communities that are not linked by the road project are Oporoama in Asari Toru, the Ke and Bille Communities in Degema Local Government Area and the “Oceania” communities of Abissa, Kula, Soku, Idama, Elem Sangama of Akuku Toru Local Government Area. But because of the economic value of the unlinked Communities to Nigeria, (they produce substantial oil and gas in the area), the Federal, State Governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), can extend the road network to those areas just as Bonny is linked to Port Harcourt and the Lagos Mainland Bridge is connecting several towns in Lagos and neighbouring States.Kudos to previous administrations who had constructed the Central Group axis.

However, what is said to be the First Phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road project is actually a linkage of the “Central Group” Communities which consists of Krakrama, Angulama, Omekwe. Ama, Omekwe Tari Ama, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama. It is the peripheral of the Trans-Kalabari Road. The completion of the Main Trans Kalabari project will free Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor areas from congestion. It will motivate residents and people of the three local areas to contribute to the development of their Communities. If the Ogonis, Etches, Emohuas, Oyigbos, Okrikas, Elemes can feel comfortable doing business in Port Harcourt from home, residents and people whose communities are linked to Port Harcourt through the Trans-Kalabari Road will no doubt, do likewise. The vast arable virgin land of the Bukuma people can be open for development and sustainable agricultural ventures by Local, State and Federal Government.

It is necessary to recall that the Bukuma community was host to the Federal Government’s Graduate Farmers’ Scheme and the Rivers State Government moribund School-to-Land Scheme under Governor Fidelis Oyakhilome. Bukuma was the only community in Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas that has the capacity to carry those agricultural programmes. However the lack of road to transport farm produce to Port Harcourt and facilitate the movement of the beneficiaries of the scheme who lived in the community which is several miles away from the farms, hampered the sustainability of the programme. The main Trans-Kalabari Road remains the best gift to the people of Degema, Asari Toru, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas. Kudos to Sir Siminilayi Fubara.

By: Igbiki Benibo