Rivers
ICRC Trains 25 Youth On Photography
Some 25 youth living at the Prison Waterfront Community in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have been trained by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on digital photography in order to engage them in meaningful ventures.
The event, organised by the Rivers State branch of the ICRC, was mainly to showcase the talents of the 25 youth during a one-day photographic training at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.
According to the Head of Sub-Delegation, ICRC, Mr Tim Filip Ros, “the Prison Waterfront Community has its share of challenges related to poverty and violence, and ICRC sees the youth of this community as an important group, and has tried to seek for an innovative way of engaging these 25 kids in photography, after which, disposable cameras were handed over to them to display to the world their lifestyles in the shanty town.
“Since November 18, 2016, when these disposable cameras were given them, they went out to photograph their shanty community, and the resulting photographs are succinctly captioned “Shanty in a Frame,” Ros added.
He stated that apart from the training of the youth in photography, ICRC has also built a staircase to enable the people walk steadily to their homes, as well as executed good drinking water projects for the community.
In her remarks, the Communication Coordinator, Nigeria, Mrs Aleksandra Matijevic Mosinmann, said ICRC has done a lot of work over the last two years in the Prison Waterfront Community by building staircases and completed work on some water projects to enable the less privileged people have good drinking water despite the polluted environment they find themselves.
She stated that the Abuja office team of ICRC had visited Rivers State to also take part in viewing the 48 photographs on exhibition, which depict life in the shanty town, adding that “ICRC decided to give them some voice by giving them disposable cameras in order for everyone to see, feel and hear their voices, and today, by the exhibition of these photographs, their voices have been heard.”
Also speaking, one of the residents, who declared the event open, Little Miss Ethel Martins said her life has changed since the disposable camera was given to her by ICRC, adding that she has decided to take to photography as a profession after her studies.
Martins thanked ICRC for empowering her life positively, but wished that the cameras were not disposable, saying that giving them permanent cameras will enable them perfect their new skills, and exhibit more expertise in their future endeavours.
The Rivers State Branch Chairman of the Red Cross, Mr Otoru Ikemenjima, said the photo exhibition of the life in the shanty community coincided with the birthday celebration of the founder of the Red Cross Movement, Henry Dunant, adding that this year’s celebration in the state was packaged with lots of activities such as dramas and school competitions.
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Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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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
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