Rivers

VC Advises Technologists On Service Delivery

Published

8 years ago

August 23, 2017

The Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Prof. Blessing Didia has called on the members of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) to be proud of their job.
The Vice Chancellor gave the charge during the 1st zonal workshop of the association in the Rivers State University.
Thanking them for the choice of Rivers State University as the venue for the workshop, the Vice Chancellor said NAAT was the youngest union on campus and, therefore, must be appreciated and taken into cognizance in the academic component of the institution.
The Vice Chancellor urged members of NAAT to always deliver quality services to the university, urging them to be proud of their job as they work towards getting to the apex of their profession.
Didia said technologists play significant roles in universities and urged them to rise to the challenges of using high technological equipment in their laboratories.
He said he decided not to interfere with the affairs of unions operating in the university, as they are part of the university system and working together for the growth and development of the university.
Earlier, South South Coordinator of the National Association of Academic Technologists, Engr. EkeipreDiengagha had expressed profound gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his cordial relationship with the association’s local branch in the institution and the prompt approval of the workshop venue on a short notice.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Prof. Blessing ChimezieDidia has been presented an Award of Excellence by the leadership of Rebisi Committee of Friends (RCF). The award was presented to him in his office in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit by the group.
While presenting the award to the Vice Chancellor, the President of the organisation, Pastor ChijokeChike said Prof. Didia was being recognised because of his unparelled professionalism and excellent performance since assumption of office as Vice Chancellor of the university.
While commending Prof. Didia for his landmark achievements, he thanked Governor NyesomEzenwoWike, for appointing an erudite scholar and administrative guru as the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University.
He said as host community to the institution, the organisation would always support the administration of the Vice Chancellor in realising the dreams of the founding fathers of the institution.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Blessing ChimezieDidia thanked the RCF for the visit and expressed profound gratitude to God for granting him the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the university so far.
He also thanked Governor Wike for his unwavering support to the growth and development of the university.
Prof. Didiacharged members of the group to contribute their quota in the security of lives and property in the institution and the entire Rebisi Community.
The Vice Chancellor, however, promised to use his wealth of experience and good working relationship with the staff to build an enduring landmarks and legacies for the institution.

Rivers

Expert Demands Full Implementation Of PIA In N’Delta Oil Communities

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

An expert in Natural Resource Governance, Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, has called for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Uzoigwe made the appeal during a training for community representatives under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He noted that five years after the PIA was enacted, funding under the HCDT framework for member communities had yet to be fully implemented.

He attributed the slow pace of implementation to oil companies’ failure to remit funds, ongoing litigations, internal community disputes, and regulatory challenges, among other factors.

According to him, these challenges have made it difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of HCDT implementation in host communities.

Uzoigwe also expressed concern that several communities were yet to establish HCDTs, which are essential for accessing funds designated for local development.

“Fortunately, there are communities that have successfully leveraged the HCDT to advance development in their localities.

“However, we want every host community to access these funds to accelerate development in their respective areas and contribute to the broader transformation of the Niger Delta”, he stated.

Uzoigwe urged host communities to familiarise themselves with the provisions and regulations of the PIA to enable them to fully benefit from the Act.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, explained that the training was organised for HCDT communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.

According to her, the objective of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the PIA’s provisions, conduct needs assessments and undertake community development planning.

“We examined how the HCDT can be made effective and efficient in utilising the three per cent operational cost allocation for community development projects, as stipulated in the PIA.

“This allocation is structured as follows: 75 per cent for project execution, 20 per cent for savings, and five per cent for administrative costs.

“HCDT members are responsible for identifying and prioritising community needs through a transparent, sincere, and people-centred decision-making process in managing these funds”, Okon explained.

She encouraged host communities to engage actively with various stakeholders, including women, youth, farmers, and community leaders, to identify development projects that reflect the genuine needs of their communities.

Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, says he will run an all-inclusive government for the betterment of the local government.

He stated that his priority is workers’ welfare in all ramifications and the good people of the area.

Apiafi stated this recently while addressing workers at the council’s headquarters in Opobo, saying that his direct mandate is to ensure that the existing peace is sustained.

According to him, he is a technocrat, hence he will carry out his functions accordingly.

“Thank you all for welcoming me as your administrator. My mandate here is to ensure that you, workers, are well treated, with your salaries paid promptly, and give you what you deserve.

“You all are my brothers, sisters and friends. I know that together we can take this local government to an enviable height. What I need from you is cooperation.

“I solicit for your support to enable us all succeed because I alone cannot achieve the desired development”, he urged.

The administrator used the forum to thank the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice – Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and pledged that he will not disappoint him in any aspect, while promising to discharge his duties in strict compliance to the charge of the Sole Administrator.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the LGA, Comrade Diri Dandison, commended the administrator for placing workers’ welfare top on his list.

According to him, what workers want in the LGA is someone who can give them listening ears, and also give them what they deserve.

“I am happy that Mr. Fredrick Apiafi has placed welfare of workers first, but we pray he fullfills his promises. What we want is for people at the grassroots to also enjoy dividends of governance”, he said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso

Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Rescue Team from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have saved 99 persons from drowning in Rivers State during an operation.

A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred when a barge, ADAM (Damen Buba) was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.

He said the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER personnel deployed to Naval Security Station 035 in collaboration with four other Navy Gunboats launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard.

According to him, most of the passengers’ goods were also salvaged successfully.

“The timely intervention and prompt response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the valuable properties were preserved.

“The Nigerian Navy hereby restates that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the service will continue to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate sea farers within Nigeria’s maritime domain”, Adams Aliu said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso