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Obuah Lauds Wike’s Prudent Resource Management
The Paramount Ruler of Go-Round Community nationwide and Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah has described Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike as a divine gift to the state and prudent manager of resources.
Obuah, who stated this while speaking at the annual Interactive/Cultural Fiesta organized by Go-Round Community, Mba and Chief Mike Elechi Support Groups at the Vintage Farms and Products Limited, Elele, last Friday, said the governor was doggedly steering the ship of Rivers State on the right path despite the current economic recession in the country.
The Go-Round Community leader, who is also chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, said Rivers people would continue to admire Wike because of what he called, “his uncanny wisdom in resource management”.
He noted that Wike’s success in governance lies in the fact that he has not come, as he put it, to steal, like his predecessor did.
“Governor Wike has not come to explore and impact as others are doing. He has used the little resources at his disposal to impact on the society, and that is why he has been referred to as ‘Mr. Projects’.
“That is why we continue to stress that if you put a righteous man in authority, the people will always rejoice. Rivers people are rejoicing because Nyesom Wike is in authority”, Obuah, who is popularly called ‘Mba Anabara Agu 1 of Orashi Region’, said.
Obuah, who is also the sole administrator of Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) said the best way to reciprocate the good gestures of the state governor was to give him maximum support which would spur him to more action.
He described the Go-Round, Mba and Chief Mike Elechi Cultural Festival as a humble contribution towards promoting the rich cultures of Rivers State, adding that the carnival was always anchored on traditional dancing, wrestling and showcasing native dressing.
With 21 cannon salutes to herald Obuah’s arrival with his entourage into the arena, the cultural competition brought out the best of displays from over 20 groups across the state.
After a scintillating performance by Happiness Entertainment Group of Port Harcourt, the ladies who emerged overall best, ran away with the biggest prize of N500,000.00.
The second best group, Pharaohs Cultural Troupe from Isiokpo, received a cash reward of N300,000.00 while Destiny Group, who trilled the audience with their rendition using acoustic xylophone, finished third and smiled home with N200,000.00.
The wrestling contest provided the highlight of the event as four groups vied for the N500,000.00 cash prize.
With the famous Hon. Ayala National Wrestling Group squaring up against three others, spectators who included commissioners, special advisers, Rivers State House of Assembly members and other dignitaries got a full doze of raw traditional wrestling.
It was a case of the biblical David and Goliath as pint-sized, Bayelsa-born Amas Daniel stunned the ‘great’ Ikwerre Amateur champion, Increase Aso Akelechi with an unbelievable throw that saw his back flattened on the ground.
He went home with N300,000 while Aso got N200,000.00.
The third prize of N100,000.00 went to Progress Godswill Benson, a student of University of Port Harcourt.
There was also a mouth-watering cash splash to various groups who participated in the rally session.
Earlier in his address, Obua Weze III and Eze Nkwe Mmegbe of Omenele, Sir Mike Elechi, said he was driven by what he called a synergy of purpose with the Paramount Ruler of Go-Round Community, Bro. Felix Obuah to organize the event in order to share knowledge with friends, party members and community leaders in the two LGAs of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Ikwerre.
“Our choice of business environment is a plus to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike’s (Mr. Project) quest to evenly develop the state.
“Rather than operating from Port Harcourt, Abuja or Lagos, we decided to add value to our local government and our local people”, he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, Chief David Briggs said the event was most significant as it makes a bold attempt to revive the ailing culture of the people.
“In dancing, dressing and even the way our people speak, suggest a depreciation of cultures. I thank God for what Mba Anabara Agu and Chief Mike Elechi are doing to reawaken the cultural importance of our people”, he said, and urged others to emulate them.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyide said culture brings love, togetherness and happiness, adding that these values were what Governor Nyesom Wike was pursuing with vigour to bring peace and development to people of the state.
She said it was for that reason that the ministry has, in conjunction with the sponsors of the event, packaged the Go-Round Community, Mba and Chief Mike Elechi Cultural Festival, assuring that the state government would continue to partner with similar organizations to sustain the cultural legacies of our forefathers.
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.