Rivers
Council To Partner NURTW On Dev
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nnwoziri Bishop Best has promised to consolidate on the existing relationship between the council and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) with a view to enhancing synergy to develop the area.
The CTC chairman stated this when he received a delegation of the Motorcycle Section of the Ikwerre/Emohua/Etche branch, Rivers State Council of NURTW in his office, last Wednesday.
The chairman thanked them for the visit, and assured them of his resolution to better the lives of his people.
He commended them for the ‘unity’ amongst members of the union, stressing that ‘crisis’ was never a solution to any problem.
In their speech, the delegation congratulated the chairman on his assumption of office, and also applauded his developmental strides in the LGA.
They thanked him for taking ‘workers welfare’ seriously, and branded him the ‘Best Performing Caretaker Chairman’ in the state.
They also thanked him for rolling out the ‘skills acquisition’ programme which will kick-off soon, and praised his effort towards tackling the issue of insecurity and ensuring the safety of lives and property in the LGA.
Meanwhile, pursuant to his promise to improve the lives of his people, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Nnwoziri Bishop Best has formally announced the commencement of the skills acquisition programme tagged: ‘KELGA Empowerment Skill Acquisition Programme 2017’ for the people of the LGA.
This is in a bid to complement the good works of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
In a statement in Isiokpo, headquarters of the council, the Special Assistant to the Chairman on Media, Peter Chima, said that forms for the training had been distributed to the various ‘ward chairmen and party leaders’ in the LGA.
The statement indicated that non-indigenes living in the LGA were also eligible to apply for empowerment under the scheme.
Chima listed the training packages to include, phone repairs, hardware and maintenance software; bridal make-up for male and female; bead making and fabric crafting; as well as soap/detergent making.
By: 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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