Niger Delta

Wike Harps On Improved Govt, Private Sector’s Collaboration

Published

8 years ago

December 13, 2017

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyeso Wike has called for stronger collaboration between Government and the private sector to promote business development in the state.
Wike made the call while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2017 edition of the Port Harcourt International Trade “Fair at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor who was represented by Hon. Enemi Alabo George, member representing Asari-Toru Constituency I, and Chairman, House Committee on Commerce and Industry in the Rivers State House of Assembly, said the Rivers State Government was poised to create a conductive environment for business activities to thrive in the state.
The governor, also charged the private sector to make meaningful contributions in policy formulation and the stimulation of other key sector to fully explore the business potentials of Rivers State.
He said the government had invested hugely in the fight against crime, noting that the state was safe for investment.
“The Rivers State Government is not unmindful of the existence of pockets of crime, all that is the reason Government has inverted ??? and will continue to invest in the prevention of crime in the state”.
In his welcome address, the President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) Dr Emi Membere Otaji, described the annual Trade fair as a plat from for the organized private sector in Rivers State to showcase business services to the global market.
He pointed out that the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry Mine and agriculture PHCCIMA, was the largest and active chamber of commerce in Nigeria; coming second only to the Lagos chamber.
He said the composition of the chambers was laden with proven professionals in every facet of endevour, with a mission of building and protecting businesses and developing people through the sharing of relevant knowledge and information that has helped stimulate the economy.
Hosted under the theme, “Nigerian Industrial sector, Beyond oil” and as the 13th edition of the Trade fair, the PHCCIMA president said the chambers got the full support of the Rivers State Government in organizing the Trade fair, noting that the Trade fair was geared toward local content in management and services. Our projection for this year’s fair would be 1,000 exhibitors representing 20% increase from participants count last year and is expected to feature reputable international, National and Local Exhibitors, including the 23 Local Government Area of the state would be given opportunities, to present their Agricultural and industrial potentials to the public”, he stated.
On her part, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industries, Mines and Agriculture, (NACCIMA), Iyalode Alaba Lawson commended the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce for making Rivers State an economic hub.
She said the choice of the theme of the trade fair was apt, and would lead to investment in the industrial sector, beyond oil.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

2 weeks ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.