Rivers
RSNC GM Pledges Support For Doctors Without Borders
The management of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC), publishers of The Tide has pledged its readiness to support the operations of the international medical charity, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) otherwise called Doctors Without Borders (DWB) through awareness creation and sensitisation of the public on the accessibility and availability of free medical services to prevent infections, treat injuries and diseases, counsel and support victims of rape to overcome their challenges in Rivers State.
The management, which gave this assurance when a delegation of the global medical ambassadors led by Project Coordinator, Romain Briey, visited the corporation, last Monday, said that the sensitisation would create the necessary awareness of the health facilities where rape victims could get needed treatment, care and support.
The General Manager of the corporation, Mr Vincent Ake, who received the delegation in his office in Port Harcourt, also attributed the low cases of rape so far received by the two designated health centres in the state to fear of stigmatisation for obvious social and cultural reasons, adding that many people were yet to understand the negative consequences of not reporting rape cases to the appropriate authorities for medical attention.
Ake urged other relevant organizations and stakeholders to join hands with Doctors Without Borders and the two health facilities to address the challenges identified by the team.
The Outreach Manager of DWB in the state, Caroline Walker noted that Orogbum Health Centre, Ogbunabali, by Garrison Bus Stop, Port Harcourt, which provides 24hours services; and Model Primary Health Centre, Eliozu, Eliozu Town, off Eliozu Flyover, Port Harcourt open from 7am -7pm, were designated centres for the treatment of rape victims, and assured that “if a rape victim comes within the first 72 hours after being raped, medication can be given to stop these infections multiplying and spreading around their body.
“We would like members of the society, especially victims of rape, who have experienced the quality care and services we offer to tell the people about the clinics and our presence here in Port Harcourt, to make them just as popular as Teme Clinic when it was still functioning,” she explained.
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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