Business

Ahiamakara Demolition: N139m Compensation Tears PHALGA Community Apart … EFCC Quizes Factions

Published

8 years ago

April 18, 2018

The sum of N139million paid to Rebisi Central Age Group by the Rivers State Government as compensation for the demolition of Ahiamakara market at Waja area of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State is currently causing crisis among three groups in Rebisi Kingdom.
The Tide gathered that the two opposing camps in Rebisi Council of Chiefs and Elders are at loggerheads over the compensation sum of N139 million paid for the demolition of market shades being managed by a socio-cultural organisation, Rebisi Central Age Group.
The Tide source hinted that the N139 million is now a subject of investigation by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The sources further hinted that all the groups have been invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning.
Those invited include the leadership of Central Age Group and the other chiefs led by Chief Azubuike Nmerukini and Eze Uche Elikwu.
It was also learnt that the Rebisi Central Age Group headed by Elder Bennett Amadi as president general, Sunny Chuku as Secretary and Godspower Owhonda as treasure, respectively were petitioned by Rebisi Owhor Holders Council and Elders and Chiefs of Rebisi Kingdom in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
The chiefs, in a petition by their counsel, U.G. Nwokocha alleged that the leadership of the age group and others tampered with the sum of N139 million paid as compensation by the state government for the acquisition of the said expanse of land and the payment was made through Zenith Bank into the account of Rebisi Central Age Group domiciled at First Bank of Nigeria PLC.
The petition urged the financial crimes agency to stop those concerned from the disbursement of the said sum of money, stressing that if not stopped, nothing would be left for the entire Rebisi Kingdom as they claimed that the demolished property was owned by the entire kingdom but managed by the Central Age Group.
It was also gathered that two weeks ago, the leadership of the Rebisi Central Age Group summoned a meeting of all Chairmen and secretaries of age groups affiliated to the Central Age Group and informed them that the President was made to sign an undertaking by the chiefs and elders headed by Nmerukini and Elikwu to return the sum of N69million to his group of chiefs and elders’ council.
According to the sources, this threat made the president general, to transfer the sum of N69 million from the coffers of the Central Age Group to the chiefs headed by Chief Nmerukini and Elikwu after the disbursement of N1.5million to each age group affiliated to the central age group.
It was on that note that the other group headed and a contender to the throne of Eze Apara Rebisi, Eze Victor Worluchem petitioned the Rebisi Central Age Group and other chiefs to return the said sum of N139 million to Rebisi kingdom.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the President General of Rebisi Central Age Group, Benneth Amadi confirmed that he was invited by the EFCC, last Thursday, and explanations were given as the area concerned was managed by the group.
Amadi regretted that the compensation had brought so much interest, but added that all along the Rebisi Central Age Group has been managing the stores and expanse of land which the money was paid for.
He argued that the expanse of land belongs to the Central Age Group, adding that the group has a judgment to that effect.
Nmerukini and Elikwu could not be reached for comment, but one of the chief whose counsel wrote the petition,Chief Cyprian Worenwu confirmed that they were all going to EFCC to sort out the issue.
He vowed that the alleged Eze Apara Rebisi Chief Victor Worlechem and his group of chiefs and elders would ensure that all legal means were exhausted to get the compensation to the owners.
‘’Our prayers is to the further sharing of the N139million and the N69million handed over to Eze Elikwu and Chief Nmerikini be retrieved immediately because the money was meant for all Rebisi indigenes and not a particular group.
When contacted, the Head, Public Affairs, Port Harcourt zone of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale confirmed that the commission was still investigating the matter, adding that those involved were also in the office of the commission for another round of interrogation, yesterday.
Oyewale said the commission would give those involved fair hearing while investigations are still on.

Business

Fidelity Bank To Empower Women With Sustainable Entrepreneurship Skills, HAP2.0

Published

2 days ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the launch of the second edition of its flagship women-empowerment initiative, the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 (HAP 2.0).

According to the report, the programme is designed to equip women with practical, income?generating skills and structured pathways to entrepreneurship.

Accordingly, the HAP 2.0 will build on the success of its inaugural edition held in 2023.

During media chat with journalists to herald the launch of HAP 2.0, the Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, explained that the initiative has been enhanced to deliver greater impact.

He said HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 reflects their commitment to continuous improvement, having evaluated feedback from the first edition, they have returned with stronger partnerships and deeper mentorship programmes to ensure that women acquire not just skills, but sustainable economic opportunities.

Mr Ede, who said the programme is guided with real?world learning, also said that participants will undergo intensive apprenticeship training under reputable institutions and industry experts across selected fields such as hair styling, shoe making, auto mechatronics, and interior decoration.

Additionally, he said HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 goes beyond skills acquisition by offering participants a wide range of business advisory services.

These include business and financial literacy training, mentorship support throughout the apprenticeship journey, access to Fidelity Bank’s women?focused and SME financial solutions, as well as guidance on business formalisation and growth strategies.

Emphasizing the bank’s vision further, Ede said: “By integrating structured mentorship with entrepreneurial development, Fidelity Bank is positioning women not just as trainees, but as future employers, innovators, and economic contributors within their communities.

This aligns with our mandate to help individuals grow, businesses thrive, and economies prosper”.

It is noteworthy that interested participants are encouraged to indicate their interest by visiting https://bit.ly/Apprenticeshipbyherfidelity.

It is important to note that Fidelity Bank Plc is ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, with a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, with 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

It is reported that the Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

By: Nkpemenyie mcdominic, Lagos

Business

President Tinubu Approves Extension Ban On Raw Shea Nut Export

Published

2 days ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for a further one year, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on (Information and Strategy) who disclosed this on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 stressed the Federal Government remains committed to policies that promote inclusive growth, local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a competitive participant in global agricultural value chains.

The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development, strengthening domestic value addition, and supporting the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ban aims to deepen processing capacity within Nigeria, enhance livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the growth of Nigerian exports anchored on value-added products.

To further these objectives, President Tinubu has authorised the two Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to coordinate the implementation of a unified, evidence-based national framework that aligns industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.

He also approved the adoption of an export framework established by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and the withdrawal of all waivers allowing the direct export of raw shea nuts.

The President directed that any excess supply of raw shea nuts should be exported exclusively through the NCX framework, in accordance with the approved guidelines.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Business

Crisis Response: EU-project Delivers New Vet. Clinic To Katsina Govt.

Published

2 days ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

A Non – Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mercy Corps, has handed over a newly constructed Veterinary Clinic and a rehabilitated structure in Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA), to the Katsina State Government.

The project, which included a 20,000-litre capacity upgraded solar-powered borehole, was executed under the European Union-funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Wednesday, the Commissioner for Livestock and Animal Husbandry in Kastina State, Prof Ahmed Bakori, commended Mercy Corps and its partners on such commitment to support peace and development in the state.

While praising the state government for restoring peace and stability, the said project would improve livestock services and the welfare of farmers who depend on animal health services for livelihood.

Bakori buttressed that improved security in the state had enabled development partners to implement meaningful interventions in communities affected earlier.

He said, “Recently, Gov. Dikko Radda was in South Africa to explore strategies for boosting livestock production and strengthening the livestock value chain in line with the government’s economic development agenda.”

In his remarks, Mercy Corps Senior Programme Manager, Mr Philip Ikita, expressed satisfaction on the timely and successful implementation of the project in Danmusa.

He stated that although Mercy Corps began its operations in the state in 2023, security challenges, had initially prevented the organisation from accessing some areas, including Danmusa.

Ikita said that the project would improve access to essential services, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to sustaining peace in the community.

“The project involves the upgrade of a veterinary clinic from a two room structure into a fully functional six office facility, embarked on to strengthen livestock healthcare services in the area.

“The programme builds on the success of the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation (CMCR) project and seeks to promote long-term peace and stability in Northwest Nigeria.

“It works across 48 communities in Zamfara and Katsina States, addressing the root causes of conflict, enhancing community resilience, and strengthening socio-economic recovery,” he said.

Also, the District Head of Danmusa, Ahmadu Abubakar, expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps and its partners for the intervention, describing the projects as timely and beneficial.

Earlier, the Chairman of Danmusa LGA, Ibrahim Na-Mama, represented by his Deputy, Musa Muhammad, expressed appreciation for the projects, assuring that the council would support efforts to safeguard them.