Rivers

Christmas Celebration: PH Residents Bemoan Cash Crunch

Published

7 years ago

December 25, 2018

Today is Christmas Day.
It is another opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. As expected, the atmosphere is electric. The mad rush is noticeable everywhere. Human and vehicular movement is unprecedented in Port Harcourt.There are desperate attempts by residents to meet the expectations of family members and loved ones. This is because love is in the air. In the midst of all these, our correspondent combed the Garden City to find out how the residents feel about today.
Excerpts:

Mrs Chibuzor Martins, food stuff dealer
This year’s Christmas, it’s well oh! I don’t see anything serious about the Christmas this year. People have been complaining, even workers, they say no money is flowing in the system. Workers are lamenting that even the salary when paid is not enough because they have incurred debts that need to be settled before the salary arrives.
There is very low patronage this year than other years. This year what I experienced instead of sales is people coming to ask about the price of things, but they don’t come back to buy them again. Look at it now, today is December 24th and yet no sales.
I wonder when we are going to sell out all these goods we have bought and hoping to sell them this Christmas. There is really nothing to show about this year’s Christmas, but we have hope for a better tomorrow.
We would still celebrate Christ’s birth as it remains the reason for the season, so whether sales, or no sales we would still celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ because His coming is the reason why we are alive.

Mrs Doris David, business woman
Christmas is a season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, so whether there is money, or no money, we must thank God for life because there are many people in the hospital who have money, but cannot celebrate the Christmas.
As the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 25th, Wednesday, 26th December, 2018 and Tuesday, 1st January, 2019 as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations respectively, we must take advantage of these public holidays to enjoy ourselves while we are alive.
It would be recalled that the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, had made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press, Mohammed Manga last Wednesday evening.
This is a period when Christians should think and reflect on God’s gift for us and so I want all Christian faithful in Nigeria to use this period in praying earnestly for the betterment and development of our country, Nigeria.
While I also expect that the Federal Government make life comfortable for Nigerians because there is serious hunger in the country and almost all businesses in Nigeria can no longer thrive with the harsh economic system in the country.

Mrs Amaka Shefiu, provision dealer
This Christmas, there is nothing to show for it because up to this time, there is no customer to buy our goods. We are just managing by the grace of God. There is no money, people are complaining of no money.
By this time last year, we sold reasonably although it cannot be compared to sales we made last three years. If it were during the Jonathan administration, by this time, we would have packaged goods for customers to use as souvenirs but this year, not even one person has asked that we wrap gifts for them to use as souvenirs.
This year is the worst year I have ever witnessed in my Christmas sales as there is a very high decline in our sales.

Augustine Eze, mason worker Christmas is very hard to me as there was no money anywhere despite the hard labour I am doing. My family has no food and we cannot travel home for Christmas like we did last year.
During the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, there was enough money in my hand and me and my family members travelled home on time for Christmas and New Year, but this year, it’s very difficult for me to see food to put on the table for my family members.
I am very hard working and ready to do any menial jobs, but I will work and no money to pay me for it.
I am not happy at all because I have never celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ without money. I cannot buy Christmas clothes for my children and wife and they are not happy too.

Pastor Kingsley Munachim
This Christmas is very good because it brings life to me, my family and the entire world. This is why I said the Christmas is very good whether there is money or not.
I am grateful that I am alive because there are many people who are on the hospital bed now and they cannot see the brightness of the day, but I am sound and healthy enjoying this Christmas harmattan, so I give God all the glory.

Nwibari Dick, newspaper vendor
There is nothing to celebrate about this Christmas. All I am looking for is money to settle some outstanding demands confronting my family this season. I am struggling to make ends meet, yet, it is as if I am doing nothing. I want the local, state and the Federal Governments to find a way to provide jobs for the people, so that it would go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the people.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Rivers

Ikwerre Council Boss Bans Scavenger Operations

Published

3 days ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, has banned scavenger operations within the area, citing rising security threats, vandalism, and environmental degradation linked to the activity.

Wobodo made the declaration during an unscheduled visit to one of the scavenger sites in Elele Community, recently.

He also expressed concern over the illegal operations being carried out under the guise of scrap collection.

Accordingly, he said the council could no longer tolerate activities that endanger lives and properties.

The Chairman, who was visibly displeased with the level of disorder and environmental nuisance at the site, said several reports had linked scavengers to cases of theft, vandalism of public infrastructure, and unwholesome environmental practices.

“From what I have seen here today, it is clear that these scavengers are operating outside the law. We cannot allow this to continue”, he said.

According to him, the council’s decision to impose a total ban was informed by the increasing security challenges and complaints from residents and community leaders.

“We have received numerous reports of missing cables, stolen manhole covers, and break-ins traced to scavengers. Enough is enough!”, he declared.

Wobodo further disclosed that security agencies had been directed to immediately seal all scavenger sites in the local government area and arrest anyone found operating or aiding such activities.

“Anyone who buys from these illegal operators will be treated as an accomplice. We are determined to rid Ikwerre of all forms of criminals disguised as scavenging”, he said.

During the visit, the chairman ordered the immediate evacuation of all waste materials and condemned the unhygienic state of the site. He described the location as a potential health hazard and an environmental risk to surrounding residents.

Speaking with The Tide after the chairman’s visit, a resident of Elele, Mr. Bright Eke, commended the council’s decision, noting that scavengers had become a source of insecurity in the area.

“We’ve had several cases where they steal electric cables and invade people’s compounds. This action by the chairman is long overdue”, he said.

Meanwhile, the people have called on the KELGA boss to form Environmental and Security taskforce teams in order to begin immediate enforcement of the ban in Elele and other major communities in the area.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Renaissance Energy Spends $3m To Upgrade GTC

Published

3 days ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

Renaissance Africa Energy Company has invested over 3 million US dollars in the ongoing upgrade of facilities at the Government Technical College (GTC), Okujagu, Port Harcourt.

The General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance, Mr. Olanrewaju Olawuyi, disclosed this during a stakeholder meeting on the project in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Olawuyi said the initiative reflected the company’s strong commitment to advancing human capacity development and promoting technical education in Nigeria.

According to him, upon completion, the college would rank among the best technical institutions in Africa and compete favourably with its counterparts globally.

“We have already invested over 3 million USD in rebuilding the college, equipping it, and training staff, among other aspects.

“The project is still ongoing, and additional funds will be deployed to ensure its completion”, he said.

Olawuyi explained that the project, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), was structured into three phases.

He noted that the first phase involved upgrading facilities, including constructing new buildings and refurbishing existing ones such as the ICT centre and four workshops.

“The second phase focusses on equipping the college with the latest tools and technologies in the ICT centre and workshops”, he stated.

He added that the third phase prioritised sustainability through teacher training, student skill development, and establishing mechanisms that would enable the college to generate revenue for its operations.

“Our goal is to make the college self-sustaining through capacity development and financial independence.

“This stakeholder engagement is aimed at ensuring that all parties work together to achieve this objective”, he said.

On security, Olawuyi said Renaissance and NCDMB had begun engaging key stakeholders to ensure the protection of the project.

He said the engagement included consultations with community leaders, the GTC management, faith-based organisations, and local business owners.

Emphasising that the project belongs to the public, he urged residents to take collective responsibility in protecting it against vandalism and theft.

“We are working with stakeholders to resolve issues such as encroachment on the fencing areas and to take responsibility of protecting the facility.

“Whether you are a native or resident of Rivers State, everyone has an equal stake in the college.

“So, if anyone observes vandalism or theft, they should report it to the police or the school board. We all must protect this project”, Olawuyi appealed.

In his remark, the Director of Capacity Building Development at NCDMB, Mr. Abayomi Bamidele, said beyond its regulatory role in oil and gas industry, the board was deeply involved in promoting educational development.

He noted that NCDMB collaborates with companies through its Human Capacity Development Initiative to enhance the socio-economic development of their host communities.

“This is why projects like the Government Technical College upgrade are very important to NCDMB.

“We are passionate about supporting development in universities, vocational education centres, and both secondary and primary schools”, Bamidele said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, assured Renaissance Energy of the local government’s full support to ensure the project’s successful completion.

He described education as a key driver of societal development, commending Renaissance for its investment in the state’s human capital.

According to him, the local government will work closely with Renaissance and NCDMB to address any security concerns relating to the project.

Ihunda also pledged to tackle encroachment on the college’s property and assured that all illegal structures around its perimeter fence would be demolished.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

NLNG Lauds Young Scientists, Bids Winners Welcome

Published

3 days ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) has feted winners of the 2025 Nigeria LNG Science Quiz and Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) National Science Competition at a glittering honourary reception in Port Harcourt.

General Manager, Nigeria LNG, External Relations, and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, welcomed the young achievers, their teachers, and parents, hailing the students as “champions” whose success symbolises the rise of an entire community.

Addressing the gathering at the event held at the Learning Centre of the organisation, Horsfall celebrated Community Secondary School, Igbo-Etche, and Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School for their stellar performances.

Oginigba Comprehensive emerged winners of the Science Project Fair Category, while Community Secondary School, Igbo-Etche, secured third place in the Quiz Category at the STAN national finals in Abeokuta.

“You brought great honour to Rivers State, to your schools, and to Nigeria LNG,” Horsfall said. “You have distinguished yourselves as great scholars. I hope you maintain this high standard through your education and in all you do in life.”

She lauded the students’ perseverance, urging them to leverage the foundation built through the competitions to pursue impactful careers, whether as researchers, engineers, or educators.

“We believe some of you can unlock disease mysteries, design sustainable technologies, or inspire the next generation of scientists”,she said.

Horsfall also thanked parents and teachers for nurturing the young talents, noting their role in laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs.

To the awardees, she said: “As you return to your schools and communities, carry this victory with pride. Let it inspire you…and others…to continue striving for knowledge and excellence.”

The students, beaming with pride, received commendations as Nigeria LNG reaffirmed support for educational initiatives to shape tomorrow’s leaders.

In their separate speeches, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Inisefiekabo Tam-Job, and the Chairman, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Rivers State Branch, Dr. Peters Nwagor, eulogised the students for making the State proud and thanked Nigeria LNG for giving opportunities to Government owned schools, rewarding hardworking students and teachers, which is transforming Public schools in the State

They stressed that there’s no future without science as it holds the key to research and problem-solving, and urged the students to distinguish themselves by maintaining high standards in their Education.

On their part, the students expressed appreciation to NLNG and the STAN for the opportunities given them to shine.

The programme featured inspirational remarks, recognition of achievements, presentation of Awards to the students, teachers and schools.

By; Tonye Nria-Dappa