COVID-19: NSIRIM ADVISE YOUTHS AGAINST VIOLENCE OVER LOCKDOWN

Published

5 years ago

May 4, 2020

The Tide

Enlightenment on COVID-19, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has advised youths against any form of violence as a result of the measures put in place by the State Government, including lockdown of some areas aimed at preventing the spread of the novel Covid-19 pandemic in the State.

Nsirim also charged the youths to be proactive and support the State Government in the fight against Coronavirus spread in the State

Nsirim, who made the call during a one-day sensitization of the Youth in the State under the aegis of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), charged them to grow beyond being tools of destruction, by contributing their quota to the development of the State.

This, he said, include not only adhering to, but also spearheading the Coronavirus prevention measures put in place by the relevant authorities, in line with the proactive measures taken by the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Nsirim, who is also the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, said, “We have invited you this afternoon because we understand clearly that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. Currently you’re aware that there is a pandemic that’s ravaging the world, and that pandemic is also in Rivers State.

“The youths are a greater percentage of the population. So, whatever affects the youth, will affect the whole State. That’s why we’ve called you this afternoon to sensitize you on the matter of the moment: tell you the things that you need to do, things that you don’t need to do, how to protect yourselves, your Community, and your immediate environment.

“From what we are seeing around the country, the violence that are being perpetrated across the country because of the lockdown is being perpetrated by the youths. But we have said that the youths of Rivers State are different, that we cannot record such violence in Rivers State.

“So, we’re here this afternoon reminding youths that Rivers State is different, and that as representatives of your various youth bodies, when you go back home today, you will give them information about the virus, you’ll also give them information on how to be good citizens. This period is the time for responsibility, everyone has to make a sacrifice, has to be responsible, one way or the other, so that together we will chase the Coronavirus out of Rivers State”.

In his remark, the State Commissioner of Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Barr. Olisaelloka Tasie-Amadi, took them through the dangers of the pandemic, the dangers of the virus, how it is spread, and how the spread can be checked.

Tasie-Amadi, who is also a member of the Inter-ministerial Committee, said “basically, the first thing we need to know and practice is fascial hygiene. We all have heard that we’re requested to wash our hands regularly, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. The other thing we need to do all the time is to avoid touching our face.

“Why do we say don’t touch your face, your eyes, nose, and mouth? It’s because that’s the quickest way to get the infection. We say this because the hand touches many surfaces from which you can pick up the virus. It is for this reason you’re required to wash your hands regularly with soap and running water, or use sanitizers to kill the virus”, he said.

He explained that the other key measure of prevention is to wear face mask, which prevents droplets from an infected person from dropping on surfaces which another person can touch and get infected by using the infected hand to touch their face.

Addressing the youths on plans by the State Government to develop their lot, another member of the Committee and Commissioner for Youths, Prince Ohia Obi, assured them that the Government has put in place models on how to turn the youth development system into a process.

“Our concentration in youth development is unalloyed, and can never be compromised. You know I is in the public domain that the youth within the Niger Delta are volatile and restive. You know that the public perception about the youth in the Niger Delta is appalling, not pallatable at all. But we’re here to ensure that we change that ugly narrative”, he said.

Responding on behalf of the youth, the State Chairman of NYCN, Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo, commended the State Governor over the proactive measures put in place to check the Coronavirus prevention, and the Inter-ministerial Committee for their efforts so far.

Amb. Ihunwo assured the support of all the youth leaders in the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the State in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, while appealing to the government to tighten its border closure mechanisms to ensure that unauthorized persons do not have easy access into the State, specifically through Etche and Omuma LGAs.

NIGERIA AT 65: FUBARA HARPS ON UNITY, PEACE

Published

1 day ago

September 29, 2025

The Tide

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.

Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.

Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.

According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.

The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.

Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.

Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.

News

Shettima departs New York for Germany after UNGA engagement

Published

1 day ago

September 29, 2025

The Tide

Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.

The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.

“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”

Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”

“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.

“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”

The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.

The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.

He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.

News

FG holds special thanksgiving service ahead of 65th Independence Day

Published

1 day ago

September 29, 2025

The Tide

As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.

The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.

Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.

Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00

The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.

This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.

“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.

The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.