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700 Students Matriculate At RIVCOHSMAT

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The Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology (RIVCOHSMAT), Prof. Franklin Eziho Nlerum, has disclosed that a total of 700 students matriculated into the 21 programmes of the college for the 2020/2021 academic session.
Nlerum gave this hint while addressing students and invitees to the 2020/2021 matriculation ceremony in Port Harcourt last Friday.
Congratulating the students who passed through rigorous admission processes to gain admission into the college, he reminded them that the distance between admission and graduation or convocation is long and urged them to work hard to graduate at record time.
He used the opportunity provided by the occasion to review the growth of the institution, stating that it was established in 1972 as School of Health, became College of Health Science and Technology in August, 2021 and today, it is Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology through the re-enacted College Bill No.5, passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and signed to law by the State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in 2019.
According to him, that Law, gave the College the status of a Polytechnic, permitting it to run more courses and upgrading the salary of staff to Tertiary Institution Salary Structure (TISS) as enjoyed by staff of other tertiary institutions in the country.
Nlerum who expressed gratitude to the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for not only uplifting the status of the College and Staff Salary Structure, also supports the institution to uplift its facilities that enable the accreditation of its programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
He also thanked the Governor for approving the enlistment of the College in the Parastatals Pension Board where the other four tertiary institutions of Rivers State are listed, the retirement age of staff at the age of 65 and Professors at 70 years.
He warned the students against involvement in social vices, including cultism, hooliganism and examination malpractice and explained to them that the institution is poised to inculcate in them values that would enable them graduate as persons worthy in character and learning, adding that the college is Covid-19 compliant and that: “No school fees payment, no internal and Board examinations, no indexing” is very much in force.
He therefore urged them to pay their school fees as at when due, appealing to parents to support the advancement of the college and their children.

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Rivers

FTAN Marks Tourism Day With March, Awards

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The Rivers State Chapter of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) joined the global community to celebrate the 2025 World Tourism Day with a march through the streets of Port Harcourt, recently.
They used the opportunity to welcome the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The celebration themed “Tourism and Peace: Pathway to Sustainable Transformation,” underscored the strategic role of tourism in economic growth and social development.
Speaking at the event, the Rivers State FTAN Coordinator, Mr. Iminabo Princewill, reaffirmed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the State Government to expand the economic impact of tourism in the State.
“This year’s theme highlights how sustainable tourism can transform societies. FTAN is prepared to partner with the Rivers State Government to create long-term, impactful initiatives that will not only attract visitors, but also generate employment and preserve our cultural heritage”, Princewill said.
Highlight of the day’s event included a guided tour of SaveALife Mission Hospital, a world-class medical facility in Port Harcourt recognised for its excellence in medical tourism, which showcases Rivers State as a growing hub for healthcare-driven tourism in Nigeria and West Africa.
FTAN also presented special awards to distinguished individuals and institutions for their contributions to tourism development.
Among those awarded are the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who received the prestigious award of “Most Tourism-Friendly Governor.”
Governor Fubara was applauded for his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, cultural heritage promotion, and investor-friendly policies that enhance the tourism sector in the State.
In their various responses, the awardees expressed gratitude for the recognition accorded them, and pledged their continuous support for tourism-related projects, noting that the sector remains key to diversifying the state’s economy beyond oil and gas.
The event drew stakeholders from the hospitality industry, travel operators, cultural promoters and health tourism promoters, who were all united in showcasing Rivers State’s immense potential as a premier destination for leisure, business, and medical tourism in Nigeria.

By; Soibi Max-Alalibo

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Rivers

PHCCIMA, Others Laud ‘Made In Nigeria Conferences, Exhibitions’ Organisers

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The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and other stakeholders have praised the organisers of the “Made in Nigeria Conferences and Exhibitions” for their efforts and consistency in boosting the Small and Medium Enterprise (SMES) in Nigeria, as well as patronages of Nigerian Made Goods.
President of the PHCCIMA, Dr. Chinyere Woka, said this during the opening ceremony of the 15 edition of the “Made in Nigeria Conferences and Exhibitions” in Port Harcourt, stated that for 15 years the event has not only boosted the development of the SMEs sector in the country, but also encouraged young people to become enterpreneurs.
Woka, who was represented by Surveyor Emmanuel Ogbonda, particularly praised the convener of the conference, Mr. Uche Onochie, for his consistency within the past 15 years.
He said the annual conferences and exhibitions have not only showcased Nigerian products to the world, but also boosted patronage.
The PHCCIMA President also described the Small and Medium Enterprise as the pillar of economic development, stressing that the solution to the development of the Nigerian economy lies in the hands of the common people.
She also urged young people to embrace farming, saying it is the only way to go, especially in Africa and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, leaders at the conference are canvassing for investment in smart agriculture in order to attract young people.
They also called on young people to embrace farming and agriculture, saying the future of Nigeria and Africa as a whole depends on farming.
They said, “mass investment in agriculture by youths will make food available and cheaper.”
The leaders also stressed the need for Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria goods instead of depending on foreign made goods.
While declaring the conference open, it’s convener, Mr. Uche Onochie, said the future of Africa lies on smart farming and agriculture.
He said technology-driven agriculture will make farming appealing to the younger generation, describing farming as the future of Nigeria and Africa.
According to him, “technology will make food cheaper as well as help farmers to deal with less stress”, adding that “time has come for farmers to embrace technology to improve their farming.”
Onochie, who assured farmers at the event that the conference will amplify their voices, assured them of support.
He also stressed the need for young people to look inward into agriculture, and the need for investment in storage system, manpower development, and digital marketing of agricultural products.
According ro him, the theme for the conference, “Future of Technology and Agriculture”, will run for the next five years.
He also stressed the need for Nigerians to patronize made in Nigeria goods.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Maurice Ogolo, said his ministry is taking the issue of agriculture seriously, and encouraged young people to go into farming.
Other dignitaries at the event also called for introduction of technology into farming, saying that “without mechanisation of agriculture, the nation (Nigeria) will continue to experience food shortages.”

By: John Bibor, Birane Progress, & Igwe Fortune

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Eight Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs Win N2.4m In Youth Enterprise Challenge

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Eight young Nigerian Entrepreneurs have won N2.4 million in a Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge competition.
The event, which held in Rivers State, was funded by the British Council in partnership with King’s Trust International, and delivered by Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (ENDIP).
The award of N2.4 million in seed funding was to eight young entrepreneurs in Rivers State under the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme (YSECP).
YSECP supports young Nigerians to develop sustainable businesses, build entrepreneurial skills, and contribute to local economic growth.
Each winner received ¦ 300,000 to scale their business ideas following a competitive pitch process.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director, ENDIP, Mrs. Lilian Ari, said the organisation has in the past 25 years stayed true to its vision of developing 10,000 enterprises capable of generating 30,000 jobs in the country by 2030.
“Our mission has been simple but powerful: to give young people the tools, training, mentorship, finance and network they need to turn ideas into thriving businesses.
“From vocational skills to business incubation, from micro credit to venture equity, we have walked this journey with thousands of young people and today we celebrate the next generation of change makers”, Mrs. Ari said.
She also stressed the need for multinational corporations operating in the region, including oil companies, Banks and others, to develop the entrepreneurial skills of the youth.
The Tide learnt that each of the eight winners will get a sum of N300,000 each.
Speaking with newsmen, the Director Programmes, British Council, Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, said the organisation in conjunction with the King’s Trust International has been making efforts to develop the entrepreneurial skills of young Nigerians.
He said the programme was to create opportunities for the participants to develop skills that will be useful to them.
Onyemerela, who described Nigeria as a vast country with unlimited resources, also stressed the need for corporate organisations and governments to invest in skills development of young people in the country.
He said by doing this, insecurity and other social vices will be checked in the country.
He also urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunities to improve themselves and the society.
Onyemerela, who was the guest of honour at the occasion, noted that the British Council has organised similar programmes in Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Owerri, and other parts of the country.
According to him, the participants will be assisted through mentoring and other support programmes to enable them nurture their skills.
Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman, Joint Association of Persons With Disabilities, Enugu State Chapter, Mr. Onyebuchi Mba, said majority of the members of the Association in Enugu State have benefited from the programme, adding that it was the reason he was in Port Harcourt to show solidarity with them.
He said partnership between the British Council, King’s Trust International, and ENDIP has established a sustainable development ideology that should be appreciated by all concerned.
Also speaking, some of the participants and winners of the final business pitch and grant awards, expressed excitement over the programme and pledged to make judicious use of their money.

By; John Bibor

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