News
Mrs Wike, Family Float Foundation For Father
An education foundation to assist indigent students has been set up in honour of Elder Ikechukwu Amadi Obuzor, the father of the wife of the governor of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike.
The foundation was announced by the wife of the governor on the occasion of the 80th birthday of her father at Odiokwu Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, last Friday.
Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike explained that the education foundation, which is in honour of her father’s legacy, has been set up to help indigent students in Odiokwu and other parts of the state, realize their academic aspirations.
“Everywhere in the world, there is poverty. So, there are people who have need for good education. And the more education we give to people, the more light we bring into our communities.”
She stated that the Obuzor family had already started supporting, at least, 20 students in higher institutions.
According to her, there was, however, plan to extend the assistance to indigent students across the entire Rivers State.
“Starting from this little community of Odiokwu, we plan to extend it to Ahoada West, Ahoada East, the whole of Orashi, and as we have more (funds), of course, the whole of Rivers State.”
Obuzor, a United States-trained surgeon, was a former Commissioner for Health, Education, and Commerce and Industry in the old Rivers State.
He is a voracious, unapologetic giver, whose educational advancement scheme has produced the highest amount of human resource development in Ekpeye history.
He was coroneted as the Unwo Yaweh Usamali Ekpeye Logbo, which means, “One who has brought light (civilization) to his people.”
Obuzor commended his children for the establishment of the education foundation, which is in furtherance of his legacy of enhancing the human capital development of his people.
The octogenarian expressed profound gratitude to his children for their show of love, and also thanked all family members, friends and dignitaries that graced the occasion of his 80th birthday.
The mother of the wife of the governor, Deaconess Patience Horsfall Obuzor, thanked God for preserving the life of her husband, who recently experienced serious health challenges.
She also expressed gratitude to God for granting her husband very productive years during which he has been able to impact positively on humanity.
The Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, in his remarks, thanked God for the life of Dr. Obuzor and all that he has accomplished in life.
At the event, which was attended by dignitaries from across Rivers State, and chaired by Chief D.A. Ochoma, the biography of the Dr Obuzor titled, “OBUZOR: THE LIGHT BEARER”, authored by Precious Anuonyeh, was also launched.
The occasion, which had in attendance the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simon C. Amadi; Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State, Amb Desmond Akawor; former Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Bro Felix Obuah; Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom, and Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja; Elder Ferdinand Alabraba, among other dignitaries.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.