Rivers

Council Partners Navy Over Insecurity On Waterways

Published

4 years ago

September 27, 2021

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Bar. Erastus Charles Awortu, has stated his administration’s readiness to support the Nigerian Navy to address the menace of insecurity along waterways of the area.
The council boss made this known when he briefly stopped over at a Navy patrol boat along the waterway while on security official visit to Oyorokoto fishing settlement in the area.
Oyorokoto Community is located at the Coast of Atlantic Ocean in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, It is the largest fishing hub in West Africa. Before the presence of council administration, the area was plagued by issues of insecurity due to brazen attacks by sea pirates and other criminal gangs.
Awortu said his decision to support the personnel of the Nigerian Navy was borne out of the need to stem the tide of insecurity along Andoni waterways.
“We are very much ready to support the Nigerian Navy to help us to achieve peace within the Andoni waterways. We also need your support to address insecurity along our waterways. We have already established a good relationship with the men of Nigerian Navy deployed to Andoni coastal areas, I’m hopeful that this relationship would be beneficial to our effort towards addressing insecurity. We will also encourage the Navy in any way we can”, the chairman said.
Addressing the people of Oyorokoto Community, the council boss expressed his administration’s determination to bring lasting peace, stability and security in Andoni including fishing settlements and coastal areas.
He said the effort is geared toward economic development as well as to attract investors to the area.
According to him, more security men would be deployed to Oyorokoto community and its environs to improve security in the area.
Awortu assured the people of even development that would improve economic activities in all fishing settlements as well as sustain the existing peace in the area.
He said no amount of money spent in safeguarding the lives of people and properties to achieve an enduring peace in the area is a waste.
“We are very passionate about the issue of security. It was sad and unfortunate that when you tune to the radio, you don’t hear any good thing about Andoni, what you hear are kidnapping, sea piracy, cult killing, armed robbery and chieftaincy crisis”.

When I came into office only two security men were deployed to secure the whole of Oyorokoto and its environs which was grossly inadequate. I felt this wasn’t the right way to address the security challenges in the area.
“However the story is different today as we have been able to secure and facilitate increased deployment of security personnel to Oyorokoto and its environs to provide adequate security in the area. We are spending much to sustain the increased deployment of security personnel in Oyorokoto and other parts of Andoni”. Awortu said.
The Council Chairman while urging the people to maintain good relationship with security operatives deployed to the area, hinted that his administration has taken measures to curb the spate of attacks by Sea pirates and other criminal gangs.
He assured the people that the council will played more priority to ensured that activities of the criminals do not impact negatively on the businesses of the Small-Scale Fishermen and women at the Coastal Communities.
Awortu also promised to intervene in the area of Education in Oyorokoto Fishing Settlement and pledged to draw the attention of the relevant authorities in the Education Sector of Rivers State to public schools in the area.
Coastal Communities also visited by the Council Chairman Erastus Awortu includes AmaNsan, IbotokponMbaba, and Oyorokotoetc.

By: Enoch Epelle

Rivers

Microbiologists Inaugurates New Exco, Chart New Course In Dev

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.

At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.

The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).

In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.

He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.

Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.

They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.

Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.

In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.

Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.

According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.

She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.

“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.

With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Rivers

IAUE VC Warns Against High Price In Textbook Sales

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.

This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.

Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.

The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.

He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.

According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.

He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.

The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.

He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.

Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.

His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.

Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.

The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Hon Worlu Expresses Concern Over Tragic Incidents In PHALGA … Assures On Safety, Security

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.

A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.

The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.

He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.

He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.

The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.

By: King Onunwor