News
Wike Extols Akarolo’s Virtues
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has described the Amangada XI of Rebisi Kingdom, Eze Anthony Worlu Akarolo, as an honest man with integrity, and an astute believer in the NEW Rivers Vision.
He has also eulogised the monarch for his role in the enthronement of a new leadership in the state in 2015, at a time when highly respected Rivers people sold out.
Wike made the assertion at the thanksgiving service organised to celebrate the recognition and elevation of the traditional stool of Eze Anthony Worlu Akarolo, as second class stool by the Rivers State Government at Saint Barnabas’ Anglican Church, Elekahia, Port Harcourt.
The governor, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Engr. Emeka Woke, noted that as a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who contributed to the upliftment of Rebisi Kingdom, Akarolo mobilised all traditional rulers of Ikwerre nationality to effect change in the state.
“Eze Anthony Worlu Akarolo, is an honest man. He is also a hardworking man. He is a man of integrity. When he believes in something, he stands by what he believes.
“When in 2012/2013, there was need for a change in Rivers State, so many people who were supposed to stand up at that time refused to stand up. Those who the state and the people of Rivers State looked up to speak out, chickened out.
“Our celebrant today is one of those who stood for Rivers people. As a member of Rebisi Chiefs and Elders Forum, he criss-crossed the nooks and crannies of Ikwerre ethnic nationality, mobilised the traditional institution on the need for a change, and the need to move Rivers State forward.”
The governor, who opined that Eze Worlu Akarolo’s position at that time was devoid of personal gain, but for the development and advancement of Rebisi and Rivers State at large, expressed happiness that it was at his reign and that of the present government that Rebisi Kingdom has witnessed numerous development and human capital projects.
“Little wonder today that there is no way you can tell the story of the new Rivers State that his name (Eze Anthony Worlu Akarolo) will not be mentioned as one of the traditional rulers, as one of the believers of the NEW Rivers Vision.
“I also know that the history of Rebisi Kingdom will not be complete without mentioning that at his own time and the time of Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, that Rebisi flyover was initiated, constructed, completed and commissioned”.
He also noted that other projects such as the Orochiri/Wurukwo and Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Oro-Abali flyovers, which are also nearing completion, were initiated, completed and commissioned.
“The Real Madrid Academy was initiated, completed and commissioned. The Nkpogu sand fill project, dualisation of Ogbum-Nu-Abali road was completed. Today, our own son is the acting chairman of the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue”, he added.
The governor congratulated the monarch on the elevation of his stool, which he noted was for a purpose from God.
He urged him to use the thanksgiving service to forgive all those he perceived to have hurt him for the sake of peace and development of his kingdom.
In his message titled, “Where Does Your Help Come From”, the Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, noted that everyone on earth needs help.
He urged all, to always look up to God for help, as He is the only one that will genuinely help mankind.
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.