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Strategic Projects Execution Earned Wike Nigeria’s Face Of Democracy -Nsirim

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has earned the title Nigeria’s Face of Democracy through well-articulated and strategic execution of legacy projects, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim has said.
Nsirim made the assertion at a media briefing on the second leg of the second phase of the ministry’s #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign in Port Harcourt, last Monday.
He said the remarkable transformation of the state by Governor Nyesom Wike has left critics dumbfounded and bewildered.
“As you are aware, Rivers State had entered into a NEW realm of glory since May 29, 2015, as a result of the achievements of the hardworking Governor of our dear state, Nyesom Wike.
“His projects speak for themselves. It is, therefore, not surprising that all they (critics) do now is to clutch on straws and attempt to throw weak punches that cannot hurt a fly,” he said.
He, therefore, called on Rivers people to remain vigilant to ensure that the forces of darkness and retrogression that see nothing good in the efforts to transform the state remain in the dustbin of history where they have been consigned.
The commissioner said that entries for the theme song competition for the advocacy campaign began, Monday, and that it was open to all persons residing and doing business in Rivers State.
“Having successfully executed the essay competition, the ministry is ready to roll the dice for the theme song competition.
“Our desire in rolling out this theme song competition is to ensure that our best and brightest creative minds are given the opportunity to be innovative. We want our people to put their creative talents to work by searching for breakthrough ideas through thinking”.
He stressed that the theme song must align and match the #OurStateOurResponsibility.
“We expect the theme song to tell the people of Rivers State and others what to expect and what is expected of them.
He said competitors were expected to produce theme songs that people could have in their heads, something that would be simple, catchy and easy to remember, not exceeding three minutes and could establish a connection with listeners.
He announced a three-man panel of judges, including a versatile musician and former Chairman of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Lexi Mueka also known as Lexy M; on air personality, Baridam Charles a.k.a Vitamin C; and one of Nigeria’s best Disc Jockeys, Ofori Williams.
Nsirim announced a N300,000; N150,000 and N100,000 prizes for the first, second and third position winners of the theme song competition.
“But beyond the cash incentive lays an even greater opportunity. This competition has the potentials of throwing up the winner to the national or global stage as we have seen from little beginnings of this nature. We, therefore, expect our creative minds to look beyond the cash incentive and think about a legacy that they can be remembered for,” he said.
He said contestants should download entry forms, rules and regulations guiding the competition from the advocacy campaign website: www.ourstateourresponsibility.com on or before December 13, 2021, which is the deadline for entries.
He said completed entry forms and signed acceptance of rules and regulations as well as entry materials should be sent to the ministry’s email address: rsministryofinformationandcoms@gmail.com.
The commissioner said that the emergence of the essay competition had opened a new vista of hope that the advocacy campaign was gaining grounds among youths of the state.
Accordingly, he said, the winner who is the ambassador of the #OurStateOurResponsibility, Miss Oyibo Sophia Awajibenem, would be supported by the ministry to host a one-day sensitisation programme on November 25, 2021 at the Ministry of Women Affairs titled: “The Wind of Change” aimed at promoting and strengthening the #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign.
“She would be interfacing and interacting with youths from the 23 local government areas, youth organisations and people living with disabilities, to further drive the second phase of the advocacy campaign,” he disclosed.
Nsirim also used the occasion to acknowledge the rare qualities of Sophia, who within the few months of being an ambassador of the ministry, has continued to arouse the interest of the youths of Rivers State to understand and embrace the advocacy campaign.
Also speaking, former Chairman of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Lexi Mueka commended the commissioner for initiating a platform that would discover hidden talents and catapult those seeking such a platform to showcase their talents in music.
He assured that the panel of judges would be unbiased in considering the entries of competitors according to the laid down rules by the ministry.
In her remarks, the winner of the essay competition and currently the ambassador of the ministry, 18 years old Miss. Sophia Awajibenem Oyibo disclosed how elated she had been since she won the competition.
She said the new status had inspired several youths in the state who now believe in the benefits of hardwork, integrity and patience.

By: John Bibor

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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