News

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

Published

4 years ago

November 17, 2021

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

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

5 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

5 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

5 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor