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Happy Survival, The Tide @50 …Happy Birthday To The Icon Of Public Spirited Credible Media Enterprise
On December 4, 2021, The Tide (formerly The Nigerian Tide) newspaper stable, published by the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC), clocked 50 years of existence having been established on December 1, 1971 by the administration of then Lt. Commander Alfred Diete-Spiff. Incidentally, Diete-Spiff was the first ever governor of Rivers State. This remarkable feat in longevity for a government-owned newspaper stable, stands the establishment out as one of the landmark facilities that capture the resilience of the Rivers people in the face of all odds.
A life span of 50years for any human organisation or system, is hardly a casual affair given that most human systems, fail to reach that mark for the simple reason that the dynamics of human group activity, do not always conduce to empirically determined imperatives, which flow with mathematically determined precision. Hence, for the RSNC, the occasion calls for celebration, and commendation to all actors who served in various capacities, namely; reporters, editors, marketers, administrators, accountants, security personnel, contributors, columnists, and others too numerous to mention; whether currently serving or disengaged, who have had the privilege to contribute to the success and longevity of this icon of superlative media enterprise. Many similar government-owned media establishments have come and gone, leaving it to stand kampe, and grow from strength to strength. Indeed, if The Tide were to be personified, it will easily qualify as the last man standing, having survived all odds over the years where most of its contemporaries crashed.
Remarkably, in these 50years, the newspaper stable has served all the 15 administrations that had the grace to oversee the affairs of the Rivers State, since its creation on May 27, 1967. The roll call of the 15 military and civilian governors of the state comprises in chronological order as follows:
Hence, The Tide has served meritoriously the state and the country from the military era to the current democratic dispensation, even with the often dramatic swings with respect to the rotation of power between these two systems.
Not only did The Tide feature in the political sphere, it also served as the chronicler of the good, bad and ugly times of the Nigerian society in as many other spheres as possible, thereby providing the thread that connects the past and present and charts the future. It therefore renders itself to be the destination for whosoever is needy of insights into the past of the world, seen from this corner of the globe.
In these 50 years, The Tide has built a credible heritage of literary endowments through promotion of the arts, literacy, and civic consciousness. This is just as it has served as the fulcrum of credible journalism in this region.
With such a rich pedigree, the future for this establishment cannot but be rosy, even as such a dispensation cannot be without the proper enablement to keep it flowing with fulfilment for its operatives and patrons. Most significant in this context is that the global operating terrain for the media has transformed dramatically, with the pervasive onslaught of advances in information technology, and the invasion of the ubiquitous social media.Given the trending state of affairs in the global media industry, the present crop of operatives driving The Tide need to be commended for running ahead so far, even with the burden of unmistakable constraints.
Needless therefore to note that for The Tide to maintain the keel it had established at the top of the competition, the establishment needs retooling, as well as repackaging of its work force. After all, is it not a common cliché in Nigeria that ‘you do not clean a child’s teeth with ordinary fingers’.
Once again, this is saying congratulations to The Tide , as you flow more steadily into the future.
By: Monima Daminabo
Daminabo is former Editor-in -Chief of The Tide, (June 2000- August 2003).
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
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