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Soot, Fire Outbreaks: RSG Seeks Synergy To End Illegal Refineries …As Nsirim Rewards Theme Song Contest Winners
The Rivers State Government has called for citizens’ and security agencies’ collaboration to end activities of illegal refiners of crude oil, popularly known as ‘Kpofire’, which has caused incessant fire outbreaks and environmental pollution in the state.
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim made the call during the presentation of prizes to winners of the ministry’s #OurStateOurResponsibility Theme Song competition in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Nsirim also called on the media to engage in aggressive public enlightenment campaign against ‘Kpofire’ activities in Rivers State.
He expressed concern that the activities of illegal refiners of crude oil have caused incessant fire outbreaks and pollution of the atmosphere through the emission of soot.
“Hardly any day passes that you will not get reports of incidents of fire outbreak, and investigations have revealed that most of these fire incidents are as a result of stockpiling of adulterated petroleum products.
“Government cannot stop this trend without the cooperation of the citizens and the law enforcement agencies. We are appealing that we need to do something, that as we enter into the New Year, let us have a collective resolve as a people to ensure that our environment is not polluted anymore.
“It should concern everyone. Apart from the fire hazards that we are experiencing, the health implication of what we are seeing in Port Harcourt today is something that should worry anyone living and doing business here in Rivers State,” he said.
Nsirim condemned the activities of some security personnel who collect gratification from operators of the illegal petroleum products businesses and allow them free passage on the roads.
“We cannot be our own enemies. We must collectively fight this syndrome. The hazard we are facing is becoming worrisome. If you live and do business here in Rivers State, this ‘Kpofire’ syndrome should concern you, and I think the time has come for us to put an end to this menace,” he said.
He emphasised that the idea behind the second phase of the #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign was to mobilise a cross spectrum of Rivers society to be part of the NEW Rivers Vision.
He noted that governance cannot be complete if citizens do not play active role in the development process, hence the advocacy campaign.
“It is a vision that will engineer our collective understanding that Rivers State belongs to all of us, whether you are an indigene or not, as long as you live and do business here, Rivers State belongs to you,” he said.
He said the theme song competition awards ceremony coming after the essay competition was a milestone in the quest to strengthen citizens’ participation in governance in Rivers State.
Nsirim congratulated the three persons that emerged first, second and third position winners of the competition, and announced the first position winner, Mr. Barnabas Baridam, as the ambassador of the ministry and the face of #OurStateOurResponsibility campaign.
The commissioner also commended the three-man panel of judges who rendered a diligent service without asking for professional fees.
He said criteria for the theme song include originality and simplicity of content, strong credibility, and appeal to all segments of the society.
Nsirim expressed optimism that the competition would be a starting point for the blossoming career in music for the winners, and charged them to see the opportunity as a foundation for something bigger and greater in years ahead.
Chairman of the panel of judges, Mr Lexy Maol, said the panel was careful in selecting the winners out of the several entries.
According to him, some of the other criteria considered were nature of the song, the connection, the lyric, and the careful fusion of #OurStateOurResponsibility.
In his remarks, the first position winner, Mr. Barnabas Baridam, thanked the commissioner for floating the programme that gave him the platform to showcase his talent.
He promised to represent the ministry and the government positively as its ambassador.
The first runner up is Indiana Tonye, while the third runner up is Prince Innocent Ikinga.
Cash prizes of N300,000, N150,000, and N100,000, were given to the first, second and third position winners, respectively.
By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama
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.