Rivers

Rivers NAWOJ Kicks Off 2022 Activities, Visits PH Children’s Home

Published

3 years ago

January 19, 2022

In a bid to reach out to the needy in the society, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State chapter, on Monday, paid a charitable visit to the Port Harcourt Children’s Home in Borokiri, Port Harcourt.
The visit which was led by the chairperson of the association, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana and secretary, Dr. Ngozi Anosike, is part of her action plans for the year, 2022.
The women branch of the Nigeria Union of Journalists expressed concern towards the children, as they appealed to the government, corporate organsiations, religious bodies and well meaning Nigerians for support of the children in any way possible.
NAWOJ, while presenting gift items to the officials of the children’s home, commended them for their effort in feeding and taking care of the children.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the presentation, the NAWOJ chairperson explained that the essence of the visit was to show love, kindness and encouragement to the children.
“We came to identify with the children, as the year has just began we felt it is important we start it with the children by putting smiles on their faces, believing that in their happiness, we too will be happy.
“When you look at the little prayers these children offer, it goes a long way and we support and believe that.
“All through last year, we have been going to other places but we have not been able to identify with them and they are part of our action plan for the year. Since last year we couldn’t make it, that’s why we said we must start this year with the children and that is why we are here today.”
While giving an insight on what she meant by action plan, the NAWOJ boss said, action plan is the program of activities for the year”
She continued, “We are working in partnership with the ministry of social welfare, which is why we feel our coming here is not out of place. We started the work with the social welfare last year but this year we felt we should identify first with the children.”
Serekara-Nwikhana further advised that, other associations visit this home from time to time as children need their attention just to put smiles on their faces.
“Although due to the COVID-19 we could not snap with them, and get more closer to them we would have loved to go inside, play with them, carry them but they said, due to COVID-19 we can’t do all that,” She added.
Some of the items presented to the children’s home by the organisation include; Cartons of Indomie, Pampers, rolls of tissue paper among others.
On her part, the officer in charge of the Port Harcourt Children’s Home, who gave her name as Esther Ogbe, appreciated the leadership and members of NAWOJ for the kind gesture, she prayed that God to bless and uphold them.

By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Rivers

FIDA, PCRC Train Police On Paralegal Cases

Published

46 mins ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), in collaboration with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), has held a one-day capacity building workshop on paralegal exposure aimed at equipping police officers across Rivers State on ways of handling gender-based violence cases in the society.

The one-day capacity training, organised by the two humanitarian organisations in the state, is designed to boost the knowledge and capacity of the police echelons in the state in handling gender-based violence cases.

Speaking at the event, held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Port Harcourt, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, emphasized the importance of capacity building for Police Officers, stressing the need for continuous training and development for the officers to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in law enforcement.

Adepoju noted the police have been having lectures like this from time to time as directed by the Inspector General of Poliice, and urge the police officers to turn out in their numbers in order to gain from the training.

“There is nothing as good as building our capacity to ensure we deliver service to mankind and let Rivers be a difference to others.

“We have people who have the capacity that can deliver and they are here with us, and we will not hesitate to ensure we employ and use them. Whatever we have learnt here, jot it down and ensure you use it judiciously”, the VP urged.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of FIDA Rivers State, Life Jim-George, stressed that the paralegal training offers the opportunity for retired Police officers, desk officers, and different divisions in charge of gender-based crime to assemble to educate and be educated on how to handle gender violence, the abused public, and how to deal with reporters of all kinds of Gender-Based Violence.

She said, “They need to be empathetic, they need not to judge them as they move into them. They need not to throw them away immediately, or to make the atmosphere very toxic, a situation whoch will make them go away, or be exposed to extortion, which will make them feel that Police is your friend is only in the book.

“We remind you all that you are not just Police officers, here is a duty imposed on you to look at the laws. Not just to drive people away because we have reports where once you approach a Police station and say my husband or wife beat me up, they drive you away, saying this one is husband and wife matter, go and settle with your husband or wife.They began to judge you.

“We are saying no, that is not what the law is. Please show empathy. If you throw them away like that, most of them can take their life. Some go into third degree depression and it becomes difficult to bring them out. They will now began to blame themselves for going to the Police station.”

In his speech, the Chairman of PCRC in the State, Mr. Voke Emore, explained that one primary responsibility of the PCRC is to bring the community closer to the Police, while FIDA, as an international organization, cares for the less privilege and handle cases involving women and children.

“The police only protect women and children in talking of gender abuse in the society, rather than taking the issue of gender violence as wholistic that includes men, women and children in every strata of the society.

“So, that is why the two humanitarian organisations, FIDA and PCRC, decided to partner to ensure that the things are done rightly in line with global practices.

“And the only way to do that is to provide training. We always talk about training and re-training of Police officers”, the PCRC boss stated.

The training focused on key areas such as “The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Rivers State”, “Dehumanizing and Harmful Traditional Practices Laws”, “Prohibition of the Curtailment of Women’s Rights to Share in Family Property Law”, and “Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law.”

Akujobi Amadi

Rivers

Obalga SOLAD Presents Fire Extinguishers To Council …. Commiserates With traders over Rumuomasi Market Fire

Published

47 mins ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter, has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the Council.

Dr. Walter, who spoke to newsmen at the Council’s premises at Rumuodumanya, said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforseen fire incidences.

He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.

he also commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.

Walter, who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by fire, described it as unfortunate.

Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, he acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

He noted that preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.

“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,

“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.

“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses”, he said.

He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.

“There are many ways fire can be ignited, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritize safety”, he cautioned.

Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.

“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place”, he stated.

The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied the LGA boss during the inspection, identified “K-Lane” as the most severely affected area.

A statement by the information officer to the Council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma, said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.

In another development, Sir Walter has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with the view to identifying and removing all blockages, including illegal structures hindering the free flow of water in the area.

A statement from Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorized barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.

According to the statement, Dr. Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endangered communities and undermine Government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.

It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and effectively functional.

He also warned against further dumping of wastes in waterways, citing impending flooding.

Rivers

Rivers Pledges Support For Enhanced Maritime Security

Published

47 mins ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enhance maritime security, protection of national assets, and economic growth.

Ibas made the remark during a visit by the participants of the Nigerian Naval Warfare College Course 9, who were on a study tour in Port Harcourt, on Monday.

He lauded the initiative of the study tour, themed, “Optimizing Technology for Effective Maritime Security Operations.’’

Ibas emphasised the importance of leveraging modern technology to safeguard national assets, coastal communities, and ensure sustainable economic development.

He commended the Nigerian Naval War College for prioritising technological innovation in maritime security.

Ibas mentioned some of the key maritime security challenges as sea piracy, smuggling, and environmental hazards, saying that the increase requires advanced solutions.

The Sole Administrator reiterated the state readiness to collaborate with federal security agencies and invest in strategic infrastructure and cooperative frameworks to enhance safety on land and at sea.

He urged the participants to ensure that the study tour strengthened collective stakeholder resolve and broadened professional approaches to achieving sustainable maritime security outcomes.

In a speech, the Commandant of the Nigerian Naval War College, Rear Admiral Akinola Olodude, highlighted Rivers’ strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy.

He noted that the state accounted for 30 per cent of Nigeria’s coastline, approximately 853km and over 40 per cent of the nation’s crude oil output.

Olodude also noted that the state accounted for 33 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings.

He said that due to the critical assets, transitioning from traditional maritime security methods to optimizing technology ‘’is imperative for addressing contemporary challenges in Rivers’ diverse maritime environment.”

Olodude explained that the study tour underscored the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to fostering operational excellence and technological advancement in maritime security, with the state playing a pivotal role in the national effort.