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Investing In Adolescent Girls, My Top Priority – Banigo

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4 years ago

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The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo says investing in our adolescent girls remains an utmost priority to her.
Banigo made this assertion during a three-day Peer Education Training on Sexual Violence Concerns organised, by the Protect the Girl Child Initiative in the Office of the Deputy Governor, yesterday at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Banigo said the Peer Education Training, and the setting up of the Protect the Girl Child initiative Clubs in Secondary Schools was necessitated by the fact that issues of sexual violence had become a real hot topic not only in Nigeria, but everywhere, stressing that people that are most hit are adolescent girls.
”We felt there was a need for us to do a structured programme, where we can actually mentor them and create awareness, where they can talk about it amongst themselves, and the best way to do it is to set up Peer Clubs at the secondary school level. We need to train educators who will now join the school children Federal Government College Port Harcourt, have already signed up about 60 children for the Protect the Child Initiative Peer Club”, Banigo stressed.
The Deputy Governor who disclosed that adolescents constitutes about 23 per cent of the population nationwide, said they are a key group that could be touched positively, noting that she has had programmes with them in the past where survivors of sexual violence were brought out and sponsored in the Universities.
In her remarks, the co-ordinator of the Protect the Child Initiative and Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on General Duties, Barr. Inegogo Fubara, said during the intensive training, participants would be equipped with the information and tools they need to be able to address all issues on sexual abuse, mentor and educate children, on how to identify sexual abuse when, it is happening and how it should be reported as well as all other antecedent issues pertaining to sexual abuse or violence on our young girls and boys.
In her presentation, the facilitator of the training programme, Onyiye Ananaba had said the workshop would address the misconceptions and myths of sexual violence, barriers and consequences of sexual violence and how to identify survivors, adding that issues of trauma reaction, psychological first aid for those who have suffered sexual violence and how to communicate effectively with children who have had sexual violence would be tackled.
She also said the Peer Educators would be equally trained on how to work with adolescents, talk about confidentiality, including, how to handle social responses as well as giving care to caregivers.

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Rivers

Ikwerre Council Boss Bans Scavenger Operations

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6 days ago

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November 10, 2025

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The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, has banned scavenger operations within the area, citing rising security threats, vandalism, and environmental degradation linked to the activity.
 Wobodo made the declaration during an unscheduled visit to one of the scavenger sites in Elele Community, recently.
He also expressed concern over the illegal operations being carried out under the guise of scrap collection.
Accordingly, he said the council could no longer tolerate activities that endanger lives and properties.
The Chairman, who was visibly displeased with the level of disorder and environmental nuisance at the site, said several reports had linked scavengers to cases of theft, vandalism of public infrastructure, and unwholesome environmental practices.
“From what I have seen here today, it is clear that these scavengers are operating outside the law. We cannot allow this to continue”, he said.
According to him, the council’s decision to impose a total ban was informed by the increasing security challenges and complaints from residents and community leaders.
“We have received numerous reports of missing cables, stolen manhole covers, and break-ins traced to scavengers. Enough is enough!”, he declared.
Wobodo further disclosed that security agencies had been directed to immediately seal all scavenger sites in the local government area and arrest anyone found operating or aiding such activities.
“Anyone who buys from these illegal operators will be treated as an accomplice. We are determined to rid Ikwerre of all forms of criminals disguised as scavenging”, he said.
During the visit, the chairman ordered the immediate evacuation of all waste materials and condemned the unhygienic state of the site. He described the location as a potential health hazard and an environmental risk to surrounding residents.
Speaking with The Tide after the chairman’s visit, a resident of Elele, Mr. Bright Eke, commended the council’s decision, noting that scavengers had become a source of insecurity in the area.
“We’ve had several cases where they steal electric cables and invade people’s compounds. This action by the chairman is long overdue”, he said.
Meanwhile, the people have called on the KELGA boss to form Environmental and Security taskforce teams in order to  begin immediate enforcement of the ban in Elele and other major communities in the area.
By: King Onunwor
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Rivers

Renaissance Energy Spends $3m To Upgrade GTC

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6 days ago

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November 10, 2025

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Renaissance Africa Energy Company has invested over 3 million US dollars in the ongoing upgrade of facilities at the Government Technical College (GTC), Okujagu, Port Harcourt.
The General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance, Mr. Olanrewaju Olawuyi, disclosed this during a stakeholder meeting on the project in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Olawuyi said the initiative reflected the company’s strong commitment to advancing human capacity development and promoting technical education in Nigeria.
According to him, upon completion, the college would rank among the best technical institutions in Africa and compete favourably with its counterparts globally.
“We have already invested over 3 million USD in rebuilding the college, equipping it, and training staff, among other aspects.
“The project is still ongoing, and additional funds will be deployed to ensure its completion”, he said.
Olawuyi explained that the project, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), was structured into three phases.
He noted that the first phase involved upgrading facilities, including constructing new buildings and refurbishing existing ones such as the ICT centre and four workshops.
“The second phase focusses on equipping the college with the latest tools and technologies in the ICT centre and workshops”, he stated.
He added that the third phase prioritised sustainability through teacher training, student skill development, and establishing mechanisms that would enable the college to generate revenue for its operations.
“Our goal is to make the college self-sustaining through capacity development and financial independence.
“This stakeholder engagement is aimed at ensuring that all parties work together to achieve this objective”, he said.
On security, Olawuyi said Renaissance and NCDMB had begun engaging key stakeholders to ensure the protection of the project.
He said the engagement included consultations with community leaders, the GTC management, faith-based organisations, and local business owners.
Emphasising that the project belongs to the public, he urged residents to take collective responsibility in protecting it against vandalism and theft.
“We are working with stakeholders to resolve issues such as encroachment on the fencing areas and to take responsibility of protecting the facility.
“Whether you are a native or resident of Rivers State, everyone has an equal stake in the college.
“So, if anyone observes vandalism or theft, they should report it to the police or the school board. We all must protect this project”, Olawuyi appealed.
In his remark, the Director of Capacity Building Development at NCDMB, Mr. Abayomi Bamidele, said beyond its regulatory role in oil and gas industry, the board was deeply involved in promoting educational development.
He noted that NCDMB collaborates with companies through its Human Capacity Development Initiative to enhance the socio-economic development of their host communities.
“This is why projects like the Government Technical College upgrade are very important to NCDMB.
“We are passionate about supporting development in universities, vocational education centres, and both secondary and primary schools”, Bamidele said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, assured Renaissance Energy of the local government’s full support to ensure the project’s successful completion.
He described education as a key driver of societal development, commending Renaissance for its investment in the state’s human capital.
According to him, the local government will work closely with Renaissance and NCDMB to address any security concerns relating to the project.
Ihunda also pledged to tackle encroachment on the college’s property and assured that all illegal structures around its perimeter fence would be demolished.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Rivers

NLNG Lauds Young Scientists, Bids Winners Welcome

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6 days ago

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November 10, 2025

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The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)  has feted winners of the 2025 Nigeria LNG Science Quiz and Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) National Science Competition at a glittering honourary reception in Port Harcourt.
General Manager, Nigeria LNG, External Relations, and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall,  welcomed the young achievers, their teachers, and parents, hailing the students as “champions” whose success symbolises the rise of an entire community.
Addressing the gathering at the event held at the Learning Centre of the organisation, Horsfall celebrated Community Secondary School, Igbo-Etche, and Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School for their stellar performances.
Oginigba  Comprehensive emerged winners of the Science Project Fair Category, while Community Secondary School, Igbo-Etche, secured third place in the Quiz Category at the STAN national finals in Abeokuta.
“You brought great honour to Rivers State, to your schools, and to Nigeria LNG,” Horsfall said. “You have distinguished yourselves as great scholars. I hope you maintain this high standard through your education and in all you do in life.”
She lauded the students’ perseverance, urging them to leverage the foundation built through the competitions to pursue impactful careers, whether as researchers, engineers, or educators.
“We believe some of you can unlock disease mysteries, design sustainable technologies, or inspire the next generation of scientists”,she said.
Horsfall also thanked parents and teachers for nurturing the young talents, noting their role in laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs.
To the awardees, she said: “As you return to your schools and communities, carry this victory with pride. Let it inspire you…and others…to continue striving for knowledge and excellence.”
The students, beaming with pride, received commendations as Nigeria LNG reaffirmed support for educational initiatives to shape tomorrow’s leaders.
In their separate speeches, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Inisefiekabo Tam-Job, and the Chairman, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Rivers State Branch, Dr. Peters Nwagor, eulogised the students for making the State proud and thanked Nigeria LNG for giving opportunities to Government owned schools, rewarding hardworking students and teachers, which is transforming Public schools in the State
They stressed that there’s no future without science as it holds the key to research and problem-solving, and urged the students to distinguish themselves by maintaining high standards in their Education.
On their part, the students expressed appreciation to NLNG and the STAN for the opportunities given them to shine.
The programme featured inspirational remarks, recognition of achievements, presentation of Awards to the students, teachers and schools.
By; Tonye Nria-Dappa
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