Rivers

Group Leader Promises To Consolidate On Wike’s Achievements

Published

4 years ago

March 7, 2022

The National President of Community Reformed Youths Initiatives ( CRYI), Engr Danago Taribo Wenik-Briggs, has promised Rivers people of his plans to consolidate on Governor Nyesom Wike’s programmes and projects, if elected as the State Governor come 2023.
Wenike-Briggs made the promise when he received in audience the executive of Mass Mobilisation for True Democracy ( MMTD), who honoured him with an award of recognition in his office in Port Harcourt recently.
He called on Rivers people not to be jittery over the issue of who will step into Wike’s big shoes, and said that the Messiah was already on ground.
The CRYI boss further told his audience that more industries will be established to absolve more youths into gainful employment which will not only address the challenge of unemployment but that of crime blamed on idleness.
He also told the group to live up to their name and not play any hide and seek game targeted at immediate profits without considering the future.
Meanwhile, the founder and President of the group, Comrade Eferebo Daniel Briggs, has said that their choice of the CRYI boss for the number one political office of the state was born out of their general findings and profiling that placed him top among others.
”We endorsed the gubernatorial ambition of the National President of CRY Initiative, Dcn. Danagogo Taribo Wenike Opurum Briggs in the 2023 general elections, because of his philanthropic and God- fearing nature”, he said.
To support the popular view of the people on the issue of riverine governorship candidate, he pointed out that the Kalabari axis should carry the day.
He also pointed out that Wenike-Briggs has through the CRYI platform, reoriented many young people on why they must not be willing tools in the hands of greedy politicians who only use and dump them after the elections.
“This group has been working judiciously to select the best candidate for the job. Though, we have many candidates from the riverine and other parts of the state, we must choose a good God fearing candidate to pilot the affairs of the state with fear and integrity for the state”, he said.
Another reason he advanced for the visit was to officially endorse their host for the Bricks House race for next year and to assure him of their support, before, during and after the elections.
“We are here to endorse Danagogo Wenike-Briggs and work closely with him. We have our presence cut across the 23 LGAs of Rivers State and five other states of the federation.
In order to ensure this aim is achieved, we call on all Rivers indigenes and non-indigenes to join us in making it come true for the benefit of the state”, he said.
He has also appealed to all eligible voters to hurry and get the voters card, adding that the 2023 general elections need tenacity and audacity to make it work.
Describing Wenike-Briggs as the man with the magic fingers to fix the state, he called on all to queue behind him, if they want a consolidation of what Governor Nysom Wike is doing in the state.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Rivers Police Uncovers Firearm Concealed In Loaf Of Bread

Published

9 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command has foiled what appeared to be a criminal operation and recovered an illegal firearm ingeniously concealed inside a loaf of bread during a routine security operation in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the operation formed part of intensified crime prevention measures directed by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at strengthening internal security and curbing criminal activities across the state.

The Command disclosed that the breakthrough occurred along Azikiwe Road by Red Cross Junction, Port Harcourt, when operatives on routine stop-and-search duty intercepted a vehicle and carried out a detailed screening of passengers and their belongings.

During the search, officers reportedly discovered a Browning pistol carefully hidden inside a loaf of bread allegedly belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a male resident of New Road, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, who was travelling in the vehicle.

Police said the unusual concealment method immediately raised suspicion, leading to the suspect’s arrest and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm.

Preliminary findings, according to the Command, revealed that the recovered pistol had no visible serial number, creating concerns over its source and possible intended use.

Investigators further quoted the suspect as allegedly admitting ownership of the weapon and stating that he purchased it in Okrika at the rate of N800,000.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that criminal elements continue to adopt increasingly deceptive methods to evade security checks and law enforcement surveillance.

He urged residents of Rivers State to remain alert and security conscious, stressing that the discovery of a firearm hidden inside an everyday food item underscores the need for heightened public vigilance.

The Police Commissioner also cautioned members of the public against accepting, transporting or keeping items whose contents are unknown, noting that such actions could unknowingly aid criminal activities.

The Command, therefore, called on residents to sustain collaboration with security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, insisting that effective policing remains dependent on active community participation and collective responsibility in building a safer Rivers State.

King Onunwor

Rivers

Okrika LG Flags-off TAPP Empowerment Programme, Phase II

Published

9 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

As part of efforts to enhance his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development across the Local Government Area (LGA), the Chairman of Okrika LGA, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, has officially flagged off the second phase of the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway (TAPP) Programme.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the LGA’s Council Secretariat, marked another milestone in the council’s drive to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents through targeted empowerment initiatives.

The event attracted key government officials and stakeholders, including the Secretary to Okrika Local Government Council, Hon. Oforiokuma Kwani; the Special Adviser on Empowerment, Hon. Adokiye Ogbogara; members of the Empowerment Committee; and other council officials.

In a symbolic presentation during the ceremony, the Empowerment Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Ibanichuka, presented a specially designed photo frame and a commemorative photo book showcasing the achievements and impact of the first phase of the programme.

The committee also unveiled and presented the official branded polo shirt and fez cap for Phase II of the empowerment initiative to the Chairman.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman commended members of the Empowerment Committee for their dedication, transparency, and commitment in implementing the programme.

He noted that the success recorded in the first phase had encouraged the administration to expand the initiative in order to reach more residents and create greater economic opportunities.

According to the council boss, the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway Programme was conceived as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing poverty, stimulating local enterprise, and equipping youths and entrepreneurs with the resources and skills needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

He disclosed that under Phase II of the programme, about 400 business owners and traders across Okrika would receive cash grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.

The intervention, he said, is expected to boost small-scale enterprises, enhance household incomes, and stimulate economic activities within the local economy.

Tobin further revealed that hundreds of youths would benefit from sponsored vocational and technical skills acquisition programmes in various fields, including scaffolding, fashion designing, welding, makeup and gele artistry, Total Glam, and several other vocational trades considered relevant in today’s economy.

The Chairman emphasized that the initiative goes beyond financial support, stressing that the programme is designed to build human capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and create a pathway for sustainable wealth creation among beneficiaries.

“Our vision is to empower our people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. We believe that when individuals are economically empowered, families become stronger, communities become more prosperous, and development becomes sustainable”, he stated.

He urged prospective beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by applying themselves diligently to the skills training and utilizing the grants responsibly to achieve long-term economic growth.

Tobin also reassured residents that his administration would continue to implement people-oriented policies and programmes aimed at improving living standards and expanding opportunities for all segments of society.

Observers at the event described the TAPP initiative as one of the most impactful empowerment programmes undertaken by the present administration, citing its focus on entrepreneurship development, youth engagement, and poverty reduction.

Meanwhile, the main empowerment event has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during which beneficiaries are expected to receive cash grants and vocational training support packages.

Since its inception, the TAPP has emerged as the flagship empowerment programme of the Okrika Local Government administration, touching lives across communities and reinforcing the council’s commitment to inclusive growth, economic prosperity, and the overall welfare of the people of Okrika.

The commencement of Phase II is expected to further consolidate the gains of the programme, while opening new opportunities for hundreds of residents seeking economic advancement and self-sufficiency.

Michael T. Abraham

Rivers

Urban Development Ministry, Others Strengthen Collaboration On Building Safety

Published

9 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Amairigha Hart, has said the Ministry has intensified efforts to improve the safety of buildings through stronger collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Amairigha, who said this at a strategic inter-agency meeting held in Port Harcourt, weekend, disclosed that the collaboration is aimed at establishing a unified operational framework to prevent overlaps and ensure coordinated action among agencies involved in the built environment.

Stressing the importance of collaboration in preventing structural failures and building collapses, the Commissioner said the regulatory and emergency response agencies must work together to ensure strict compliance with approved building standards and due process at every stage of construction.

He commended the prompt response of the Federal Housing Authority and NEMA to the recent building collapse along Peter Odili Road, describing their swift mobilisation as crucial to ongoing rescue efforts.

Providing an update on the incident, Hart disclosed that search, rescue and evacuation operations were still in progress.

He added that technical teams were carrying out a controlled demolition of the remaining lift shaft and stair core to prevent a secondary collapse and safeguard rescue personnel as well as neighbouring properties.

The Commissioner further emphasised that collaboration among agencies should go beyond emergency situations, noting that proactive monitoring and enforcement are essential to preventing future construction-related disasters.

The meeting ended with participants harmonising operational information and agreeing on measures to strengthen supervision, compliance monitoring and joint inspections of ongoing and future construction projects across Rivers State.

The resolution is expected to enhance coordination among state and federal agencies and promote safer building practices in the state.

King Onunwor