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NYSC Sanctions 17 Corps Members, Rewards Two In Rivers

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4 years ago

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As the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Rivers State, passed out its Batch ‘A’ Stream 2 corps members yesterday, in Port Harcourt, some corps members who did not live up to expectation would be punished in accordance with NYSC Bye-laws.
The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. George Mfongang, made this known yesterday, at the Passing Out Parade of the 2021 Batch A Stream 2 corps members which held at the Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
Mfongang said “17 out of the 2,658 corps members passed out were allegedly found guilty of violating the bye-laws of the scheme and as a result, 12 out of the number, are expected to repeat the service year while five will serve extension ranging from one month to four months on half pay, meant to serve as an eye-opener and a deterrent to other corps members on ground.” Their offences, the coordinator revealed, ranged from abscondment from service to unauthorised journeys and other miscellaneous offences.
Meanwhile, two others among the batch who distinguished themselves during the one-year scheme in the state received the NYSC Governing Board Chairman’s Award and the State Honours Awards respectively, because of their outstanding, enormous personal sacrifices and contributions to improve their host communities and leaving them better than they met them.
Mfongang in his address expressed happiness towards the selfless services of the corps members and how well they adapted in their host communities. He commended their efforts in initiating and executing group and personal community development (CD) projects and also positively touching the lives of people in their host communities.
“I am happy to note that the corps members adapted well in the communities where they served with renewed enthusiasm and love for the good of the state. They also left indelible footprints in the lives of the people especially in the areas of education, health care, agriculture and rural infrastructure”
“The active participation of these corps members in initiating and executing group and personal CDs projects in the area of healthcare delivery, formal and non-formal education, environmental sanitation, construction and economic empowerment among others are highly commendable”.
Regrettably, he announced that four corp members lost their lives during the one-year scheme. “On a very sad note, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, four corps members paid the supreme sacrifice during the course of the service year”.
The state coordinator applauded the Rivers State Governor, referring to him as the “NYSC-loving Governor” for his support in making the operations of the one-year scheme seamless. He went further to encourage the outgoing corps members to work hard towards their future without any form of doubt.
On the same note, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Special Services Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. George Chimezie Nweke, in his address, commended the outgoing corps members for their meaningful contributions, patriotism and diligent services to nation building. He promised that his administration will continue to make investments to improve the NYSC operations.
Furthermore, Wike advised the Corps members to desist from negative tendencies that will tarnish the image of the country.
He said:” Let me assure you that my administration will continue to tap from the advantages of our partnership with the NYSC scheme in bridging the gaps in such critical areas like education, healthcare services, agriculture and rural infrastructure.
“In view of the above, my administration will continue to hold the NYSC scheme in high esteem and will never hesitate to make investments to improve its operations, programs and activities”.
He concluded by imploring them to shun all forms of negative tendencies that will tarnish the image of the country among the comity of nations, enjoining them to ensure that they avoid vices such as indiscipline, corruption, bribery, nepotism and religious bigotry amongst others”.

By: Precious Boms

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Rivers

Navy Targets Training Reforms To Boost Maritime Operations

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2 days ago

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November 19, 2025

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The Nigerian Navy has pledged to strengthen the training of its personnel to ensure improved performance in both sea and land operations across the country.
The new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, made this known on Monday during a handover and takeover ceremony held in Ebubu-Eleme, Rivers.
The Tide’s source reports that Zipele succeeded Rear Adm. Robert Obeya following a recent posting exercise that saw the redeployment of 65 senior officers.
Zipele stated that the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, had reiterated his commitment to professionalism, discipline, and operational excellence within the Navy.
“This can only be achieved through effective training and retraining of personnel”, he said.
The FOC added that beyond training, his administration would work closely with the Naval Headquarters to enhance training standards and operational efficiency across all Nigerian Navy training institutions.
“President Bola Tinubu deemed it necessary to appoint new Service Chiefs to restructure the nation’s security architecture.
“In line with this mandate of the CNS, one of our key goals is to review and improve our training systems to address contemporary security challenges.
“The CNS is deeply passionate about personnel training because it is essential to achieving operational efficiency in addressing the current security issues facing our nation,” he explained.
Zipele emphasised that every sailor had a crucial role to play in building on the Navy’s existing successes in combating oil theft, sea robbery and piracy, among other maritime crimes.
He noted that NAVTRAC was responsible for overseeing the training of personnel across its professional institutions to prepare them for emerging security threats.
According to him, the Navy’s training programmes will be enhanced through the integration of modern technologies to ensure greater effectiveness.
“The only way to confront security challenges facing our nation is through intensive and continuous training across all formations and units.
“As I assume command of NAVTRAC, I am confident that with the support of the CNS and personnel, we will elevate the standard of training in the Nigerian Navy to greater heights”, Zipele affirmed.
In his remarks, the outgoing FOC, Obeya, said the command achieved significant progress despite some challenges encountered during his tenure.
He commended the officers, ratings and civilian staff for their cooperation and urged them to extend the same level of support to his successor.
“During my command, we prioritised the use of technology, certification, and the accreditation of Nigerian Navy professional courses.
“We developed strategies to revitalise naval training in line with the new platform acquisitions, ensuring that our graduates can compete favourably with their counterparts across the world”, Obeya said.
He added that the command had addressed statutory training requirements and conducted a curriculum review to align with current security realties.
He, however, noted a shortage of the skilled manpower required to effectively deliver training in naval institutions.
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Rivers

New Year Festival: Dokubo Urges Citizens’ Reorientation In Cultural Values

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2 days ago

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November 19, 2025

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The Paramount Ruler of Torusaramapiri, Kalabari ethnic group in Rivers, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, has called for citizens’ reorientation in cultural values and heritage.
He made the call at the second edition of the Kalabari New Year festival, organised by the Kalabari Renaissance Foundation at Elem, Kalabari, in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Dokubo said it represented a return to the traditional values of the Kalabari people.
He also stressed the need for the people to prioritise their cultural norms and values to preserve their ancestral identity.
“This is not just about celebration, it’s about recreating ourselves, bringing us back from death; it is not just Kalabari, it’s about all of us and our values.
‘’It is time we began to re-evaluate ourselves, join hands, revive our traditional values and heritage so that we don’t loose our cultural identity and spiritual trajectory”, Dokubo said.
Speaking, the Chief Administrator and Chairman of Kalabari Renaissance Foundation (the organisers of the festival), Mr. Awolayeofori Harry MacMorrison, said the event marked the beginning of a new calendar year for the Kalabari people.
He explained that the festival was an annual ritual, observed after November 15 when the tide cleansed the pollution from the popular Sombrero River, describing the annual occurance as a renewal of the Kalabari people.
MacMorrison said though the festival was not new to the people, the initiative by the Renaissance Foundation had made it more unifying.
“It is the renewal of the people, Kalabari area is a saline environment and at specific period of the year, the Sombrero River flows in and pollutes the river.
“However, November 15, across Kalabari, the tide turns and takes all the fresh water that polluted the saline river back to the Sombrero River”, he said.
He explained that with the natural occurrence, the Kalabari calendar year ended every November 15, while November 16 would mark the beginning of the year in the community.
On his part, the President, Tourism Association of Nigeria (EFTAN), Mr. Badaki Aliyu, commended the organisers and the people for preserving their age-long culture.
He also applauded the paramount ruler for sustaining the trend, saying that the festival would continue to promote unity in the area.
“We won’t take this visit for granted, we will do a lot of research and publicity on this.
“We would also ensure that these natural toursm potentials are properly channeled for the economic good of the people”, Aliyu added.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Rivers

Ikwerre Council Boss Bans Scavenger Operations

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1 week 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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