Rivers
Coalition Bemoans High Unemployment Rate In Nigeria
The Civil Society Coalition On Economic Growth and Employment in Rivers State has expressed concerns over the high unemployment rate in the country, and advised government at all levels to put measures in place to address the problem.
The coalition, which made its position known while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said going by the report of the National Bureau of Stastics (NBS), Nigeria has a national unemployment rate of 33.3 percent and under-employment rate of 22.8 percent while the youth population has 42.5 percent unemployment rate and 21 percent under-employment rate.
These national figures, according to the coalition, speak to the fact that the right policies have not been put in place at the national level and sub-national levels to strengthen economic growth that should lead to the creation of jobs and employment across boards.
Addressing newsmen on behalf of the group, Deborah Effiong of Arise for Gender and Livelihood Initiative (ALIVE), said Nigeria’s unemployment rate has quadrupled over the last six and seven years, as the country has gone through two recessions and a global pandemic that saw to the crippling of economic activities.
She said further that Nigeria will need to create five million jobs annually for the next 10years to cover its unemployment gap, according to the International Monetary Fund(IMF).
Effiong expressed worry that the NBS report states that Rivers State has a labour force of 3, 921, 860 while a total number of the unemployed was put at 1, 714, 189, ranking second behind Lagos State in the second quarter of 2020.
Against this backdrop, the coalition advised the state government to give priority attention to human capital development, job creation, entrepreneurial and economic activities.
“ There is need to address the high rate of unemployment in Rivers State as an opportunity to understand the drivers of unemployment in the state, identify the key sectors that can absorb a high number of the readily available labour force and revitalise the economy of the state by creating jobs through economic activities in the state, through people-centred policies,’’ the coalition said.
It further called on the state government to adopt a more effective approach towards the reduction of crime, insecurity and illegal oil bunkering through the creation of jobs that can absorb the teeming youths pulled into these criminal enterprises.
The coalition also advised the government to create a business enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and strengthen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through grants and loans, and recommended that the candidates of political parties in the run-up to the 2023 governorship election should prioritise economic growth and job creation as part of their policy framework for the administration of the state in the coming years.
The Civil Society Coalition On Economic Growth and Employment in Rivers State is a coalition of Civil Society groups, the academia, youth groups, women rights organisations and community groups that have coalesced with the sole purpose of addressing and highlighting the issue of economic growth and employment in the state.
Among other top officers of the coalition at the event included Inyingi Irimagha of Gender and Development Action (GADA); Akeodi Allswell Ali of Feel Rivers Media Network (FR News); Raisa Senibo of Borikiri Community Advocacy Group; and Amb Vincent Gbosi of Centre for Social Justice and Environmental Rights Protection (CESJERP).
Rivers
Eld Ogbu Bags Adventists Men Award…Pledge For Humanitarian Service
A former supervisory councillor for Health in Etche local government of Rivers state, Eld Chimezie Ogbu has been honoured with an excellent service Award by the Adventist men Organisation (AMO), Port Harcourt west mission.
Eld Chimezie Ogbu, received the award for alongside fifteen others for his contributions and support to the association and uplifting humanity.

Elder Chimezie Ogbu left receiving the Rivers west mission AMO Excellent Service Award from the former AMO Director and the former General manager, RSNC, Eld Vincent Ake during the extra ordinary meeting of AMO held at Rumuolumini, Sunday.
Speaking during an extra ordinary and end of year meeting, the Director of Adventist men Organisation, Port Harcourt west mission, Dr Sam Emejuru said the award was in recognition to Hon Ogbu’s contributions and support to the association, noting that Eld Chimezie Ogbu have been one of the sponsors of the Association in the mission.
Dr Emejuru who was a fomer chairman of the state secondary school Board noted invaluable contributions of the recipients to the association and the church at large and urged them to continue to be generous in the development of church and humanity.
In an interview with the tide, Hon Chimezie Ogbu, a serving elder in the seventh-day adventist church, Rumuolumeni District expressed appreciation to the Association, adding that the award will encourage him to do more
He highlighted the importance of investing in God’s vineyard and to help humanity and dedicated the award to God Almighty and members of his family.
Rivers
Rivers Landlords Petitions IG Over Alleged Move to Demolish Their Estate
Members of landlords of Ceenamore and Iroko Drives in Cedarwood Estate, Rumuaholu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have urged the Inspector General of Police and the State Police Commissioner, CP Olungbenga Adepoju, to urgently act on the petition they sent to him regarding the alleged move by the Managing Director of Niger Delta Technology & property development Ltd, Engr. Stephen Nyegwa, to demolish their estate.
The group alleged that the MD of Niger Delta Logistics Limited had purportedly, through a court judgment notice, claimed that he had gotten an order to demolish the estate.
Speaking to journalists at the estate, Mr. Manuabuchi Elem Chioma, one of the affected landlords, said the call becomes very imperative following the continued harassment by Mr. Nyegwa and his associates, noting that they woke up and discovered that their houses have been marked for demolition.
Also speaking, Barrister Victor Okezie urged the police to act swiftly to save landlords of the estate from the impending problem, stressing that they are ready to comply if there is a confirmed valid court judgment.
Rivers
NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria
Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have inaugurated an ultra-modern, specialised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for youth empowerment in innovations.
The fully equipped ICT centre, located at Baptist High School in the city, was inaugurated as part of the close-out ceremony for the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, stated this in a statement issued on Friday by the Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at NLNG, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.
He described the ICT centre as a gateway to knowledge and innovation, as well as a window to future opportunities.
Represented by the organisation’s General Manager of Institutional Strengthening, Mr. Olugbenga Sheba, Ogbe explained that the project was designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills to prepare them for a technology-driven world.
“The remodelled ICT centre is more than a building. It is a statement of belief that students here can learn coding, design, and innovation that connects them with the wider world.
“It represents our confidence that when given the right tools, Nigerian students can become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs”, he said.
Ogbe commended NLNG for its continued collaboration with the NCDMB and its steadfast commitment to advancing Nigerian Content objectives.
He added that the partnership demonstrated what could be achieved through meaningful collaboration between government and corporate stakeholders, noting that such investments would help build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to compliance with Nigerian Content regulations and its dedication to improving lives sustainably.
She emphasised that NLNG was passionate about enhancing human capital development and promoting technological inclusion, both of which were aimed at improving employability and industry-relevant skills among young Nigerians.
According to Horsfall, the project aligns with NLNG’s vision of empowering communities through education and technology.
“The upgraded ICT centre, which complies with existing NCDMB regulations, is an investment that provides students with a modern learning environment and equips teachers with improved tools to deliver quality education”, she said.
The Tide reports that the ICT centre has been upgraded to a 40-seater facility and equipped with 20KVA solar and inverter system.
The facility also includes renovated classrooms and administrative buildings, as well as digital smart boards and modern learning tools.
Meanwhile, Palmer-Ikuku, in the statement, announced the graduation of 30 trainees under the Human Capital Development Basic Training Programme jointly organised by both organisations.
She stated that the trainees earned international certifications after completing rigorous training in Engineering, Marine Operations, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Entrepreneurship, among other disciplines.
According to Palmer-Ikuku, the training underscores the shared mission of NLNG and NCDMB to build local capacity, promote technological inclusion, and support Nigeria’s broader vision of sustainable development through education and skill acquisition.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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