Rivers

SON Warns Against Patronising Substandard Products

Published

4 years ago

June 16, 2022

The Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr Farouk Salim has advised Nigerians, to desist from patronising importers and manufacturers of substandard products.
Salim gave the advice at a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the organisation in Port Harcourt to create awareness on the dangers of patronising substandard products.
He said the essence of the programme was to ensure that the public stopped patronising both manufacturers and importers of substandard products in order to save lives in the country.
According to him, one of the challenges facing the country is the issue of importation and production of fake and substandard products.
The SON D-G said some of the fake and substandard products are cheap, hence the need for individuals and stakeholders to collaborate with the organisation to inform the public.
“One of the biggest challenges is that both the educated and the illiterate are patronising these fake products.
“The individuals or importers that bring in substandard products are criminally minded as they do not consider the damage being done to the country.
“We are doing everything possible to address this issue as well as ensure that our jobs are efficient. We created nine Directorates for people to obtain information without going to the headquarters,” he said.
Salim noted that the negative implication of substandard products in the society were enormous.
“When people import substandard goods it means that there are original goods in the market that are more expensive than the substandard ones.
“If people do not patronise good products in the market, the factories will close down, and a lot of people will lose their jobs.
“The effect is hardship, unemployment, crime, banditry, terrorism and reduction in the country’s tax revenue,” he said.
Salim, therefore, urged the public to report offenders of substandard products in the country to the nearest police station or to SON using telephone and through their official website for prompt action.
On her part, the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Onne Port, Mrs Stella Ngwoke, said the agency would collaborate with SON to maintain standardisation.
Ngboke commended SON for organising the programme to address the proliferation of substandard goods by some persons in order to make more profit.
According to her, when SON gets it right, lives are saved, the economy improves, and made-in-Nigeria goods will be more patronised in the country.
The State Coordinator of SON in Rivers State, Mr Samuel Ayuba, said the event was an avenue for stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against substandard products.
He urged Nigerians to read through the instructions on any product and be wary of fake, and called on local manufacturers not to allow importers of substandard products trade on their products.
Ayuba, therefore, warned manufactures and importers of substandard goods in the country to desist or face prosecution.

Rivers

Ogoni Community Rejoices Over Return Of Peace

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The people of Zaakpon Community in Khana Local Government Area, in Ogoni, of Rivers State, have expressed happiness over the return of peace in the community.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving Service held at Zaakpon townsquare on Sunday, the Coordinator, Bua-Zaakpon Prayer Team, Charles Daka, said the thanksgiving service was to celebrate seven years of the return of peace in Zaakpon.

He called on the people of Zaakpon to continue to work harder in order to sustain the existing peace in the community.

The prayer coordinator also thank God for the peace that has returned, adding that the crisis that erupted in 2019 destroyed properties, life, schools and other commercial activities in the community.

“Innocent people were brutally murdered, churches, schools and other commercial activities were shutdown.

“It was so pathetic, but we thank Almighty God in his mercy for the return peace on the land.

“God used His son, Gani Toba, and some devoted Christians, mostly females, who were instrumental to intercession for divine intervention and God answered their prayers and restored peace in Zaakpon”, Daka said.

Daka also appreciated the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the peace initiative and development in Zaakpon Community.

He urged the people of Rivers State to continue to support the Governor in order to attract more development in the state.

On his part, the Gbenemene of Kologbere-Bua-Zaakpon Community, King John Suka-Bakpo, said he will continue to work with all relevant authorities to ensure that the existing peace becomes a lasting one in Rivers State and beyond.

“I want to thank God for the peace we enjoyed all this years. Also, I want to thank God for our son, Gani Toba, for his role in returning peace in our community, Zaakpon.

“He used his time and money to ensure peace returns to our community.

“I want also thank our Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who has shown that he is a son of Zaakpon”, Chief Bakpo said.

He advised parents to counsel their children to maintain harmony in the community.

Kiadum Edookor

Rivers

KALCCIMA Inaugurates New Executive Council … Pledges Renewed Drive For Kalabari Economic Growth

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Kalabari Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KALCCIMA) has formally inaugurated its new Executive Council (Exco) in a ceremony marked by optimism, strong institutional backing, and renewed commitment to economic development in Kalabari land.

Inaugurating the new Executive, the National Deputy President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, charged the new leadership to position KALCCIMA as a catalyst for inclusive growth, enterprise development, and strategic engagement with government and the private sector.

The newly inaugurated officers of KALCCIMA are: Elder Monima Daminabo (President); Amb. Clement Akanibo (First Deputy President); Boma Kaladokubo (Second Deputy President); Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison (Executive Secretary/Director-General); and Faaye Franklin (Treasurer).

Others are: Engr. Robinson Success (Financial Secretary); Ibiba Don-Pedro (Public Relations Officer); Princess Nancy Boma Princewill (Organising Secretary); Barr. Idaoyibo Fortune Igbikikuno (Legal Adviser); and Abiye George, who emerges as the Welfare Officer.

In his keynote address, Dr. Membere-Otaji congratulated the Exco and emphasized the strategic importance of a vibrant local chamber to regional and national economic growth.

He urged the leadership to align KALCCIMA’s programmes with NACCIMA’s national vision, stressing professionalism, transparency, and innovation in advancing commerce, mining, agriculture, and small and medium-scale enterprises in Kalabari.

“The Chamber must become a rallying point for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Kalabari has immense economic potential, and KALCCIMA must provide the structure and leadership to unlock it”, he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pastor Prince Billy Harry, charged the Exco to lead with integrity, unity, and purpose.

He encouraged them to move beyond ceremonial roles and focus on tangible outcomes that would uplift Kalabari communities, empower youth and women, and attract sustainable investments.

In his acceptance remarks, Elder Monima Daminabo, President of KALCCIMA, expressed gratitude to NACCIMA, the Board of Trustees, and stakeholders for their confidence in the new leadership.

He assured members that the Exco would prioritize stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and partnerships aimed at stimulating trade, supporting local industries, and promoting agricultural and maritime opportunities unique to the Kalabari axis.

Highlight of the occasion was presentation of goodwill messages by notable professionals and stakeholders, including Arc. Eniye Braide, Arc. Danny Sokari George, and Ebianga Bestmann, all of whom commended the inauguration and expressed confidence in the capacity of the new Exco to reposition KALCCIMA as a strong voice for economic advocacy and development.

They urged the chamber to leverage Kalabari’s strategic location, cultural heritage, and human capital to foster entrepreneurship, attract investments, and contribute meaningfully to the economic prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

The inauguration ceremony ended on a note of collective resolve, with stakeholders expressing hope that the new leadership would usher in a new era of relevance, impact, and sustainable development for KALCCIMA and the entire Kalabari nation.

Rivers

Rivers Police Commissioner Condemns Vigilante Group Over Aluu Attack

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has condemned the actions of the vigilante operatives involved in the recent gun attack on residents of Unity Estate at Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, said the Rivers Police Commissioner noted that no group was permitted to take the law into its own hands irrespective of their claims.

The Police Command, through the statement, reassured residents of the State of their safety.

“Members of the public are advised to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects. Efforts are on to bring all those involved to justice”, it said.

Meanwhile, normalcy was said to have returned to the area following the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the attack.

The assault occurred in broad daylight on January 5, 2025, when armed men stormed the Mbodo–Aluu estate, firing shots indiscriminately and unleashing fear across the once-peaceful neighbourhood.

According to Police findings, the attackers were suspected members of a vigilante group, the Onelga Peace And Advisory Committee popularly known as OSPAC from parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The Police report said the attack was allegedly supported by some hired thugs brought in to reinforce the operation.

Witnesses said the assailants were armed with Pump-Action guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

The Police noted that the coordinated attack resulted in the destruction of sections of the estate, with several vehicles vandalised in what residents described as a calculated show of force.

One of the victims was shot in the leg during the attack and was abducted subsequently by the gunmen.

Swift police action followed a distress call, with operatives from the Choba Division racing to the scene and receiving reinforcement from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams.

The combined operation led to the successful rescue of the abducted victim, who was immediately rushed to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.

Exhibits recovered include one automatic Pump-Action gun, a live cartridge, expanded shells, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses and a Siena van allegedly used during the operation.

King Onunwor