News
Spearhead Campaign For Peace, Unity, Ariolu Charges Monarchs …Says Next Phase Of PhD, Masters Grants Begins, Sept
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, has urged traditional rulers to spearhead the campaign for peaceful and harmonious co-existence among communities in the area.
He said traditional rulers should continue to be rallying points for the promotion of peace, unity and development in their various communities.
Ariolu gave this charge while declaring open the second quarterly meeting of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council Recognised Traditional Rulers in Rumuodomaya.
He said, “Let me thank you for the peaceful disposition in your various communities. You are aware that peace is paramount; peace is the key to development. Where there is no peace, we won’t have the means to grow. It’s impossible to come into communities with crisis to develop and for me it’s a thing of joy that since I came into office we’ve not recorded any internal community issues. As custodians of our culture in the various communities, I thank you for the peace.”
Ariolu, who called on traditional rulers to deliberate on the need to promote peace and unity, maintained that his administration would continue to harness its relationship with security agencies in the area for the advancement of peace and progress.
He further counselled the monarchs on the need to shun segregation, stressing that issues and concerns raised by subordinates should be addressed, while also encouraging them to carry their people along in activities affecting the various communities to enhance peace, unity and development in the area.
“My fathers, there is the need in our various domains to carry our people along, let us do away with this issue of divide and rule. You cannot be the head of various domains and instead of you to bring people together you separate them. You are the traditional head, bring people together, work with them, we have intelligent people in our local government area. Even those who do not agree with you, at every given point in time, reach out to them because in some areas the reports we are having is not very encouraging.”
Similarly, Ariolu reminded the monarchs of the law establishing its council which mandates them to promote peaceful coexistence in their various communities.
According to him, recent studies have shown that the fundamental causes of conflict in communities can be traced to relegation of certain members.
Ariolu remarked that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has imprinted the name of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality and entire Rivers State in the political history of Nigeria which cannot be erased.
He said it was only when monarchs promote peace in their domains that the governor’s efforts can be consolidated.
The chairman, who led the monarchs on an inspection to some ongoing projects in the council headquarters, commended the royal fathers for their encomium, stressing that human capacity development remained a watchword for his administration.
Accordingly, he revealed that the next phase of Post Graduate and Masters grants would commence in September, 2022.
He added that there was nothing wrong in building structures but assured the royal fathers that the investment in human persons would last the test of time and have greater multiplier effect.
On his part, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council of Government Recognised Traditional Rulers and Supreme Council of Government Recognised Ikwerre Traditional Rulers, and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze C.A.A. Worlu Wodo, commended Ariolu for his giant strides, particularly in human capacity development.
He expressed the royal fathers’ delight following the eye-catching and youth friendly projects embarked upon by the chairman, while expressing optimism that Ariolu would leave a good legacy for his successor.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.