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Rivers Assures NANTA On Readiness For Travel Industry Dev
The Rivers State Government has indicated interest in partnering with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) to attract more international carriers and deepen the development potentials of the travel industry in the state.
In line with this development, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured NANTA that Governor Nyesom Wike was determined to continue with the infrastructure development that encourages local and international travel and tourism in the state.
The SSG, who made this remark during a visit by NANTA National Executive led by its President, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye in Port Harcourt, last Friday, assured of Governor Nyesom Wike’s resolve to sustain infrastructure revolution in the state that has continued to attract diverse business investments and growth.
“It is encouraging to know that associations such as NANTA also key into the developmental aspirations of the government. The infrastructural development truly aligns with the vision of NANTA to attract foreign direct investment into the state.
“Oftentimes, those with political differences paint the government and the state black, but if we are able to encourage tourists to come and see things for themselves, having an independent assessment is a good way to erase any negative perception. Rivers State is safe, secure and good for visits. The government is doing all to ensure that not only is Port Harcourt secure, but also the outskirts and rural areas as well are secured.
“Our target is to ensure that as visitors come into a world-class international airport, they should also be able to have world-class facilities to take them to where they wish to go. From the airport, you should be able to experience little or no delay into the main town and out.
“A lot of countries thrive on tourism. Here we have noticed that the target Christmas celebrations across our local government areas, such as the Opobo International Boat Regatta, Isiopko Christmas Bicycle Festival, Andoni Beach festivals and many community festivals are good ways to engage our people during the celebrations”, the SSG added.
He notified NANTA of the states’ readiness to accommodate more international carriers such as British Airways, Delta, Emirates and others.
Earlier, the President of NANTA, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, appreciated the government for the infrastructure restoration of the state, which she says has made the state stand out in terms of tourism and travels.
“Tourism is exactly what he (governor) is doing, helping us to easily do our jobs to boldly market this place as a destination for anyone to come to visit.
“Tourism is infrastructure, which starts from the international standard airport. Visitors coming to have an experience of this region start with Port Harcourt, and we truly appreciate the difference he has made,” she said.
She hinted that the association is also working to bring in Emirates airline to the state.
The visit also had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Special Service Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. George Nwaeke, and executive members of NANTA from across Nigeria.
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.