News
Wike, Odili, Others Pay Tribute To Nyenwe-Eli Nsirim
Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and former Governor of the State, Dr. Peter Odili, have paid tribute to the late Apiti of Rumueme kingdom in Obio/ Akpor council, His Royal Majesty, Nyenwe-Eli Omunakwe Nyeche Nsirim.
Wike, in an emotionally laden tribute said the monarch was one of those who against all odds identified with his political aspiration when he first vied for the office of the Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in 1999.
Speaking at the variety night of tributes which held at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference, Port Harcourt last Thursday, Wike said he remains grateful to the Apiti of Rumueme because of the monarch’s tremendous contribution to his political growth, particularly at a time when his community Rumueprikom could not be reckoned with politically in Obio-Akpor LGA.
“I am emotionally touched because he supported me in 1999, when nobody thought anybody from my community will be something. He stood firm for me to be chairman of Obio-Akpor. I had nobody, but he stood firm and I became chairman. And that is how I grew to be where I am today.”
He added, “There is nothing I will do today that I will say I have done enough for the contribution of this man to my life, to this State. He has fought for this State very well. He has fought for the Rumueme community.”
Wike said the late Nyenwe-Eli Omunakwe Nyeche Nsirim, was one of the most venerated Rivers State leaders, whose profound legacy to him, the State at large, will always be remembered.
The governor said he was honoured and blessed to have known Nyenwe-Eli Omunakwe Nyeche Nsirim, whom he described was a man of character and integrity, for all these years and was deeply saddened by his demise.
He, therefore, urged the monarch’s children to emulate his virtues in recognition of his life-long work to better the lives of his people.
“I pray all of them who are his children should emulate the life of this man, a giver, a philanthropist. If you have a problem and you go to him, he will solve your problem. it doesn’t matter the divide”, he said.
In his tribute, former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, said unknown to many, the late Nyenwe-Eli was one of those who funded the political processes that laid the foundation for the democracy Nigerians are enjoying today.
“Rivers State has lost one of her greatest. The void he is leaving cannot be filled because he is probably the last standing founding icon of our dear State. But for the family, be consoled that you had a royal father that was second to none”, he said.
Odili also used the occasion to commend Wike for the emergence of Sir Fubara as the governor-elect of Rivers State.
He urged the governor to help Fubara to navigate the learning curve of Nigeria’s politics.
“I have no doubt you will stand with him day and night, and by the special grace of God, he will take Rivers State to greater heights”, he stated.
Renowned educationalist and a trustee of the Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE), Emeritus Prof. Otonti Amadi Nduka, who gave the vote of thanks, commended Wike and the government of Rivers State for honouring the late Nyenwe-Eli.
Present at the event were Rivers State governor-elect, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; former Senate President, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; former Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudum Nwuche; National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-south, Chief Dan Orbih; Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, among other dignitaries.
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.