Rivers

Customs Seize 24 Illegal Containers In Onne Port

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2023

The Nigeria Customs Services has seizured 24 containers laden with vegetable oil, comprising a total of 24, 860 gallons of 25 and 10 litres La-Jonic vegetable oil with other 29,800 gallons of 25 litres and 5,060 gallons of 10 litres with pay value of #833,172,538.42.
Speaking during a press briefing yesterday at the Onne Port, the Customs Area Controller Area 2 command Onne controller Baba Imam said also seized was 24 containers laden with 1,165 cartons of Analgin injection and fireworks with other items 286 cartons of Analgin injection I.M.V, 2/5g/5ml, 210 cartons of Banga, 273 cartons of W Tail, 216 cartons of coloured flowers, 180 cartons of pops.
He stated that the total duty paid value for the 26 containers is #94,652,168.39 adding that the seized cartons of Analgin injection will be handed over to NAFDAC yesterday in the spirit of interagency collaboration.
He said they will continue to build on the robust relationship with other sister agencies to rid the society off criminal elements that are working against the interest of the country.
Taking journalists around the seizured containers in the Port the Onne controller command also said that one 20ft container of machete was detained on documentation grounds pending provision of end user certificate.
He stated that they can not but underscore the necessity and imperativeness of synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing as the above seizures were made purely with intelligence gathered and 100 percent physical examination.
He said investigation is still ongoing through they legal/ intelligent unit to arrest the culprits and bring them to book as soon as possible.
The Customs Area 2 command pointed out is success since assumed duty this year stating that the revenue generation of the command was given a target of 336 billion naira as they target for the year.
According to him as at yesterday the command has generated a total of revenue of Fifty -four billion,nine hundred and ninety two million, one hundred and twenty three thousand, six hundred and eighty seven naira, fifteen kobo (#54,992,123,687.15) which translate to 16.3 percent of the target.
“When compared to the same period last year the command had an increase in revenue of one billion,one hundred and thirty two million, nine hundred and twenty five thousand, five hundred and fifty six naira, eighty two kobo (#1,132,925,556.82).
“This figure realised is inspite of not having vessels berth in Onne Port for some time due to the election atmosphere.
“We look forward to continuous rise in the revenue generation in the coming months as we expect vessels to berth on our coastline within the next few weeks”, Imam said.
He commended the critical role play by the media especially in the area of sensitisation and enlightenment of all stakeholders and the society at large in order to achieve willful compliance to trade laws of all imports and export.
He encouraged the media to continue to educate the public while the command will continue to reinvigorate strategies that will enhance they performance.

By: Kiadum Edookor

Rivers

Residents Embrace MNCH Week Services In PH

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Antenatal care and immunization services recorded high patronage during the just-concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week as residents in various communities across Port Harcourt took advantage of the free healthcare interventions.

The exercise, which was aimed at improving maternal and child well-being, attracted women, caregivers and children to different health facilities where a range of free healthcare services were provided.

Findings from selected health centres visited during the exercise showed encouraging participation by beneficiaries despite a few operational challenges experienced by health workers.

At Ozuboko Health Centre, the doctor in charge, Dr. Flag Amachree, said the facility recorded a good turnout throughout the exercise.

The Tide gathered that the team of immunization officers embarked on outreach immunization activities to schools to ensure that more children benefited from the programme.

She, however, identified inadequate supplies of deworming tablets as a challenge, noting that available stocks were being carefully managed to meet demands.

One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuella Edwin, who visited the facility for antenatal registration, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the health workers.

She commended the staff for their dedication, professionalism and friendly disposition, adding that the registration process was stress-free and without any major challenge.

Similarly, Mrs. Esther Abbey said she registered for the free medical services offered during the healthcare week and described the process as smooth and simple.

She added that the programme also created an avenue for her daughter to benefit from immunization services through arrangements by her school.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Philomena Ezekiel, said she was unable to access the service for her children after she was informed that a National Identification Number (NIN) was required before the test could be carried out.

At Amadi Health Centre, the Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Ebere Ikonwa, attributed the low turnout recorded at the facility to inadequate community mobilization, noting that no town crier was assigned to create awareness.

Despite the situation, she said the facility carried out outreach immunization services successfully and recorded significant patronage in antenatal care and immunization services.

By: Esuuk-Awaji Oyet, Princess Akinyemi

Rivers

NUJ Summit to Strengthen Media/Security Partnership, Tackle Misinformation

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, public trust and sustainable development.

The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together key actors in governance, security and the media sector to deliberate on pathways for improved engagement in addressing contemporary national security concerns.

Themed, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, the gathering is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on responsible information management and enhanced institutional cooperation.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initiative was conceived as a high-level engagement to deepen understanding between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the country.

She explained that the summit would provide opportunities for critical conversations on crisis communication, information sharing, conflict reporting and strengthening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

According to the statement, the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders drawn from across the country.

According to the organizers, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit.

Also expected to chair the occasion is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The statement noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, growing concerns over misinformation and heightened public anxiety over national issues.

It emphasized that structured engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in improving crisis communication, reducing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate and responsible information.

Participants at the summit are expected to examine issues such as responsible reporting of security operations and conflict situations, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information and the safety of journalists covering security-related assignments.

Other areas of focus include countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and professional respect between journalists and security personnel.

The summit will also feature goodwill messages, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs before concluding with the adoption of a communiqué and an action framework to guide future collaboration.

The NUJ restated its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and promoting national peace, security and democratic governance.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Anaka Community Seeks Development, Unity … Advocates Devine Guidance In 2027 Leadership Selection

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Community in Akpor Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, HRH. Eze Marcus Oriji, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.

HRH Oriji, who spoke through his son, Alloy Marcus, in an interview with newsmen in the community, said the community is committed to peace.

He described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.

According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress in various fronts, several challenges still remain.

Anaka Community, he continued, has faced developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.

He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.

On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,ii for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.

Marcus explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.

Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.

Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Eze Alloy Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.

He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances.

He urged youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The royal representative emphasized that sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.

By: Azubuike Chiwendu, Akpelu Godspower