Rivers
Stakeholders Hail Microfinance Bank’s Giant Strides
The authorities of the University of Port Harcourt, staff, students and other stakeholders, have commended the management of the UNIPORT and Choba Microfinance Bank for providing strategic and robust development services to the university and the society in general within the past 15 years.
The stakeholders, who made the commendation during the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the bank in Choba community, near Port Harcourt recently noted that it was worthwhile seeing the dreams of the bank’s founding fathers being kept alive till date.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Owunari Georgewill, expressed delight over the giant strides recorded by the bank, particularly in the banking sector, and assured that his administration would continue to support the bank to achieve its desired and set goals.
On his part, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies of the institution, Prof Kinikawa Anele, said the high standard the bank has maintained over the years should be sustained, and assured that the graduate school would continue to partner with the bank.
He commended the management and Board of Directors of the bank for the bold initiative of marking the 15th anniversary ceremony of the bank.
Another stakeholder, the Paramount Ruler of Choba Community, Eze Rowland Okocha, expressed happiness over the impressive turn out at the ceremony, stressing that it is an indication that the bank is on the right track.
According to him, the community would never cease to give its support to the bank following its giant development strides over the years.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of the bank, Dr Paul Nnaji, disclosed that the bank has recorded modest achievements in such areas as customer services, product delivery and infrastructure.
He hinted that the bank was at the verge of collapse before the timely intervention of the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt.
According to him, this led to the modification of the name of the bank to Uniport-Choba Microfinance Bank, a situation, he said, turned out to be the beginning of the opening of new grounds for the bank.
Nnaji noted that “15 years after obtaining its operational licence, the bank has gained stability, which has led to the increase of its asset base from N350million to over N1.3billion.
“The bank has extended its business services to Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rumuolumeni, Rumuokoro, while its Etche Branch is nearing completion”.
The Managing Director also noted that the infrastructure of the bank has received a major boost as its ultra- modern corporate head office is now in use, while its banking services have tremendously improved, saying that “these have transformed electronically to become top notch”.
According to him, “the bank’s credit facilities and deposit products are rewarding, and its clientele has equally soared from 3,000 to 30, 000 as at today.
“The bank remains grateful to the founders, shareholders and the customers who have contributed to its growth”.
High points of the occasion were the presentation of awards and the unveiling of the corporate head office of the bank at the Abuja Park of University of Port Harcourt.
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Fasthire Services, in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Rivers State Chapter, is set to organise a two-day career development and job creation event in Port Harcourt, from February 27-28, 2026.
The event, known as “Fasthire CareerFest 2026”, is expected to attract over 1,000 job opportunities, with employers actively recruiting across various sectors.
CareerFest 2026 is designed to be a high-impact platform that goes beyond a traditional job fair, and will also feature career exhibitions and professional guidance sessions, aimed at helping participants navigate career pathways, professional development, and long-term career planning.
There will be virtual sessions and industry conversations on February 27, and physical conference and job fair in Port Harcourt on February 28.
The hybrid event will feature three core components career and Industry Conference – keynote sessions, panel discussions, and fireside chats with HR leaders, business executives, policymakers, and industry experts.
The organisers said CareerFest 2026 is open to students, fresh graduates, job seekers, professionals, recruiters, business leaders, and anyone seeking career clarity, growth, or new opportunities.
They called on members of the public, employers who have vacancies and want to recruit, and professionals to register and participate in what is positioned as one of the most impactful career and employment-focused events in the South-South region.
The vision for CareerFest was originally conceived by Fasthire Services and has since received strong buy-in and strategic support from PHCCIMA and CIPM Rivers, reflecting a shared commitment to workforce development, youth empowerment, and sustainable employment.
Other strategic partners supporting the event include NTA, 3MTT, Google Developer Group (GDG) Port Harcourt, SMFest, and other companies and organisations that are committed to skills development, innovation, and employment creation.
With strong institutional backing, a clear employment focus, and a growing network of partners, Fasthire CareerFest 2026 is positioned to play a meaningful role in shaping careers, strengthening the workforce, and driving inclusive economic growth in Rivers State and beyond.
The Rivers State Police Command has raised the alarm over a disturbing rise in criminal activities involving individuals impersonating police officers and extorting members of the public across the state.
The Command described the trend as a serious threat to public safety and trust, urging residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times.
In a press release by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, the Police said the suspects allegedly operate by dressing in black outfits and posing as law enforcement officers while setting up illegal checkpoints to harass and intimidate unsuspecting citizens.
According to the release, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, also expressed concern over the development and assured the public that decisive steps have been taken to curb the menace.
He said a robust monitoring and intelligence mechanism has been activated to identify, apprehend and prosecute those behind the criminal acts.
Police authorities noted that the actions of these impostors not only amount to extortion and impersonation, but also undermine the credibility of legitimate security operations within the state.
The Command warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The statement further clarified that no police officer or security agent has the legal authority to stop citizens on the road or at checkpoints to search their mobile phones, laptops or other personal electronic devices.
Such actions, the Police said, are unlawful and should be resisted through proper reporting channels.
Residents were also cautioned against complying with demands to accompany any individual to a Point of Sale (POS) operator, bank or other financial outlet for the purpose of withdrawing or transferring money, as this is a common tactic employed by the criminals.
The Police Command also called on members of the public to be alert and to take note of their surroundings, especially when confronted by suspicious persons or hostile checkpoints that do not follow established policing procedures.
To strengthen community participation in tackling the problem, the Command provided several emergency contact numbers for immediate reporting of suspicious activities.
The numbers include the Complaint Response Unit hotlines: 07057605256, 08120822987 and 09035774814.
Additional contact lines include the Police Public Relations Officer on 09014273818 and the Command’s Control Room on 08032003514, all of which are available for prompt response to distress calls.
Security analysts have observed that impersonation of law enforcement officers has become a recurring challenge in urban centres, often thriving where public awareness is low.
They stress that timely reporting by citizens is critical in dismantling such criminal networks.
The State Police Command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across the state.
It also appealed to the public to continue supporting legitimate police operations with credible information.
The statement further emphasized that cooperation between the Police and the public remains essential to ensuring a safe and secure Rivers State.
By: King Onunwor
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.
He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.
He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.
The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.
Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.
The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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