News

Subsidy Removal: Imo, Ebonyi Raise Workers’ Salaries … Imo Workers To Enjoy Free Meals, Medicals, Transportation

Published

3 years ago

July 17, 2023

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for workers in the State to ease the pains caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
The governor also announced N5billion revolving loan for farmers, as well as free transportation and medical care for workers.
This is as the Ebonyi State Government announced an increment in its workers’ salary by N10,000 across board.
Uzodimma made the announcement during a special meeting with critical Imo stakeholders, in Owerri at the weekend.
The governor said the free transportation, feeding, and medical care were for civil servants.
He said other palliatives include the establishment of marketing and commodity boards, mass housing, and recruitment of more teachers.
Uzodimma said that the government had also a initiated scholarship scheme for Imo students, while retirees will be paid promptly.
“It is clear to me that our people are suffering, particularly the low-income earners and those in paid employment.
“I have, therefore, convened this special meeting with the leadership of Organised Labour, Traders, Farmers, and artisans, to announce the comprehensive palliative measures we are putting in place, which I am sure will ease these sufferings,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the measures would stimulate the economy, create additional jobs and enhance workers’ wages.
“Let me say, however, that although the impact of the fuel subsidy removal policy appears harsh in the short-run, it will, in the long run, bring positive results.
“There shall be an immediate upward review of the salaries and wages of workers in the state.
“The minimum wage is hereby raised to N40,000 with discretionary consequential adjustments.
“At least your salaries would be able not only to take you home but to also provide your basic necessities to enable you to make ends meet,” he said.
Uzodimma directed the State Head of Service to work out the modalities for daily free meals for civil servants as well as free medical treatment in designated hospitals.
For farmers, he said the N5billion revolving loan will be released immediately to stimulate production in the value chain.
“Farmers will also be encouraged to form cooperatives to facilitate organized farming”, he said.
On teachers recruitment, the governor said it would be for all public schools.
“There will be recruitment exercises for new teachers from primary to secondary and tertiary levels to boost employment and income generation, particularly among our graduates.
“The government has approved bursaries for students in tertiary institutions,” he added.
Uzodimma said the government would train 100,000 youths annually in digital skills through the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government.
“So far, 5,000 of them have been successfully trained and equipped with relevant kits and tools.
“Another batch of 15,000 are currently in training and they will graduate in a few weeks,” he added.
He assured retirees that the government would source funds to commence the payment of their gratuities from 2008/2009.
The governor also assured the stakeholders that efforts would be intensified at providing mass housing for the Imo people, including the completion of the ongoing mass housing estates in Mgbidi, Anara and Nekede.
The Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. David Onuoha, commended the governor for taking the lead in providing solutions to the suffering of the people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Dr Philip Nwansi, commended Uzodimma for his leadership qualities which he noted had started yielding results in the South East.
Nwansi urged the governor not to relent despite the challenges he may be facing.
In Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Ogbonna at the weekend directed that an addition of N10,000 be added to the salaries of Civil Servants in the State.
The directive was given by the Governor during the State Executive Council Meeting at Centenary City, Abakaliki.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr. Jude Chikadibia Okpor, added that the Council also “approved the employment of 1,454 Ebonyians into the State Civil Service to fill in vacancies created in the services over the years.”
He said: “The issue of workers’ salaries was raised and deliberated on by Exco. The Executive Council led by His Excellency, the Chairman of Council, approved that N10,000 be added to every worker’s salary in the state to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
“His Excellency also mandated SSG, Professor Grace Umezuruike to look into the finances of the state University (EBSU) to know what comes out and goes into the University to help determine the upwards review of subvention to the University.
“Council also approved the employment of 1,454 Ebonyians into the State Civil Service to fill in vacancies created in the services over the years.”

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor