Rivers

Tanker Drivers Threaten To Shut Down East-West Road Over Poor Condition

Published

3 years ago

July 21, 2023

The National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW), heavy trucks section, has threatened to block the Eleme axis of the East -West Road if urgent step is not taken by the Federal Government to fix it.
The Chairman, South-East Monitoring Unit ,heavy trucks section , Comrade Mohammed Giwa gave the warning while speaking with newsmen in his office in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Giwa said the untold hardship the truck drivers and other road users are facing due to the bad condition of the road cannot be tolerated any longer.
He also lamented the illegal levies tanker drivers pay on a daily basis, describing the situation as worrisome.
Giwa also decried a situation where roads are blocked by every community to extort huge money from his drivers, adding that some truck drivers are killed in the process, stressing that the worst affected area is the Emohua-Ogoni axis, where he alleged that tanker drivers are often molested for failure to comply with their terms.
The chairman called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Rivers State Government to treat the issue as urgent to avoid breakdown of law and order.
Giwa noted that currently drivers are avoiding coming to Port Harcourt due to the illegal activities of the bad eggs in the Police Force, contending that it is affecting the cost of commodities in the market.
Giwa further indicated that the deplorable condition of the Eleme axis of the East-West Road and illegal road blocks by various communities have constituted serious handicap to the operations of truck and tanker drivers.
“Recall that the drivers were last week ready to shut down the entire road but we pleaded with them to exercise patience but from all indications, their patience is running out and we are exhausted.Our contributions to the national economy can not be over-emphasised. We are ready to support the Eleme council chairman to carry out massive protest to press home our demand.The cry and lamentations of the drivers are unbearable.We call on President Tinubu to rescue us.The poor condition of the road is affecting our businesses.It is also affecting the cost of commodities.It is high time the authorities did something serious about this road.We are Nigerians doing legitimate businesses and we deserved to be encouraged,” he said.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

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.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

5 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.