Rivers
Group Lauds Fubara On Ring Road Project …Seeks Greater Emphasis On Agriculture, IT
A group, the Nigerian Technology Takeoff (NTT) has called on the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to diversify the state’s economy by investing heavily in agriculture, Information Technology and production in order to create thousands of jobs for the youths and make them key players in the economy.
The National Coordinator of NTT, Engr. Wiseben Kristopher, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, also stressed the need for the State Government to map out a strategy to identify the number of unemployed and underemployed graduates for special skill trainings.
Wiseben said NTT backs Fubara’s Port Harcourt Ring Road project because it would create more jobs, improve the states transportation and enhance the ease of doing business.
The National Coordinator of the group explained that agriculture will create more jobs for the people of the state, adding that an investment in agriculture and the production of goods and services can on its own create diverse employment opportunities and sustain Rivers economy if well managed.
He appealed to the State Government led by Sir Fubara to avoid making the mistake of creating jobs for the civil service and teaching, while neglecting critical sectors like agriculture, Information Technology and the production of goods and services.
Wiseben noted that in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and daily startups of businesses by youths in highly advanced economies, Rivers can take a giant step in encouraging the youths to tow the same line.
According to him, “Rivers State stands to gain immensely by investing in agriculture, Information Technology and our local technology to become a production economy, rather than one that just consumes.
“Within agriculture itself there are layers upon layers of opportunities that truly give meaning to multiplier effect. With investment in agriculture, you have a chain of entrepreneurs who grow crops, process them, and another set that turn them to finished goods.
“There is also the unexplored area of IT, which has stood out an emerging power like India. IT jobs are plentiful in India to the point that Indian youths are selective of the kind of IT job they want to do. What that simply means is that the Indians have addressed the issue of unemployment.
“That is why the unemployment rate in India among people aged 15 years and above dropped to 7.7 per cent in May 2023. In April it was 8.5 per cent in the previous month”, he explained.
He informed that in Nigeria, in 2022, the unemployment rate had increased to 37.7per cent and has surpassed 40 per cent in 2023.
By: Ike Wigodo
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor