Rivers

LG Chairmen, Fishermen Resolve Fishing Method Conflict

Published

3 years ago

July 28, 2023

Andoni fishermen in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State have agreed with the Local Government Council to collaborate to end the prolonged face-off over illegal and unregulated fishing methods in the smaller rivers and creeks of the area.
The agreement was reached Monday, at Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, following a meeting involving Chairmen of Akuku-Toru and Andoni Local Government Areas, fisheries Department senior officials from the two Local Government Areas, and security officers.
The Tide gathered that Andoni fishermen agreed to work with Kalabari fishing partners in reporting boats illegally fishing with unauthorised fishing gears in the smaller river and water ways of Akuku Toru Area.
The resolution banned all kinds of illegal fishing methods including the use of dynamite, gamalin chemical, and almighty ghana method of fishing identified to be inimical in smaller rivers and creeks.
The parties, The Tide further learnt, also agreed to stop the use of fishing gears known as cover bush, “Nkotoo”, and “Oyinma” in the smaller river of the local government.
According to the agreement, a taskforce would be set up under the supervision of the marine police to monitor and implement the terms of agreement and the activities of illegal fishing in the area.
The Taskforce would also notify the Councils and the police of any break down of law and order by fishermen and follow-up measures in accordance with the Council guidelines and fisheries in the area.
Under the new agreement, the Chairman of Akuku Toru, Mr. Rowland Sekibo, directed all users of “Oyinma” and “Nkotoo” fishing gears to shift to the deep sea, saying that such fishing techniques are not meant for smaller rivers and creeks.
“We are not sending Andoni fishermen out of our area, they are our brothers. We are the same Ijaw ethnic group, but we are placing the measures for safety reasons and to maintain the existing peace among the fishermen in the area.
“Andoni people and any other fishermen can join in using other ways of normal fishing like throwing net, hook fishing and other smaller net fishings in the creeks and rivers. We don’t have problem in that area”, Sekibo said.
He advised the Kalabari fishermen to live in harmony with other neighbours, saying that the council would not tolerate any form of crisis that will break down the existing peace in the area.
Also speaking , Andoni Local Government Chairman, Chief Erastus Awortu, thanked the Council chairman and the Traditional Rulers of Akuku Toru LGA for the common understanding to resolve what he said would have led to crisis between the Andoni fishermen and their landlord LGA.
Awortu said the resolution reached so far will go a long way to strengthen the unity and peace among the fishermen and women in the area.
He also thanked the Akuku Toru Chairman for his promise to join him in assisting those fishermen so far affected by the new agreement.
The two Local Government Council chairmen further promised to render financial support to the fishermen, especially those using the legal means of fishing, but asked to change the pattern because of safety reasons.
Recall that over the years, there had been concern over some methods of fishing activities adopted by mostly Andoni fishermen who are tenants in Akuku Toru territory of the State.
According to a report by the Kalabari Fishermen Association and Maritime Union, the use of some fishing traps and nets had denied them means of survival between 2020 till date (a period when the illegal fishing spiked in the Akuku Toru sea).
The people also claimed in thier reports that the Andoni fishing methods not only destroy all kind of aquatic lives, but is also unsafe for maritime workers and their sea travellers in the area.
According to them, the methods could lead to the degradation of marine life and also increase the risk of marine travellers in the area.
The Tide reports that the ban on all fishing boats using oceanic fishing activities from operating in the creeks, as resolution adopted, prohibits all fishermen, including indigenous fishermen and women of Akuku Toru Local Government Area.

By: Enoch Epelle

Rivers

Microbiologists Inaugurates New Exco, Chart New Course In Dev

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.

At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.

The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).

In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.

He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.

Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.

They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.

Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.

In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.

Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.

According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.

She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.

“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.

With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Rivers

IAUE VC Warns Against High Price In Textbook Sales

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.

This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.

Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.

The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.

He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.

According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.

He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.

The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.

He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.

Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.

His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.

Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.

The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Hon Worlu Expresses Concern Over Tragic Incidents In PHALGA … Assures On Safety, Security

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.

A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.

The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.

He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.

He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.

The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.

By: King Onunwor