Rivers

Expert Lauds Tinubu Over Creation Of Marine, Blue Economy Ministry

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2023

A civil society activist in Rivers State, Dr. Mina Ogbanga, has lauded President Bola Tinubu over the creation of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Ogbanga, who gave the commendation in an exclusive interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, also described the act as a deliberate response to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)14, which pledges the protection of lives under water and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
“SDG 14 has been pledging for lives under water to be protected and the Paris Agreement emphasises the importance of sustainable ocean management. It will record a lot of development in the international level”, she said.
The activist, who is also the Executive Director of Centre For Development Support Initiative (CEDSI), said the Ministry will help in the utilisation of the resources of the ocean for the development of the country.
She said the Ministry’s role is also crucial in addressing enviromental challenges.
“I want to laud the President over the creation of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. It is very interesting to note that Nigeria is taking a safe step, and the Ministry’s role is very crucial in addressing enviromental challenges”, she stated.
Ogbanga noted that the ocean, which covers over 70 percent of the Earth surface, is currently facing challenges ranging from pollution, over exploitation and impact of climate change.
“You can see from our own coastal areas that a lot of things are happening. So, the process of setting up a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is a clear commitment to combating three issues and ensuring that the marine sector is sanitised”, Ogbanga said.
She said by the development, Nigeria is aligning with the international community to safeguard the planet.
Ogbanga, a lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences, Rivers State University, said the Ministry is also important, especially in promoting sustainable human development and African sea bed resources.
“You can see that the blue economy is one of the key ways of sanitising the ocean that is carrying a lot in terms of our activities”, she stated further.
She listed the benefits of a blue economy to include “sustainable use of ocean resources to benefit economies, to benefit our livelihood, to benefit our ocean ecosystem, and health.
“Others include promotion of marine shipping, fishing, aquaculture and others”.
Ogbanga said even coastal communities also stand to benefit from the activities of the Ministry as their economies will be impacted greatly by the activities of the Ministry.
She charged the Rivers State Government to align with the move by also setting up a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in the State.

By: John Bibor

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.