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RSG Unveils Strategies To Curb Youth Unemployment
The Rivers State Government has unveiled strategic plans to curb youth unemployment syndrome in the state.
The state Commissioner for Youth, Hon Kenneth Chisom Gbali, disclosed this when he led the management team of the ministry in continuation of the advocacy campaign visit to Asari-Toru Local Government Council on Monday.
Gbali while handing over the strategic preparedness manual christened, “A Preparedness Plan for Rivers Youth Paradigm from Unemployability to Resourcefulness”, to Asari-Toru Local Government Council chairman, said the booklet was a compendium of all the areas that Rivers State Government has outlined to embrace in order to train and empower youths in the state.
Demonstrating how the programme would be anchored, Gbali emphasised the need for ASALGA youths to prepare themselves to participate in the trainings outlined by the state government as to become independent through learning more skills that would project them to have multiple streams of income to face the harsh global economic challenges.
“The limit of our realisation today begins with us”, he said.
According to the commissioner, the geometrical and arithmetical nature in the country can only be confronted through acquiring modern skills, and called on Rivers youths and Kalabari youths in particular to wake up and prepare themselves to key into the opportunity provided by the ministry.
He averred that Kalabari kingdom was noted as the centre of Ancient Civilization in the state, and urged them not to be deterred by the challenges caused by parental, community and environmental factors but focus towards acquiring more skills to be self-reliant.
He also used the opportunity to inform Kalabari youths that vocational centres would be built in the three senatorial districts in the state to train the youths in focal areas of ICT, Artificial Intelligence, content creation and entrepreneurship.
“To achieve all noble objective, the ministry will engage international partners to assist the youths achieve this goal,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, the Asari-Toru Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Onengiyeofori George, praised the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the commissioner, Ministry of Youth Development, Hon Chisom Kenneth Gbali for their gesture to carry Rivers youths along in the administration for the consolidation agenda in the state.
George said the inclusion of the youths in the 23 local government areas through ICT, vocational and entrepreneurship training would cushion the effects of unemployment and youth restiveness in the state.
The council boss thanked the commissioner for reaching out to the youth and less privileged in the area, adding that the message of the governor would give hope and motivate the LGA to prepare ahead of the training.
According to him, this campaign by the Ministry of Youth Development shows that the Commissioner, Dr Chisom Gbali cares for the youths in the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Rowland Obed-Whyte, described Gbali as a pragmatic and best performing commissioner in the state.
He disclosed that the ministry was in the area to thank the chairman for his ability to sponsor Kalabari youths for International Youth Summit in Accra, Ghana, adding that the chairman was the first among the 23 local government council chairmen, to maintain the rules of Community-Based Youth Groups by registering 13 youth bodies out of 15 operating in the LGA, thereby make it possible for them to respond rapidly on any issue concerning the youths in Asari-Toru LGA.
Obed-Whyte, said Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development has the vision to take adequate care of the youth, adding that “This is why the ministry decided to have different departments like, Network & Social Mobilization, Education & Counseling, Enterprise Development & Promotion and Planning, Research and Statistics to meditate and respond to any issue concerning the welfare of the youths.”
The climax of the event was an award by the youths to the commissioner.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol