Rivers

KIN Launches First Proshop In PH

Published

2 years ago

September 22, 2023

A leading global innovator and provider of advanced, high-quality air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) products and solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, Daikin, has announced the launch of its first Proshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The launch was in partnership with Integrated Home Concepts Limited (IHCL).
The newly launched Proshop, located at Port-Harcourt, will serve as a business-to-business (B2B) sales and service hub for Daikin’s extensive range of air conditioning technologies, from split and multi-split to SkyAir setups and control and VRV systems tailored for various applications.
At the store, which will provide both a showcase of Daikin products and an engaging customer-centric experience, Daikin specialists will be on hand to advise customers on the systems that best meet their needs, while the back-end support will ensure that their needs are attended to from design and sales through to installation and aftermarket services.
For Daikin, Africa represents a key market in which Nigeria, particularly, stands out as a growth area.
With the inauguration of Port Harcourt Proshop, Daikin is taking its commitment to the country to the next level, delivering industry-leading innovation and unmatched expertise to its customers.
Commenting on the announcement, Africa Sales Manager at Daikin MEA, Sami Monastiriotis-Gkouneim, said; “With the launch of our first Proshop in Port Harcourt, our objective is to address the evolving needs of the Nigerian market by offering advanced air quality solutions that balance comfort with energy efficiency.
“Studies have revealed that certain air conditioning units might not be suited for Nigeria’s unique weather conditions, leading to potential health risks and mishaps from outdated systems and lack of technical know-how.
“Having rigorously assessed Nigeria’s market and its air quality challenges, we are now bringing our specialized expertise to bear to deliver top-tier air-conditioning solutions in this market.
“Our collaboration with IHCL follows Daikin’s approach of aligning with strategic local partners to ensure customer service excellence”.
Also commenting on the Proshop, Managing Director of IHCL, Sanjay Mishra, said, “IHCL is partnering with Daikin to open its first Proshop showroom in Port Harcourt, offering a quality and comfortable experience for both existing and prospective customers.
“The partnership will provide sales and technical services at one place, ensuring a seamless customer experience and a great Daikin brand experience”.
He added that Daikin’s goal is “to foster a step-change in indoor air quality in the region by developing new sales and service channel partnerships that can bring our air quality and energy efficiency-enhancing systems to a wider audience, while enhancing our service and post-sale support”.
According to him, “through a robust localization approach, Daikin is committed to nurturing sustainability, promoting healthy living and introducing innovative products that ensure superior performance, lower operational costs and minimized environmental impact”.
Founded in Japan in 1924, the company strives to combine expertise and experience to create innovative technologies by anticipating the future requirements of customers and society.
The company has evolved over nine decades to employ 96,000 people with 110 production bases and presence in 170 countries worldwide.

Rivers

Group Seeks Police Support to Tackle GBV

Published

3 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Multi-Stakeholder Action Committee on the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a non-profit organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence in the State, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to seek his support and partnership for a planned sensitization programme for Police GBV Desk Officers.

The delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies Dimpka, alongside the Committee’s Coordinator, Barr. Evelyn Membere Asimiea.

Speaking during the meeting, the Coordinator explained that the committee comprises various stakeholders, including FIDA, the media, security agencies, and traditional and religious institutions.

She noted that the initiative is funded by ActionAid Nigeria with support from the Ford Foundation, with the goal of strengthening efforts to eliminate gender-based violence in Rivers State.

“We have carried out several engagements, including community advocacy programmes and the training of female cultural influencers, among other activities,” she said.

In his response, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, pledged his full support for the initiative and assured the committee of the Police Command’s readiness to collaborate in strengthening GBV response mechanisms across the state.

Members of the delegation also included heads of sub-committees within the group: Barr. Ere Boma (Advocacy); Dr. Mary Obisike (Response); Martha Igbiks ( Information and Awareness); and Brown Musa Afonyagha (Religious/Traditional).

Observers described the engagement as a significant step toward enhancing coordination and improving the response to gender-based violence in Rivers State.

Rivers

Youth Body Condemns Killing Of Member … Demands Immediate Suspension Of Bike Operation

Published

3 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

Youths from Igwuruta Community in Rivers State have condemned the killing of the Secretary of Omuolu-Omunwei Community in Igwuruta, Mr. Nchelem Samuel Festus, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable.

In a communiqué issued on February 12, 2026, the youth body said Mr. Festus was allegedly murdered on Tuesday February 10, 2026, by commercial motorcycle operators identified as “Aboki bike riders” within the community.

The group expressed sadness and outrage over the development, stating that the killing has heightened tension in the area and disrupted the peace for which Igwuruta has long been known.

According to the communiqué, the incident is part of what the community described as a growing wave of criminal activities, including rape, kidnapping and other violent crimes allegedly perpetrated by the same group.

The youth body said Igwuruta has historically maintained a reputation as a peaceful and hospitable community where residents and visitors carry out their daily activities without fear.

It, however, noted that recent events and what it termed as “escalating violence” have created fear among residents and necessitated urgent intervention.

The communiqué called for the immediate suspension of all motorcycle operations by the group within Igwuruta.

It also demanded the closure of scrap-dump sites in the community allegedly operated by the said individuals.

Furthermore, the youth body urged security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the killing of Mr. Festus and perpetrators of other alleged crimes in the area.

It also called on cattle herders to vacate farmlands in Igwuruta and urged herdsmen to stay away from bushes within the community with immediate effect.

While pledging to uphold the rule of law and refrain from self-help, the youth body gave security agencies a 48-hour ultimatum to act on some of its demands, particularly the suspension of motorcycle operations and closure of scrap sites.

The communiqué appealed to security agencies, local government authorities and other stakeholders to treat the matter with urgency and collaborate with the community to restore peace and ensure justice.

As at the time of filing this report, the Police has not issued any official statement about the incident.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

NDDC, REA Seal Pact On Sustainable Electricity Expansion In N’Delta

Published

3 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand access to reliable and sustainable electricity across the Niger Delta region.

The agreement, signed at the headquarters of the REA in Abuja, is intended to strengthen institutional collaboration in accelerating development in underserved communities in the region.

A statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, said the pact underscores renewed efforts by the two federal interventionist agencies to deepen cooperation and fast-track infrastructure delivery.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the MoU as a strategic step towards realising the Commission’s vision to “light up the Niger Delta” in line with national priorities on distributed energy expansion.

Ogbuku said “the agreement represents a shared institutional responsibility to deliver reliable energy solutions that will enhance livelihoods, stimulate local economies and create broader opportunities across the nine Niger Delta states.”

According to him, electricity remains a critical enabler of national development, support for job creation, healthcare delivery, education and inclusive economic growth.

He noted that the collaboration would help unlock the economic potential of rural communities while advancing broader national development objectives.

The NDDC boss added that the Commission has consistently adopted partnership-driven approaches in executing projects in the region and is prepared to support the implementation of the MoU by leveraging its community presence and infrastructure development capacity.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the REA to ensure the timely and effective execution of the agreement.

The NDDC delegation at the event included the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai; Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde; Director, Legal Services, Mr. Victor Arenyeka; Director, Finance and Supply, Mrs. Kunemofa Asu; and Director, Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the REA, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the MoU as a natural collaboration between two agencies with complementary mandates, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to sustainable electricity in rural communities.

“The Niger Delta remains central to Nigeria’s economic fortunes and must be supported by infrastructure capable of driving productivity, enterprise and improved living standards”, Aliyu said.

He adding that the partnership signals readiness to deliver stable power to communities that have long awaited reliable electricity supply.