Rivers

Light Up Nigeria Project Campaign Flags-Off In Degema LGA

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2023

The formal flag-off ceremony of Light Up Nigeria Project (LUNP) took place at Degema Local Government Area, in Rivers State, on Friday.

Light Up Nigeria Project was aimed to empower Nigerians through agriculture, Small and Medium Scale businesses, in partnership with some commercial banks and other recognised financial institutions.

The ceremony was witnessed by huge crowd as people from all works of life was in attendance in the area.

Speaking at the event the national coordinator of LUNP, Prince Amezhinm Atuma, said the project was essentially to integrate both urban and rural dwellers with the sole purpose of job creation, employment, skill training and industrial revolution.

According to Atuma, who is also the MD/CEO Odioku Sky Ltd, and Chairman Odio Investment & Credit Society Ltd, the project was to connect Degema people to financial scheme for business development.

” I want to say that Light Up Nigeria Project 2023 as regards to Odioku Sky Ltd and its partner Odio Co-operative and Credit Society is in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cashless policy designed to empower and connect Nigerians into financial scheme through partnership with registered financial institutions, Government Ministries, Department and Agencies. Also international communities, as well as recognised private sector investors” Prince Atuma said.

He equally said that the project will be launched in all the Local Government Areas in the country with the view to eradicate poverty and promote industrialisation in Nigeria.

“The dream of Light up Nigeria Project is also to affect Nigerians positively by creating employment and eliminate poverty and create wealth.

“Again we are poised to flood the country with Nigeria made products within short , develop talents, hence it will reduce crime in our society,”. he stated.

Also speaking the Peika, VII Onu Onyan Ekien of Udekana of Degema Kingdom, His Excellency King Reuben Z. Amos, thank the coordinator of Light up Nigeria Project to Degema, saying that the project would bring development to the area.

” As you can see there is poverty in the area so I will be happy if the banks and other recognised bodies will come and assist to develop our people through loans facilities” he said.

In an interview with one of the attendees , Goodness Ngoke , expressed joy over the good intentions of the project.

According to her, if given the loan she will use it expand her Zobo, Tiger nut and Soya beans businesses.

” I am happy that such thing is coming to this area because it will help me and some others to expand our businesses. Like me I will go into wholesale and make my products unique” Ngoke said.

Also another attendee Ibisoma Karashina , a welder thank the coordinator of Light up Nigeria Project for bringing such development ideas here.

He said if given the loan he will use it to buy more equipments and employ youths to work with him and that will reduce crime in the area” he said.

By: Tonye Orabere

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.