Rivers
NIMECHE Tasks Govt On Science, Technology Education
The Rivers State Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMECHE) has called for more investment in science and technological education in the country.
State Chairman of the institution, Engr Promise Jumbo said this is necessary to fast track development in the country.
Jumbo said this at the maiden edition of mechanical engineering students’ competition at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt.
The competition was organised by NIMECHE in conjunction with the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Rivers State University.
Jumbo, who attributed the backwardness of the country to poor investment in science and technological education said time has come for governments to invest massively in the development of the sector.
He said the competition was organised to enable the students showcase their talents as well as encourage the spirit of excellence among them.
Jumbo described Mechanical Engineering as a vast field of engineering discipline and urged the students to put in their best to enable them excel.
He also urged the students not to allow any distractions, adding that it beholves on them to ensure that they put in their best by taking their studies seriously.
He said the participants were selected based on their CGPA.
In his words, “The programme is a maiden competition for final year students of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University.
“It is worthy to note that the students were selected based on their CGPAs but, they have over 70 of them and these ones were selected based on their CGPAs.
“So, we are going to administer a questionnaire to them and to get the best three out of them. And prizes will be awarded accordingly,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Engr. Goodluck Ikenyiri commended the institution for the programme, adding that it will instill the spirit of competition among students of not only the Engineering Department but of all departments in the university.
He commended the state chairman of NIMECHE for the excellent idea and urged other societies to emulate it.
Ikenyiri also called for more students to be involved in subsequent editions.
He urged students to keep themselves abreast of the event to enable them participate in subsequent editions of the competitions.
“If you have internet complier, go to Google. This is a regular thing.
“We are starting it here and with Mechanical Engineering Department in RSU, if you miss it here we will go to the next school” and described it as a surprise package for students.
“It is a surprise package, you may not have known that, there is an award to it but you will soon know at least even if, is a token but is tangible for a student. So we want to encourage you but this first ones you are the luckiest because is simple questions that you will answer and we will take the best three.”
“Secondly, you will be subjected to discussions; the first phase is what the department has done.
“The second is what we want to do which are simple questions. The timing was supposed to be 30mins but we will reduce it to 15mins, 3o questions in 15mins.
“You would have been 10 and out of it we selected five but now you are five and narrow it down we need three to get the awards so, you are a lucky group but we must do it diligently and we will mark it right here, then, finish up the whole thing today”, he said.
Ikenyiri used the occasion to encouraged the students that, the programme is their own and not for them the organisers, it is to help them and anything that is done here, it is sure that they have prizes and it will be better than that of the best graduating student of the department overall as they normally give .
According to him, “the prizes will be given to them on a platter of gold. Therefore, you have to be serious as everything necessary will be done right”.
He thanked the Hrad of Engineering Department of the University for encouraging.
By: John Bibor & Eunice Ubelejit
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.