Rivers

CAN Tasks Christians On Obnoxious Customs, Vices In Rivers Community

Published

2 years ago

January 10, 2024

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Etche Chapter, has called for the unity of churches in order to fight some obnoxious customs and traditions, as well as vices such as land grabbing and kidnapping in the area.
CAN said this recently at the 2024 annual Etche Praise Day organised by the Association at Egbu in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The praise Day has as its theme “Let Glory come Down”.
Etche Chapter Chairman of CAN, Senior Apostle Succees Elemuwa, told newsmen during the service that some cultural practices in Etche need to be abolished for the kingdom to move forward.
He also said land grabbing kidnapping and other antisocial behaviours is taking Etche backward.
According to him, people are afraid to invest in Etche because of some of these practices.
He said for the area to withness a new lease of life, the Christians, irrespective of denomination, must unite in prayers for God to intervene in the affairs of Etche ethnic nationality.
Earlier in his welcome address, Elemuwa said the event was to thank God for his kindness, protection and grace towards the good people of Etche.
He particularly said Etche ethnic nationality is happy that for the first time since the creation of Rivers state, an Etche son is in the Senate.
“Permit me to use this opportunity to thank God for the last year, 2023, election that allowed us to occupy the Senate seat in Abuja that we have never tested before.
“Our prayer is that one day, one of us shall become the Governor of Rivers state”, he said.
He said CAN is also grateful that Etche is fully represented in the Federal House of Representatives and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Elemuwa listed the problem facing the Association to include lack of a bus for evangelism, standard musical instruments and funds for the development of three plots bought by the Association along the Egwi/Afara Road.
Also speaking, former Chairman of CAN Etche, Rev. Father Paul Iroulor. said the annual Etche Praise Day has attracted abundant blessings to Etche land.
He said CAN will continue to pray against harmful cultural practices in Etche land.
The cleric said the Association needs support to enable it properly evangelize the people, adding that once the people are properly evangelized, incidences of harmful cultural practices will be a thing of the past.
Also, Secretary of CAN, Etche, Apostle Anderson Njoku, said the people will continue to thank God for His divine protection .
In the same vein, Chairman, planning Committee for the event, Rev. Chaplain Uche Nkume, said CAN will continue to pray for the development of Etche land.
He said the people need to be properly sensitized against involvement in some obnoxious customs in the area.
Highlights of the event was the conferment of distinguished Awards on 27 spersonalities in the area.
The awards were in three categories: Philanthropic, Excellent Leadership, and Defenders of the Faith Awards.
Some of the awardees include: Evangelist Ndionye Collins, Dr Onu Austin Iroegbulam, Pastor Joseph Opurum, Professor Samuel Amadi, and Regina Elikee.

By; John Bibor

Rivers

Microbiologists Inaugurates New Exco, Chart New Course In Dev

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.

At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.

The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).

In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.

He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.

Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.

They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.

Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.

In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.

Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.

According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.

She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.

“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.

With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Rivers

IAUE VC Warns Against High Price In Textbook Sales

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.

This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.

Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.

The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.

He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.

According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.

He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.

The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.

He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.

Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.

His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.

Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.

The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Hon Worlu Expresses Concern Over Tragic Incidents In PHALGA … Assures On Safety, Security

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.

A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.

The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.

He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.

He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.

The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.

By: King Onunwor