Rivers
PHED Flags Off Goal Zero Campaign … Commits To Workers’ Safety, Welfare
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distributing (PHED) Plc. has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of staff in the course of service to the organization.
Consequently, the company has flagged off its 2024 Goal Zero Campaign alongside the presentation and handing over of the Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to the different regions of the organization to ensure safety of workers.
Speaking during the Ceremony at the PHED Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the weekend, the Organisation’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Benson Uwheru, described the employees as the greatest asset of the organization, saying that safety and well-being in service remained paramount to the organization.
Uwheru noted that the Goal Zero was about “Behavior” which, he said, is one of the biggest drivers of transformation, adding that his brainchild Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals was targeted at transforming the organization and serving as an indicator of the commitment to promoting a better working world for the organization, communities and customers.
“It’s part of our commitment to create a better working environment for our people. When we say our people are the greatest asset, what we do is to match words with action. Indeed, we want our people to feel safe and not just to feel safe, but have the consciousness of safety and health.
“And this year, our goal zero target is dedicated to promoting positive behaviours that promote safety, health and welfare of our people”, he said.
The MD/CEO also disclosed that the organization was closing out on a Group Life Assurance Policy to further boost the morales of workers.
In his words, “in terms of your state of well-being, we are also in the process of closing out a Group Life Assurance Policy. It means that your life is assured in the case of not just fatality but death.
“We are also implementing Accident Cover, for accidents in the course of business so that beyond the HMO that you have, you have additional offers that give reasonable assurance that you are not used as a tool of trade.
“We want to give them that sense of belonging that they are not alone. That when they are climbing either the High Tension (HT) or the Low Tension(LT), they are not alone. They know that this thing they are doing is part of their contribution to the company and they do it with so much joy because they have a backup”.
He, however, urged the workers to shun recklessness and embrace the “consciousness that inspires you, energises you and motivates you to want to do more”.
Uwheru further commended the Regional Heads, Chiefs and Heads of Departments for their contributions towards achieving the goal.
Receiving the PPEs on behalf of the Regional Managers, the Regional Manager, Beta 2, Fred Harry, lauded the management of PHED for the concern and commitment to the welfare and well-being of staff.
Harry said, “it is important that we remain kitted in service and the MD has ensured that this is realized by making the organization a global/international one.
“As regional managements, we will ensure that the PPEs are used judiciously to reducing accidents, incidences and near misses while at work”.
Lady Godknows Ogbulu
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.
The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.
He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.
“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.
Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.
“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.
He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.
Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.
He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.
Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.
“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.
Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.
He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.
Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.
He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.
“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”, Onyekere said.
He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.
Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”
Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.
The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.
Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.
The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.
Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.
It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.
The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.
In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.
While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.
By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.
Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.
He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.
The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.
According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.
He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.
The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.
He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.
The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.
As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.
He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.
One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.
By: King Onunwor
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