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Peace Award: Undecided Investors Now Free To Tap Rivers Potential -China
Investors still afraid of coming into Rivers State are now expected to make their fast decisions, according to a real estate success strategist and investor.
The Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, stated this while reacting to the conferment of the Silverbird Peace Advocate of the Year Award on the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, by Silverbird Group in Lagos, yesterday.
China said he was elated and proud about the development because the sacrifice made by the governor for peace to reign in the state was beginning to pay off, adding that the governor has sacrificed a lot and restrained himself from exchanges that can destroy the State.
“So, it seems, for the sake of the grass, the elephant has refused to fight, and quietly went about his projects, just to ensure the grass does not suffer, even when most of the grasses are baling for blood or for a fight back. Much is being achieved”, China waxed philosophically.
On how this would help promote investments and businesses in the state, China said: “Every state is ultimately represented by the kind of leader it has. It is clear that peace promotes productivity; productivity promotes profit; profit promotes peace. It is a circle of good.
“More profit makes more peace. This will now help to create peace and people can increase productivity. It allows investors to go out and come in. It has added to the trust in peace in the State. It boosts productivity.
“For external investors waiting to see if it is real peace so as to come, they can see it is real. It may convince them to make final investment decision. Those on the fence will find signal that real peace is here.”
The Mayor advised the political class to note that the era of sharing politics is gradually coming to an end.
According to him, “With the food crisis in Nigeria, it means productive politics is what is needed because soon, there is nothing to share. Productive politics is being birthed. Unlike sharing politics, in productive politics, there is nothing to share if you don’t produce.
“The main fallout of productive politics is internally generated revenue (IGR), and one of the greatest drivers of IGR is business activity, and one of the drivers of business activity is surge of investors.
“Soon, it would be like in medical tourism driving some states in Nigeria. States with best business climates would attract investors and they get boost in IGR. We are getting there.
“The earlier the political actors realise this, the better it is for the state. So, they can learn how to fight without destroying the economy. We are not saying they should not fight but they should not do so in the glare of the public and expose their dirty linens. There are ways they do these things so the investment community is not harmed.”
He stressed that by these developments, positive news is winning over toxic news and crisis.
“Abia State nearby is an example of good news coming out almost everyday. While we are here in Rivers State talking and hearing of toxic news everyday, Abia State is now in good news, and you can’t imagine the volume of investors rushing there. They may catch up or even overtake Rivers State, something that has never happened before.
“So, my general take is that what comes out of perception is now stronger than reality, and perception is now the new reality.
“Whatever comes out of Rivers State shapes the perception of people outside the State, and this creates the reality of whether to come or not.
“There is no State that can do it alone. They must clamour for national and international investors. Instead of trying to gag news, you better create positive activities that create positive news that creates positive activities, forming a circle of good that creates wealth for everybody,” he added.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.