Rivers
RIMA Set To Disburse Loan To Over 500 Small Businesses In Rivers

The authorities of Rivers State Micro Finance Agency say over 500 small scale businesses in Rivers State are set to receive N4 billion loan set aside by the Rivers state government to enhance business activities in the State.
In an interview ,the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rivers State Micro Finance Agency ( RIMA), Pastor Jonathan Tobin described the gesture as one of the monumental achievements of Governor Fubara-led administration within one year in office
Tobin said during the pre- qualification exercise, 2,000 Rivers business men and women valued at N1.26 billion were captured.
He hinted that in the course of the verification, some persons were disqualified bordering on impersonation ,wrong information, saying the disbursement of the loan shall be a continuous exercise.
He said in the next six months, economic activities in the oil – rich State shall re-vibrate astronomically.
He asserted that the Rivers State Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Industry where the Rivers State Government shall provide N2billion while the latter will provide N2billion.
He said by this singular gesture, Governor Fubara had demonstrated his determination and interest to lift Rivers State and its indigenes out of poverty.
Tobin said emphatically that Governor Fubara has come to teach Rivers people how to fish and not giving them fish, reason being that if you give them fish, tomorrow they will keep coming ,but if you teach them how to fish, they will be self-reliant and will never come to you again.
“Most of the governments think that giving people palliatives is the solution. Teach them how to fish just as Rivers State Governor is doing. That will break the yoke of poverty in my 33 years of doing government work and having interacted with most Governors, Governor Fubara is unique. He has a listening ear, discusses with you and even allows you to sit down and argue with him. While talking with him, you will realise you are talking to an individual who is divinely motivated to work for the interest of Rivers people. I thank God He had given me an opportunity to work for Rivers people. I am giving it all my experience, contacts and strength, ,bringing everything to bear on it to ensure the assignment is successful. I have followed Governor Fubara’s progress from Christmas gift to civil servants; promotions to workers including local government workers; employment to both teachers and non-teaching staff; commissioning of landmark projects; and putting facilities to work.
He is an answer to prayers of Rivers people .He has the heart of a leader and father. Governor Fubara is on an assignment to salvage Rivers State. I urge Rivers people to give him total support and assistance to deliver on the assignment God had given him. As a pastor, the Bible says, when the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. This is exactly what is happening to Rivers people and people are happy because the administration of Governor Fubara is touching their lives. I have no doubt that after the first one year, Rivers people will realise that a man of vision and purpose is in charge. It is going to be novel. Every Rivers indigene shall take a quiet moment to reflect on the past regimes, if we are honest to ourselves. I expect all hands to be on deck to support him to move Rivers State to the next level and stop the bickering by some persons. No programme of God that the devil does not challenge. The distraction from satanic forces cannot stand because when light appears, darkness must surely flee. The light of God has shone in Rivers State and forces of darkness must bow. Development is predicated on peace and progress. I believe that with Governor Fubara, Rivers people will see the next level of monumental development.”
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

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.
Rivers
Rivers NYCN Wants Sokubo For Second Term
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.