Rivers
Committee Concludes Open Verification Of MIle 1 Market Allotees
The Rivers State Government Reconciliation Committee on Lockup Shops at Mile 1, Rumuwoji Market, has concluded its two-day open verification exercise for allotees of the market.
The exercise took place at the New Mile 1, Rumuwoji Market.
Chairman of the Committee, Barrister Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo, told The Tide in an interview that almost all allotees whose names were published were attended to.
She also said the committee is not allocating shops to anyone as being speculated.
She insisted that original owners of shops at the market will be given automatic allocations as long as they can prove themselves.
“No allocations for now. We are here to verify the allottees. Original owners of shops will have automatic allocations as long as they can prove themselves”, she said.
Ogolo, who is the Permanent Secretary/ Solicitor General of Rivers State, said the traders are happy that they are getting back to business.
She insisted that all prospective allottees must come with all required documents, including their National Identification number (NIN) before verification.
She also commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his efforts in getting the traders back to business.
On the second day of the exercise, she told The Tide that the exercise went without any hitch, adding that the allottees showed maturity throughout the period of the verification exercise.
She said after the verification exercise, the committee will meet and ensure that names of those verified are properly collated to ensure proper allocations.
Clarton-Ogolo described the exercise as a big success, adding that from the first to the last day of verification, the allottees conducted themselves in line with the procedure laid down by the committee.
Other members of the commitee who also participated in the verification exercise are the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Housing, Mr. Boma Wakama, who is the Secretary of the committee, Mr. Lawson Ikuru, Permanent secretary Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, amongst others.
Some of the allottees who spoke to The Tide shortly after the verification exercise described the process as fair and transparent.
They told their colleagues not to embark on further protest, but follow the template put in place by the committee to get verified.
By: John Bibor
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor