Rivers

Lady Fubara Restates Rivers Support For President’s Programmes

Published

1 year ago

May 8, 2024

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara has declared that the Rivers State Government will continue to support all good programmes and policies of the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government geared towards improving the lives of Rivers people.
Lady Fubara made the declaration while speaking to journalists after the flag off of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday.
The wife of the Rivers State Governor, who is also the Renewed Hope Initiative Coordinator for Rivers State, described the flag off performed by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Kashim Shettima, as a huge success.
Lady Fubara explained that the beneficiaries of the programme from Rivers State have already been supported by the President’s wife with N10million fund to boost their agro businesses.
She said, “The programme was a success, and I say a very big thank you to our mother, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was fully represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Kashim Shetima.
“The farmers in Rivers State were present and they will receive the cheque of N10million handed over to me as the State Coordinator for onward disbursement to the 20 beneficiaries to support them in their agricultural projects”, she said.
Lady Fubara spoke of the importance of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, which long term benefit will impact on all and sundry.
She noted that it was for that reason that the Rivers State Government has always supported the programme of the First Lady aimed at empowering women and curtailing food shortage in the country.
“As the First Lady has rightly said, she is of the opinion that the monies being given to the farmers be utilized for the agricultural projects to empower the women, to help reduce shortage of food in Nigeria.
“This is why the Rivers State Government is always in support of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, because it is a programme that is going to be beneficial to all and sundry.
“So, Rivers State women, of which I am the Coordinator, will support the programme to its fullest, and whatever is needed to improve the lives of our people, the Rivers State Government is fully in support of it”, she declared.
Earlier, wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had launched the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) in the South-South geo-political zone and Renewed Hope Initiative Financial Empowerment Support Programme for People with Disabilities Small Business Owners.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, the wife of the President, who is also the National Chairman of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), announced the support of N500,000 each for 20 women farmers in each of the South-South states of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Cross River.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman, RHI, Hajia Nana Kashim Shettima, Senator Tinubu noted that the Initiative is committed to supporting women farmers, cognizance of President Tinubu administration’s recognition of the important role agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises the important role agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency in the nation.
“Therefore, the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to supporting women farmers nationwide aligns with the broad national agenda to strengthen the agriculture sector.
“Today, we are supporting 20 women farmers per state in the South-South zone with the sum of N500,000 each. To this end, a draft of N10million per state for the South-South zone will be handed over to the First Ladies of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, who are also Renewed Hope Initiative State Coordinators for onward disbursement to all beneficiaries in their respective states”, she said.
According to Senator Tinubu, “the flagging off of the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support Programme for the South-South zone is in fulfilment of our promise to continue to promote the women folk, particularly farmers across the nation.”
She noted that “currently, this programme has been successfully held in all the five geo-political zones, namely North-Central in Plateau State, North-East in Borno State, North-West in Kebbi State, South-East in Imo State, and South-West in Ogun State. I commend the dedication of the beneficiaries in these zones, and it is my trust that very soon, we will begin to reap bountiful harvests.”
The wife of the President hinted that the RHI will be collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower potential farmers while also carrying along already identified women farmers in the 36 states.
She also implored the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity to grow their businesses and contribute to the nation’s food production while also serving as role models for others.
“In a short while, the RHI will be collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower potential farmers in these states. 70 percent of the beneficiaries will be young female farmers, while 25 percent will be for our young male farmers. They will be all specially identified, trained and empowered.
“Also, the pre-identified 80 women farmers in each state for our agricultural support programme will be carried alone.
“I want to urge our women farmers who are receiving support today to seize this opportunity to extend their agricultural ventures, contribute to local and national food production and serve as role models for others aspiring to join the agricultural sector”, she said.
She also announced the empowerment of 100 people with disabilities with the sum of N100,000 each in Akwa Ibom State to recapitalize their existing businesses.
According to her, “Given the mood of today, we have decided to have a twin events. The Renewed Initiative Social Investment Programme, will be empowering 100 persons with disability small business owners in Akwa Ibom State with the sum of N100,000 each to recapitalize their existing businesses. All pre-selected recipients of the grant will receive the funds today through our Renewal Hope Initiative Coordinator for Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno.”
In his goodwill message, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, thanked the wife of the President for her humanitarian disposition through of the RHI that had impacted vulnerable groups across the country financially, with 250 elderly persons in Akwa Ibom benefiting N100,000 each.
Governor Eno said the State Government has so far supported and adopted the initiative by launching the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, which elders from the 369 wards in the state, especially the vulnerable ones, are given N50,000 each to take care of their needs, especially foods and medicines.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor and State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who noted the challenges women in agriculture face, including limited access to resources, land and poor education, described the programme as crucial step towards a more inclusive and sustainable society.
She commended the wife of the President for empowering women in agriculture and supporting individuals with disabilities, a development she observed promotes equality and leads to innovation and diversity.
Also speaking, the wife of the Bayelsa State Governor and Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), South-South Zonal Chairman, Dr. (Mrs) Gloria Douye Diri, said the programmes of RHI were a paradigm shift from the usual, making lasting positive impacts across six geo-political zones of the country.
She noted that, “No doubt, the farming tools, inputs and cash grants will boost economic growth and stimulate new horizons for all the beneficiaries towards enhancing and achieving food availability and sufficiency in South-South zone”.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to the wives of the South-South States’ Governors and Renewed Hope Initiative State Coordinators, and empowerment grants to some beneficiaries of persons with disabilities business recapitalization grant in Akwa Ibom by wife of the President.
The event was attended by wives of the governors of Rivers – Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara; Bayelsa – Dr (Mrs) Gloria Douye Diri; Delta – Deaconess Tubore Oborewvori; Akwa Ibom – Pastor Patience Umo Eno; Edo – Dr (Mrs) Betsy Obaseki; and Cross River – Rev (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu.
Others are wives of governors of Imo – Barrister Chioma Uzodimma; Osun – Titilola Adeleke; and Ogun – Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun.

Niger Delta

RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

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

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

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

FIDA, PCRC Train Police On Paralegal Cases

Published

2 days ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), in collaboration with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), has held a one-day capacity building workshop on paralegal exposure aimed at equipping police officers across Rivers State on ways of handling gender-based violence cases in the society.

The one-day capacity training, organised by the two humanitarian organisations in the state, is designed to boost the knowledge and capacity of the police echelons in the state in handling gender-based violence cases.

Speaking at the event, held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Port Harcourt, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, emphasized the importance of capacity building for Police Officers, stressing the need for continuous training and development for the officers to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in law enforcement.

Adepoju noted the police have been having lectures like this from time to time as directed by the Inspector General of Poliice, and urge the police officers to turn out in their numbers in order to gain from the training.

“There is nothing as good as building our capacity to ensure we deliver service to mankind and let Rivers be a difference to others.

“We have people who have the capacity that can deliver and they are here with us, and we will not hesitate to ensure we employ and use them. Whatever we have learnt here, jot it down and ensure you use it judiciously”, the VP urged.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of FIDA Rivers State, Life Jim-George, stressed that the paralegal training offers the opportunity for retired Police officers, desk officers, and different divisions in charge of gender-based crime to assemble to educate and be educated on how to handle gender violence, the abused public, and how to deal with reporters of all kinds of Gender-Based Violence.

She said, “They need to be empathetic, they need not to judge them as they move into them. They need not to throw them away immediately, or to make the atmosphere very toxic, a situation whoch will make them go away, or be exposed to extortion, which will make them feel that Police is your friend is only in the book.

“We remind you all that you are not just Police officers, here is a duty imposed on you to look at the laws. Not just to drive people away because we have reports where once you approach a Police station and say my husband or wife beat me up, they drive you away, saying this one is husband and wife matter, go and settle with your husband or wife.They began to judge you.

“We are saying no, that is not what the law is. Please show empathy. If you throw them away like that, most of them can take their life. Some go into third degree depression and it becomes difficult to bring them out. They will now began to blame themselves for going to the Police station.”

In his speech, the Chairman of PCRC in the State, Mr. Voke Emore, explained that one primary responsibility of the PCRC is to bring the community closer to the Police, while FIDA, as an international organization, cares for the less privilege and handle cases involving women and children.

“The police only protect women and children in talking of gender abuse in the society, rather than taking the issue of gender violence as wholistic that includes men, women and children in every strata of the society.

“So, that is why the two humanitarian organisations, FIDA and PCRC, decided to partner to ensure that the things are done rightly in line with global practices.

“And the only way to do that is to provide training. We always talk about training and re-training of Police officers”, the PCRC boss stated.

The training focused on key areas such as “The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Rivers State”, “Dehumanizing and Harmful Traditional Practices Laws”, “Prohibition of the Curtailment of Women’s Rights to Share in Family Property Law”, and “Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law.”

Akujobi Amadi