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RSG To Establish Conflict Prevention, Peace Committee In 23 LGAs
The Rivers State Government has disclosed its plans to establish Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committee (CCPPC) in all the 23 local government areas of the state.
The government noted that the state needs peace onward, adding that the move would provide an avenue for prompt response to conflicts that may arise in any part of the state as regard boundary issues.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, disclosed this in Port Harcourt at a public enlightenment on Rivers State Boundary Commission, RSBC, with theme, “The Essence of Peace Building; the Role of the Rivers State Boundary Commission in the Peaceful Resolution of Boundary Disputes in the state.’
Odu, who is the Convener and the Chairman of RSBC, stated that boundary issue between communties, local government areas have been a source most crises in the state, adding that the government is taking proactive step to nip it on the bud.
She noted that peace stands as a cornerstone of progress, development and prosperity in any society, adding that the CCPPC would be a vital force that would propels harmonious co-exist in communities.
She commended the efforts of RSBC in addressing and resolving the contentious issues of boundary through dialogues, mediation, noting that the commission plays critical role as regards the rule of law, promoting understanding between conflict parties and paves the way for sustainable peace in the state.
The Deputy governor said: “The boundary that delineates our territories are not mere line on a map, they represent share histories, identities and the aspiration of the communities they encompass. When disputes arise over these boundaries, they not only threaten the peaceful co-existence of our people but also jeopardise the social fabric that binds us together.”
“In the spirit of the extant relevant laws on Boundary disputes, it is my vision that the present government of Rivers State under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara,, will embrace Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committee, CCPPC, in all the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to ensure conflict prevention and introduce mechanism for quick resolution of conflict among communities.”
However, the Chairman of the Event, His Royal Majesty, King (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, noted that the current administration in the state has not contradicted its stand for any development in the state.
Jaja who was represented by His Royal Majesty, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bobo Bob-Manuel, noted that the RSCB is empowered to the National Boundary Commission to carry out awareness and enlightenment campaigns among the people in the state on the essence of boundaries in order to foster peace and harmony among the people.
He noted that it would be proper for the government to train members of RSBC on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to enable the staff members to oversee issues of conflict resolution and peace management affecting the LGAs.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of RSBC, Mr Lucky Atangsi Ikina, in his welcome address, noted that the conference was timely and unique, emphasizing that the state needs peace.
Ikina said: “Rivers State is desirous of peace. This enlightenment will bring to light the targets of the Commission, which includes carrying out campaigns to foster peace among communities. This commission is important because it defines and demarcates boundaries. Peace is better than war, as settlement is better than litigation.”
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.