Rivers
RSG Moves To Construct Vocational Centres In LGAs
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalaiyi Fubara, has revealed that plans are under way to construct vocational centres across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state to boost human capacity development.
The Governor spoke when he commissioned a 24-room self-contained corper lodge built and equipped by the Opobo Nkoro Council Chairman, Hon. Enyiada Clifford Cookey-Gam.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Prince Charles Beke, Govenor Fubara assured that his administration will prioritise the sustainable development of rural communities.
He said, “There are a lot of things we need to achieve. All the craft centres are under the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, and we’ll make sure that each Local Government Area, whose craft centres are not functioning or do not have a craft centre, will have functional craft centres so that our youths are well taken care of”.
The Governor also commended the council chairman for the project, noting that it aligns with his policies on housing, stressing that the project will be potent in enhancing the economic growth of the local government.
He said, “You have done noble work because this is in accordance with His Excellency’s new Rivers vision and housing policy of supporting the private sector in housing development in order to reduce the housing deficit.
“And, to the people of Opobo/Nkoro, the council chairman is your son, and he has displayed the mandate the people of Opobo gave to him, and he has proven that he is a man of integrity.
“You did not achieve this alone but with your team, and I want to thank all of you in the Opobo/Nkoro local government area”.
While advising outgoing council chairmen on the need to leave a lasting legacy, Governor Fubara urged them on the need for a peaceful transition.
He said, “You have done well, and I encourage the other local government areas in Rivers State to emulate what you have done and live by the example that when you are called to duty, you should perform that duty for your people to be proud of what you have done.
“With less than 78 hours until the end of your tenure, it is important to leave a legacy that future generations will be proud of and bow it peacefully with your head up high”.
Earlier, the Opobo Nkoro local government chairman thanked the Governor for his unalloyed support to the local government administration.
Hon. Cookey-Gam emphasised that the council was able to embark on the project through synergy with the State Government while assuring Corps members of their continued safety throughout their service year.
“Your Excellency, under our administration that is winding up for the 3-year mandate that was given to us by the people of the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, we deem it fit to cater for the welfare of our corps members who are doing a great job in the local government by providing them with accommodation that will enhance their output as corps members.
“We have done this so that when they come here to serve, they can live with us to also develop the economic life of Opobo town as well as the children”, he stated.
Akujobi Amadi
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.
The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.
He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.
“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.
Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.
“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.
He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.
Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.
He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.
Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.
“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.
Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.
He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.
Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.
He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.
“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”, Onyekere said.
He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.
Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”
Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.
The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.
Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.
The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.
Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.
It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.
The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.
In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.
While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.
By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.
Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.
He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.
The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.
According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.
He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.
The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.
He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.
The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.
As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.
He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.
One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.
By: King Onunwor
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