Rivers

500 Youths To Benefit From Khana Phase 1 Digital Literacy Training -Yobana … Promises Successful Candidates Start-up Grants

Published

11 months ago

August 12, 2024

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Amb. Marvin Yobana, has said that 500 youths in the area will benefit from the First Phase of the Khana Youths Digital Literacy Training programme.

Amb. Yobana disclosed this at the launching of Khana Digital Literacy programme at the Khana Local Government administrative office in Bori last Friday.

He said the programme will provide training in various areas, including cyber security, computer graphics, computer literacy, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, among others.

The Council chairman said, “The first phase of the programme will empower 500 Ogoni youths from Khana LGA and provide them with training in advanced ICT.”

According to him, the literacy programme is meant to equip the youths of Khana LGA with the requisite ICT knowledge and skills required to compete in the global digital economy.

Yobana emphasized on the significance of ICT skills in today’s digital age, urging the beneficiaries to approach the training with utmost seriousness and dedication.

“As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, ICT literacy is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for socio-economic development”, he said.

He expressed his commitment to bridging the digital divide in Khana LGA, and empowering the youth with the skills required to thrive in the modern workforce.

He also assured that successful candidates would be provided take-off grants.

The Council chairman, therefore, urged the youths in the local government area to take full advantage of the ICT skills by accessing and registering online for the literacy programme @ www.khanayouthdlp.com.ng

“You must take full advantage of the programme and actively engage in the training sessions as there are lots of benefits. The knowledge gained would not only benefit you, but also contribute to the development of Khana Local Government Area.

“My administration is a transparent one. We are going to provide take-off grants for successful beneficiaries,” Yobana said.

In their separate reactions, President of Khana Post Graduate Students Association, Akeere Suanu and President, National Union of Khana Students University of Port Harcourt Chapter, Simeon Paul LeeleeBari, commended Amb. Yobana, saying the programme will enhance their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities in the digital age.

Some of the beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude to the chairman for the opportunity, promising to make good use of the programme.

They acknowledged the importance of ICT skills in enhancing their employability and contributions to the development of their communities.

The Khana Youths Digital Literacy Programme is a testament to Yobana’s dedication to human capital development and his vision for a digitally inclusive Khana LGA.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

6 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

6 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor

Rivers

NDDC Inaugurates Ultra-Modern Market In Rivers Community

Published

7 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated an Ultra-Modern International Market in Ibaa Community, in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, as one of its projects to impact lives across the region.

The Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Tony Okocha, who was also at the event, said the project would improve local commerce and uplift economic activities in Ibaa and its environs.

Okocha commended the contractor for executing a quality job and appreciated the people of Ibaa community for their cooperation towards the timely completion of the project.

The Rivers NDDC representative said he was inspired to build the market after his visit to Ibaa community in 2024, where he witnessed women trading in makeshift stalls.

The Delta State NDDC representative, Mr. Monday Igbuya, said the market was one of its kind.

He urged the community to maintain and utilise the facility effectively.

The Traditional Ruler of Ibaa, Dr. Wobodo Jonah, the youths and the entire community presented traditional food items to Okocha as a mark of honour and appreciation.

Also, the Student Union President presented an Award of Excellence to the Rivers State Representative in recognition of his commitment to community development.

The ultra-modern market had a storey building with 20 lock-up shops, 126 open stalls, modern toilet facilities, a 12,000-gallon potable water tank, and two office rooms, fully fenced with a secured gate.

The inauguration was attended by dignitaries, including the North Central Representative, Mr. Nicholas Wend, among others.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso