News
Fubara Pledges Support For Journalists, Receives Champion Of Peace Award …As The Tide Shines At Rivers NUJ Award Night
Rivers State Governor, Sir. Siminialayi Fubara, has reiterated his support for journalists in the State.
The governor made this pledge on Sunday while receiving the ‘Champion of Peace Award’ at an Award Night organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, to mark the end of its week-long Press Week celebrations.
The award was bestowed on the governor by the Council for his peaceful disposition and demeanour, and quest to deliver democracy dividends despite present political challenges in the State.
Fubara, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, described the award as a motivation to deliver more democracy dividends to the people of the State.
He described the Press as partners in progress and assured that his administration is always ready to work with the media for the betterment of the State.
On his part, President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between the State Government and the media, and urged the governor to sustain the tempo.
Isiguzo also used the event to call on the Federal Government to ensure that the rights of journalists are always protected, as he frowned at the treatment meted out to newsmen during the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
According to him, the Nigeria Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and rights of journalists to their duties.
Chairman of NUJ, Rivers State Council, Comrade Stanley Job Stanley, thanked Governor Fubara for his support towards the successful hosting of the Press Week, and expressed hope for better relationship with the Union in the future.
Meanwhile, The Tide Newspapers, published by the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC) has emerged top winner at the 2024 NUJ Award ceremony in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Out of 47 distinguished journalists recognised during the award, The Tide took home over 10 awards, showcasing its excellence in journalism.
Six senior editors from The Tide received Special Recognition Awards, while two others bagged Meritorious Service and Reporters Awards, respectively. Notable awardees include RSNC’s General Manager, Chief Ernest Chinwo; The Acting Editor of The Tide, Reward Akwu; former Acting Chairman of The Tide Editorial Board, who is now the Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, Nelson Chukwudi; Group News Editor, Boye Salau, and Group Sports Editor, Gabriel Nwanetanya.
Other recipients of Special Recognition Awards include former NUJ secretaries, media executives, and senior journalists from various organisations. These include The Business Editor, Soibi Max-Alalibo, and the incumbent NUJ Secretary, Ike Wigodo, who retired from The Tide a few months ago.
The remaining 10 awardees in the Special Recognition Award category emerged from eight other media outfits. The recipients include two former NUJ secretaries in the State, Mr. Samuel Iyoyo, and Tamunoisela Toby; the General Manager of the Rivers State Television (RSTV), Fengecy Onisoya; Business Manager of Super FM, Pastor Segun Owolabi; Publisher of The Gist Newspaper, Mrs Sotonye Toby Fulton; South South Bureau Chief of The Guardian, Mrs Ann Godwin, and Head of News, Rhythm 93.7FM, Clem Ofuokwu.
Others are the Deputy National President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and senior editor with the RSTV, Dr (Mrs) Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu; former senior correspondent with The Nation Newspapers, Mrs Clarice Azutalam; and Baridorn Sika of the Radio Rivers.
The Tide also excelled in the Meritorious Service Award category, which was reserved for past chairmen of the State Council of NUJ, with former General Manager, Elder Vincent Ake, and Political Editor and Vice President, NUJ Zone F, Opaka Dokubo, receiving honours.
Five others in this category include the first chairman of NUJ, Rivers State Council, Chief Wofuru Oparaolu; Chief Bobo Brown, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, Omoni Ayo-Tamuno and the incumbent chairman of the Council, Stanley Job Stanley.
In the Reporters Award category, The Tide’s John Bibor was among 12 recipients, alongside journalists from other media outlets. The 11 others include Peter Abaje of AIT, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia of Radio Rivers, Obiandu Madume of RSTV, Anayo Onukwugha of Leadership Newspapers, Allwell Ene of Megaletric, and Rachael Ramson of Rhythm 93.7FM.
Other reporters awardees are Okechukwu Gabriel of Treasure FM, Wariso Wariso of Independent Monitor, Paul Bazia of the State Ministry of Information and Communications, Doris Dogini Nwankwo of the Federal Ministry of Information, and Stephen Momoh of TVC who received Reporters Award in Video.
Additionally, two former General Managers and two former editors of the RSNC received Lifetime Achievement Awards, along with seven other veteran journalists. They are: former Chief Executive Officer/Editor-In-Chief of the RSNC, Mr. Dagogo Ezekiel-Hart; former RSNC General Manager, Mr. Celestine Ogolo; former editor of The Weekend Tide who retired as a Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service, Ms Kadilo Brown, and another former editor of The Tide, who is currently serving as Permanent Secretary (Cabinet), Mr Hamilton Amadi.
Also in this category are three former Commissioners for Information and Communications in Rivers State – Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, Dame Ibim Semenitari, and Pastor Paulinus Nsirim.
Other recipients are former President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Scholarship Board, Sir Honour Sirawoo; Regional Manager of Business Day, Elder Ignatius Chukwu; Publisher of National Network, Pastor Jerry Needam, and Mr Blessing Wikina, who was former Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Chibuike Amaechi.
The Posthumous Meritorious Service Award went to the former General Manager of the RSNC, Late Augustine Nwikinaka; Late Karibo Botoye, Late Ndagene Akwu and Late Paul Alozie who, at various times in their lifetime, served as chairmen of the NUJ, Rivers State Council.
The Tide also had a good outing in the Posthumous Special Recognition Award category, with two former editors of The Tide, Late Soye Jamabo and Late Juliet Njiowhor among the five recipients. The three other awardees are late Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of The Beacon Newspaper, Minere Amakiri; late Publisher of the Independent Monitor, Evans Osi, and former chairman of NAWOJ in Rivers State, Late Uche Atuzie.
Speaking with The Tide, shortly after the event yesterday, the Chairman of the Press Week Committee, Olalekan Ige, explained that the 11 distinguished journalists who received the Lifetime Achievement Award “have consistently, throughout their careers, brought great honour and pride to the NUJ, in addition to rising to the pinnacle of the profession.
Ige also stated that those given the Special Recognition Award are “senior journalists who have attained great heights in the media profession and have maintained a high level of excellence in journalism.”
He added that NUJ also decided to honour some past chairmen of the Council for their meritorious service and leadership at various times, while reporters who have consistently demonstrated excellence in news reporting and have brought pride to the NUJ were also recognised.
Boye Salau & Kevin Nengia
Against the backdrop of rising economic challenges and global uncertainties, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has called for calm, unity, and responsible leadership as Christians across the country mark Palm Sunday, yesterday.
In a statement released yesterday, Okoh reflected on the significance of Palm Sunday, saying that it is a moment that symbolises peace, humility, and hope, even in times of tension and uncertainty.
He further explained that Jesus entered Jerusalem with calm resolve, not as a display of force, but with a message of peace and purpose.
The CAN President noted, “The message of the Christian observance is particularly relevant as many Nigerians grapple with economic hardship, including rising cost of living, increasing fuel prices, and escalating food costs.”
He attributed part of the economic pressure to global developments, especially geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States that are already impacting energy markets and, by extension, everyday life in Nigeria.
He stressed that across the country, families are feeling the weight of these times, with transport costs rising, food prices climbing, and daily life becoming more difficult.
He stated that Nigerians are primarily concerned with survival and stability, appealing to leaders at all levels to be mindful of the tone and impact of their words and actions.
According to him, when life feels uncertain, people need reassurance, they need stability and the confidence that those in authority understand their struggles. He stressed that the lessons of Palm Sunday should guide leadership, as true leadership is defined not by force or rhetoric, but by empathy, restraint, and a commitment to the common good.
He stressed that it is a time for decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together, and called on the Church and Nigerians of all faiths to embrace their responsibility in promoting peace and unity.
He said Palm Sunday serves as a reminder of a time when people from diverse backgrounds came together in shared hope and purpose, pointing out that the same spirit is needed now to stand for peace, strengthen unity, and support one another, especially in a season that could easily tilt towards tension.
Okoh encouraged young Nigerians and those most affected by the current economic realities not to lose hope, acknowledging that while the challenges are real, they are not insurmountable.
The Acting Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Chigozirim Amadi has refuted claims circulating in the media suggesting that laboratory equipment went missing from the college.
In a recent statement, Dr. Amadi described the reports—particularly those attributed to certain publications—as false and misleading. She emphasized that all laboratory equipment at the college remain intact.
“I am here to set the record straight. No laboratory equipment disappeared from my college. Nothing is missing,” Dr. Amadi said, challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence, including the names of the equipment and their supposed locations.
She further noted that the college recently underwent an accreditation exercise, during which significant investments were made in laboratory equipment. According to Dr. Amadi, these items are fully accounted for, and the college maintains a robust security system to protect its assets.
“Everything is intact. Nothing disappeared. The information being circulated is false and should be discarded,” she reiterated.
Beyond addressing the allegations, Dr. Amadi also called on media practitioners to exercise professionalism and verify stories before publication. “I want to plead with journalists to always verify their stories. Junk journalism does not help anyone. No matter the information you receive, it is important to hear the other side before publishing,” she said.
While social media posts have occasionally raised concerns about various issues in the region’s health education sector, including extortion and examination malpractice at related institutions, there is no independent evidence from credible news sources confirming that equipment went missing from Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.
The college, a public tertiary institution based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accredited to offer a variety of health-related programs, including Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, and Environmental Health. It has consistently emphasised integrity, safety, and transparency in its operations.
Dr. Amadi’s statement seeks to reassure the public, students, and stakeholders that the college remains secure, well-managed, and free from the alleged equipment losses, while urging journalists to prioritise accuracy in reporting.
The Chairman of the Arewa Traditional Council of Chiefs in Rivers State, Alhaji Hussaini Isa Madaki, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his efforts in sustaining peace and security of lives and property across the state.
Madaki, who is also the Sarkin Hausawa in Rivers State, described the governor as a leader who has embraced the Hausa community as part of the larger family in the state.
Speaking with journalists at his office in Port Harcourt during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration, Madaki noted that Governor Fubara has demonstrated fairness and inclusiveness by not segregating any ethnic group, particularly the Hausa community.
He added that the governor’s peaceful disposition has positioned Rivers State as one of the most accommodating and peaceful states in the country.
Madaki further assured that the Hausa community would continue to give maximum support to the Fubara-led administration until the end of its tenure.
He also urged members of the community to remain peaceful and law-abiding as they go about their lawful activities.
On community development, Madaki disclosed that district and ward heads have been appointed and crowned across Hausa settlements in the State to ensure proper coordination and profiling of residents. According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening security, enhancing identification, and improving crisis management at the grassroots level.
He explained that the move became necessary due to recurring security concerns, including disturbances allegedly caused by some scavengers and cart pushers.
Madaki called on the newly appointed leaders to promote inclusiveness, harmony, and peaceful coexistence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Those appointed include Alhaji Abubakar as Port Harcourt City District Head; Alhaji Buba Usman (Eleme axis); Malam Adamu (Eagle Island); Alhaji Tanlasuki (Gborokiri Yam Zone); Abdullahi (Rumukwurushi); Adamu Suleiman (Aboloma); and Useni Umaru (D-Line).
He appealed to Governor Fubara to formally recognise the efforts of the Hausa leadership structure in the State and extend further support in the spirit of inclusivity and unity.
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