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Fubara Pledges Support For Journalists, Receives Champion Of Peace Award …As The Tide Shines At Rivers NUJ Award Night

Published

1 year ago

August 21, 2024

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

News

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

News

Rivers Boundary Commission Steps In to Resolve Okoloma–Ban-Ogoi Land Dispute

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

As part of deliberate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent communal conflict, the Rivers State Boundary Commission has intervened in the long-standing boundary dispute between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area of the state.

The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commission at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, January 16, 2026. The meeting was aimed at setting up a technical committee that will work towards an amicable and lasting resolution of the land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, stressed the importance of peace, dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving boundary-related disagreements. She urged all parties to approach the process with sincerity and restraint, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through constructive engagement.

Prof. Odu advised the communities to emulate the peaceful disposition and leadership style of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by presenting their grievances and petitions without bitterness or rancour, assuring them of the Commission’s commitment to fairness and justice.

She also expressed satisfaction with the presence of the Chairmen of Tai and Oyigbo Local Government Areas at the meeting, describing it as a clear demonstration of their resolve to maintain peace and harmony between the affected communities.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Dr. Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, and his Tai Local Government Area counterpart, Hon. Mbakpone Okpe, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peaceful coexistence among their people. They emphasized that peace is critical to attracting development and investment to the area.

Both council chairmen commended the Rivers State Boundary Commission for its proactive intervention, expressing optimism that the establishment of a technical committee would pave the way for a fair and enduring resolution of the dispute.

News

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.