Niger Delta

Ewhrudjakpo Charges NIPR On Professional Image

Published

1 year ago

August 26, 2024

The Bayesla State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has charged members of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to redouble their efforts to protect the image and integrity of the Public Relations profession in the country.
He gave the charge recently when a delegation from the state chapter of the Institute paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.
Ewhrudjakpo, who expressed concern at the alarming rate the Public Relations profession was being buffeted by the activities of quacks, said the NIPR as a professional body was not doing enough to checkmate the issue of quackery in order to safeguard the integrity of the profession.
He stated that the activities of charlatans who parade themselves as PR people were ubiquitous on the social media space and have become quite worrisome for those who appreciate the importance of the profession.
While expressing readiness to support the Institute, Senator Ewhrudjakpo called on the NIPR to take necessary steps to put an end to the caricature being made of an otherwise noble profession.
Responding to their demand for a suitable location to plant 60 trees in the state to mark the 60th anniversary of the NIPR, the Deputy Governor directed the State Ministry of Environment to liaise with the leadership of the NIPR to allocate a land space for the planting exercise.
“The Public Relations profession is buffeted by a lot of quacks because the true professionals are not doing enough. You see a lot of charlatans on Social Media masquerading as PR people. They do the PR job they claim to be doing in caricature ways.
“Let us do more for the PR profession, now that the scheme of service has given a new nomenclature to public relations officers as ‘Information and Public Relations Officers’”, he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NIPR, Bayelsa State Chapter, Dr. Ebiwari Wariowei, explained that the reason for the visit was to invite the Deputy Governor to the tree planting event, as part of the activities marking the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of NIPR in Nigeria.
Wariowei, who commended Senator Ewhrudjakpo for his unrelenting support to the Governor, appealed to the State Government to support the Institute’s effort towards building a centre for the training and retraining of PR and information practitioners in the state.
He also requested for a suitable land space for the planting of 60 trees to enhance the beauty of the Yenagoa City and promote biodiversity and the green revolution programme in the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Africa, Toru Orua, Prof. Barclays Ayakoromo, and the Amananaowei of Sabagreia, His Royal Highness, Sir Boukumo Orukari, acknowledged the love of the Deputy Governor for Public Relations.
They also acknowledged the support and contributions of the pioneer civilian governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in planting NIPR in Bayelsa, and appealed to the present administration to recognise the Institute as a worthy partner for the development of the state.
The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of two books, “Public Relations: The Most Excellent Profession” and “The Slum Boy King”, by the author, His Royal Highness, Sir Boukumo Orukari, to the Deputy Governor.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

Niger Delta

Remember Me As Fighter Against Sexual Harassment – UNICAL VC

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Florence Obi, has said she will want to be remembered for fighting sexual harassment and delayed results.

Obi made the remark recently at an event in Calabar, organised by the university to mark the end of her five-year tenure as the 11th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

It would be recalled that Obi, whose tenure expired on November 30, was appointed Vice Chancellor on September 10, 2020, but officially assumed office on December 1, 2020.

She said her commitment to protecting students, especially the female ones, remained one of her greatest achievements as Vice Chancellor.

She said, “I fought against sexual predators and ensured timely release of students’ results to curb frustration within the institution.”

While expressing fulfilment at completing her tenure and thanking God for enabling her finish strong after five years in office, she said she would return to the classroom because teaching remained her passion.

Earlier, she addressed staff and students outside her office during a carnival-like, marching out parade in her honour, thanking them for their support throughout her administration.

She also encouraged them to support her successor to enable him to succeed and take the university to greater heights.

“This institution has recorded significant growth and I am confident that my successor will advance the progress already made”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that under her leadership, the largest solar power plant in Cross River State was built in UniCal, ensuring stable electricity for the university and its teaching hospital.

Other achievements included upgrading the Faculty of Education to a College, getting Mass Communication accredited and elevated to a Faculty.

Her administration also constructed new hostels, introduced departmental scholarships, built a fire service station, and completed the Law Faculty complex.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Presents N1.664tn 2026 Appropriations Bill

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboreveori, on Wednesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.”

He said the amount comprised the sum of N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1.165 trillion representing 70 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure.

The Governor added that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

He also said sources of funds for the 2026 budget as proposed would be mainly from statutory allocation, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation, and Value Added, Tax among others.

Giving breakdown of the budget proposal, he said the state was earmarking N450 billion for road projects across the state in the 2026 fiscal year.

He said, ”A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.

”It facilitates easy movement of goods and services, reduces transportation costs, attracts investment, and improves access to markets and thereby boosting socio-economic development and generating employment opportunities.

”Agriculture is key to economic diversification and sustainable development.

”We shall continue to devote considerable attention and resources to fast-track developments in the agricultural sector towards enhancing food security in Delta State.

”This will also enable economic diversification, promote self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.”

The Tide’s source reports that the sum of 10 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the 2026 Budget.

Oborevwori, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, commended the House for its partnership and urged members to expedite consideration and passage of the budget to sustain ongoing development momentum.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, commended Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides recorded under the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda”.

”Over the past year, we have witnessed sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State”, he said.

Guwor also commended the Governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

He assured the Governor of the Assembly’s resolve to undertake a thorough and timely review of the appropriation bill, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to people-centered governance, accountability, and equitable development.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the entire Members of this 8th Assembly are united behind your vision for the transformation of the State.

”While our roles in government are distinct and protected by the Constitution, our objectives remain aligned; delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of the state”, he stated.