Rivers

LG Polls: Group Makes Case For Aspirant

Published

1 year ago

August 28, 2024

A non-governmental group in Rivers State, the Ndoki Centre for Good Governance (NCFGG) has assured the people of Oyigbo Local Government Area of the readiness of a chairmanship aspirant under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Joe Dappa Opanwa, to be equipped enough to develop the area.
This is contained in a statement by the group after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Port-Harcourt and signed by its President, Dr. Wilberforce Ekeke; Secretary, Amb. Stephen Owulo; and Director of Media and Publicity, Comrade Gospel Ogbonna.
The group also vowed to ensure that Pastor Joe Opanwa unites the people that have been fractured by political marginalisation, under-development and lack of tangible transformation projects across the 27 communities that make up the LGA.
It stressed that Opanwa’s eight-point action plan makes room for the restoration Oyigbo back to the path of economic prosperity, peaceful co-existence, security stability and social order, while also ensuring food security, affordable healthcare delivery and constant power.
According to the group, in the statement, the energy crisis in the LGA will be critically looked into.
Assuring of its support, should Opanwa wins at the election on October 5, the group said given Opanwa’s disposition to the people of Oyigbo, the multitude of energetic and youthful Oyigbo population would be motivated to be more productive.
The body stated further that Opanwa’s leadership will lead to significant improvement in the performance of real sectors of the economy and greater boost to the Council’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Under Pastor Joe Dappa Opanwa as chairman, we are confident of victory because the masses are with us. So, we are driving our leadership mantra in agreement with the long-suffering Oyigbo people who are tired of fake promises that lead to nowhere.
“This is our chance and we know the people of Oyigbo will seize this moment by voting massively for Pastor Joe Dappa Opanwa as chairman for the future that we all desperately want”, the group said.
Meanwhile, the group has called on the Oyigbo leadership to emulate Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s governance style, belief and actions, shun selfish interests and focus on developing the economy for the benefit of the masses in the LGA.
It advised politicians to focus on the things that would bring development to the LGA, rather than promoting their selfish interests.
They also appealed to youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs or other negative vices in the 2024 Local Government elections in the state.
“Problems of electoral violence, vote buying and other inimical behaviors must be discarded in the coming polls.
“We urge Oyigbo and Rivers people to ignore flamboyant politicians. This is the time to choose leaders who possess some of the virtues of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s peaceful and transparent disposition in governance in terms of accountability, selfless services to the masses, integrity, simplicity, and trustworthiness.
“We also charge Oyigbo youths to shun politicians who seek to exploit them during the electioneering campaigns, while the children of such politicians are studying in foreign countries and enjoying themselves”, the grouped stated.

Bethel Toby

Rivers

Microbiologists Inaugurates New Exco, Chart New Course In Dev

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.

At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.

The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).

In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.

He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.

Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.

They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.

Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.

In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.

Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.

According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.

She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.

“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.

With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Rivers

IAUE VC Warns Against High Price In Textbook Sales

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.

This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.

Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.

The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.

He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.

According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.

He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.

The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.

He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.

Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.

His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.

Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.

The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Hon Worlu Expresses Concern Over Tragic Incidents In PHALGA … Assures On Safety, Security

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.

A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.

The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.

He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.

He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.

The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.

By: King Onunwor