Nation
RIV-CARES: Fubara Partners World Bank, BOI To Empower 3,700 SMEs
Rivers State Government in collaboration with World Bank and Bank of Industry has deployed N19 billion to stimulate the economy of the State, thereby empowering 3,700 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
This was made known by the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Peter Medee at the 2024 SMEs disbursement ceremony for phase 3 beneficiaries of Rivers State COVID-19 Action Recovery And Economic Stimulus (RIV-CARES), Result Area 3, organised by the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.
The Commissioner who is also the Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC), commended the governor of the state, for what he called a kind and enterprising heart.
Medee noted that the governor has made many moves towards poverty alleviation and promotion of Small And Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the State, adding, “all the money that need to get into the economy is sent straight into the economy. The result is the number of beneficiaries we have here today.
“It shows the governor is committed, dedicated and interested in stimulating the economy of Rivers State. Our target is to grow businesses in the State. The beneficiaries will start receiving their grants this week”.
The Commissioner also launched the MSMEs Portal (https://rivbusiness.ng/), stating that Result Area 3 has indeed gone digital in processing business data and procedures.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Lawson Renner Ikuru said RIV- CARES, Result Area 3 has benefitted 3,700 entrepreneurs as against the initial target of 2,700 entrepreneurs.
He noted that the intention is to “improve productivity, reduce unemployment and reduce youth restiveness.
The Perm Sec. congratulated the beneficiaries for scaling through the fair and transparent process set up by the world Bank and Bank of Industry, their partners, noting that technical heads of State CARES and RIV-CARES have worked tirelessly to make the programme a success.
He charged the beneficiaries to ensure they invest the grant to grow their businesses, adding that invested fund can yield money for enjoyment tomorrow.
Ikuru however warned against those impersonating to defraud the poor, stating that the Ministry would always fight against evil.
The Technical Head, State CARES Coordinating Unit (SCCU), Mrs. Imaonyani Ephraim-George said the launched portal would provide opportunity for database for whatever businesses people are transacting in the State.
Ephraim-George reiterated that the has done well in this national, world and state collaboration grant programme because “Governor Fubara has been passionate about the well-being of his citizens.
“Rivers State came 7th in terms of having reached to the beneficiaries across the nation and getting returns for investment by the entrepreneurs”, he said.
In her welcome address, the Technical Head, RIV-CARES Result Area 3, Mrs. AmieyeIgein Sally expressed satisfaction that the objective of the programme has been met, adding that the programme is still ongoing.
Mrs. Amieyelgein while responding to questions from pressmen said the process has also been gender sensitive, noting the need for beneficiaries to make use of the knowledge gainered from the training during the ceremony.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Peckinson Ikhajiangbe, the Manager of Providence Properties International, said the programme was very impactful and has alleviated the burden of the common man.
He commended the transparency in the system and said he never believes it is a reality until today, noting that his business is already heading to the next level.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Oladimeji Kusimo of KUSH Medical Laboratories Limited , expressed his happiness for scaling through the process, adding that the grant will position his company to do better.
He noted that the machines given to him has already projected his laboratory to go digital.
The highlights of the ceremony were the technical training sessions, the giving out of the dummy cheques, the digital systems, like laptops, phones, POS and other materials.
Lilian Peters
The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.
The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.
A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.
The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.
The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.
Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.
The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.
The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.
A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.
The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.
Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.
According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.
She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.
“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said
The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.
Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.
The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.
Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.
“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.
“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.
The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.
Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.
Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”
