Niger Delta
We Are Committed To Combating GBV -RSG

Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening laws and policies that would help in combating Gender Based Violence(GBV) in the state.
It said it would collaborate with the ActionAid Nigeria and Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) to enhance support services for survivors, promote community awareness and education, provide shelters as well as counselling for victims.
Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Hon. Ilamu Arugu, stated this in his speech at the inauguration, orientation and training of Multi-stakeholders Action Committee On Gender Based Violence(MAP-GBV) Prevention in Rivers State, held at De-Edge Hotel, Port Harcourt, Monday.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Justina Jumbo, Arugu described Gender Based Violence as a serious violation of human rights, adding that it affects millions of people worldwide and regardless of age, culture or socio-economic status.
Arugu, who explained that the GBV encompasses physical and psychological harm inflicted on individuals based on their gender, perpetuating inequality and discrimination said it manifest in various forms including domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault, female genital mutilation, child marriage, trafficking and exploitation and other harmful socio-cultural norms.
“These acts of violence not only harm individuals but also undermine families, communities, and our collective well-being. The consequences often lead to physical and emotional trauma, mental health issues, social isolation, economic dependence and inter-generational cycles of violence
“Sady, the girl child and women are the most victims of GVB. According to WHO, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence worldwide. 30 percent of women in a country/state experience domestic violence says a National Survey”, Arugu said.
The Commissioner disclosed that the state government, in its fight against the GBV, built the Safe Home in 2021 after the implementation of the Violence Against Person and Prohibition Law(VAPP) 2020 with the Child Right’s Law 2003 that was domesticated in the State in 2009 saying “this is designed for the protection, survival of victims including children and adults. We have a total of hundred and ninety- nine residents in the Safe Home from January till date”.
While noting that the fight against GBV was a collective one, Arugu urged participants and all stakeholders to become the change agent in their various areas of operation.
“Let us unite in this fight against GBV. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations. Together we can create a society where everyone is safe and valued by breaking the silence surrounding GBV, empower survivors to reclaim their lives and foster a culture of respect, equality, and justice. More especially create a state where women and girls live free from violence and the fear of it”.
Arugu further commended the ActionAid Nigeria team led by its Project Manager,
Mrs Vivian Efem Bassey for the efforts achieved in the GBV prevention project and for finding the Ministry a worthy recipient of collaboration on the MAP- GBV project in the State.
Speaking to Journalist, Vivian Efem Bassey, revealed that the project was billed for Osun, Anambra and Rivers State with funding from Ford Foundation and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria.
“What this project stands to gain is to build the capacities of faith based actors, traditional rulers, government officials from different ministries that have a stake in GBV prevention as well as other actors such as NGOs, security forces, NMA, MWAN, CWO, NUJ, PWDs among others.
“Everybody is coming together to ensure that Rivers State becomes safe for women and girls to live free of experiencing GBV and the fear of it. So, today we are here to train different NGOs, CSOs and others on issues of GBV and how to prevent and even stop it”, Bassey explained.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.