News
Forge Unity For Progress, Fubara Urges Nigerian Youths …Accepts Beacon Of Hope Award
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has advised Nigerian youths to discard animosity among themselves and embrace those things that unite them more so that they can impact communities and the country positively.
The Governor maintained that if youths are united in love, and committed to national growth holistically, without being sectional about it, they would have contributed immensely to solving half of Nigeria’s myriad of problems.
Governor Fubara gave the advise when he received in audience a delegation of National officers and State Chapter Coordinators of National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN), led by their National President, Amb Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Monday.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria also conferred on Governor Fubara the “Beacon of Hope for Nigerian Youths” award, and the Award plaque was presented by Amb Sukubo.
He said youths represent a strong voice, adding that if they tackle the disunity that often factionalised their organisations, their importance, not only in number but value addition, will crystalise how Nigeria navigates its development and achieves enduring growth in all ramifications.
The Governor said, “You (Sukubo) are doing the right thing; you are bringing the youths together. Look, if there is any problem that we have in this country today, it is the issue of youths. If you are able to bring them together, which is what you are doing today, and it is good.
“You can imagine, if this youth council is so divided, there will be trouble in this country, but because you are united, even if you are facing a difficult situation, even when the country is having any challenge that would warrant people to protest, when you come together and say look, for so, and so reason, we should not allow it this way, it will be so.
“You constitute a strong voice that is also contributing to the unity of this country. So, you don’t need to be scared. You are doing the right thing, but stand on the path of truth always.”
Governor Fubara said when the letter was got notifying the State Government about the 60th Anniversary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, there was no hesitation to ensure that it was a success in the State.
The Governor advised the leadership of the body, particularly Amb Sukubo, to be a good ambassador of the State.
He said, “My advice to you will be this: You said something about people fighting or attempting to frustrate the anniversary event. You don’t need to worry about it. Challenges make you stronger, and make you think faster.
“Just do what you know is the right thing. When you are doing the right thing, you don’t need to be worried. When you are doing something that you know that in 25 to 30 years coming, you can defend it, you don’t need to be worried. It is only when you are doing the wrong thing that you need to be scared.”
Governor Fubara noted with delight the determination of NYCN to host its 60th anniversary in Rivers State, which underscores the prevailing peace in the State.
He said: “What you have come to do in Rivers State is to tell the world that, Rivers State is safe, Rivers State is moving, Rivers State is friendly and above all, Rivers State is ready anytime to receive and admit people that are coming to make positive impact in the State.”
Governor Fubara stated that the success story of Amb Sukubo as a National President will not be complete without mentioning his contributions, beginning from 2007, insisting that he had built people or supported their achievements before even becoming a Governor.
The Governor noted, “I tell you, success is not about how large your head is, or the level of degrees attached to your name for you to be a successful person. But it is your ability to manage, to tolerate and to make sacrifices.
“You have brought this youth body together because you accepted to make sacrifices for the interest of the council. I am happy that everywhere today, we are feeling the effect of the unity that the National Youth Council is enjoying today.”
Governor Fubara said, he is accepting the award from NYCN on behalf of his family and good people of Rivers State because his performance in office truly has given hope to millions of people.
He stated that because he is their role model, he will not let them down but continue to do those things that will give youths hope in Nigeria.
He added, “I will be among the group that will continue to champion the course of the youths because you’re future leaders.
“I have shown it in my administration. A lot of youths are involved, if the opportunity comes to give more chances to them, we will do it.
“Some of you are so blessed. So, it is just to harness it positively, which will get Nigeria to that place where we want Nigeria to be.”
In his speech, National President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amb Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, recalled how the immediate past administration that promised to host delegates to his election in 2018, abandoned him with the hotel bill of N63million and never wanted any dealings with him anymore.
Amb Sukubo said this is the first time his State will do him honour, hosting the 60th Anniversary celebration of NYCN, and giving him a pride of place in the comity of youths across the nation.
He promised to continue to galvanize support of youths for the success of the administration of Governor Fubara.
Also speaking, Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Chisom Gbali, highlighted how Governor Fubara has mainstreamed youths in his administration by giving them strategic positions that can enable them transit into confident leaders in a virile society, and thanked him for his youth-friendly policies.
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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