Rivers

Forum Tasks Stakeholders On Women Empowerment

Published

1 year ago

December 2, 2024

Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF), a non-governmental organisation, has said the empowerment of rural women remains the only catalyst for sustainable economic development.
National President of the forum, Dr. Helen Taiwo, stated this at an investiture of matrons and patrons by the Rivers State Chapter of the forum in Port Harcourt.
The theme of the event was, “Resource Development: A Basic Need for Rural Women Empowerment”.
Dr. Taiwo said, “when society unlock the potentials of women, it is unlocking the potential of entire community”.
She described the theme of the programme as apt, saying “the theme of today’s event underscores the critical role of resource development in women’s empowerment”, and observed the challenges facing rural women to include limited access to education, economic opportunities and healthcare, as well as societal constraints that hinder their potential.
“Yet they are pillars of their communities, contributing significantly to agriculture, trade and household management”, she said.
The SWEF President also listed areas in which rural women can be empowered to include access to education and skills training, access to economic empowerment initiative, health care and infrastructural technology, and access to clean water.
Taiwo said the group is committed to ensuring that no woman is left behind in the scheme of things.
She also tasked the matrons and patrons to act as advocates that will push for policies that will promote gender equality and resource allocation for rural women.
In her keynote address, the Chairman of Labour Party(LP), Rivers State, Hilda Dokubo, said quality education is a must for the girl child.
“Let us stop economic restrictions/economic empowerment. We need to empower the women”, she stated.
Also speaking, HRM King Ogube said the future of the society is dependent on women empowerment.
Earlier, the Zonal Coordinator/Convener, SWEF, Lady Adaure Odu, said the event was to celebrate women empowerment, recognize the contributions of their patrons and matrons, and reaffirm the Commitment to promoting gender equality and social justice
Lady Odu said time has come for the society to work together to break down barriers , challenge stereotypes and create opportunities for women to thrive.
She said the investiture ceremony marks significant milestone in the journey towards empowering women and promoting social change and urged the matrons and patrons to continue championing the cause of women’s empowerment.

By: John Bibor

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.