News
Old Students’ Association Marks Anniversary
The Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association marked its one year anniversary in Port Harcourt on 22nd December 2024.
The association is a body of old boys and girls of 1983 graduating set of secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria conceptualised to provide opportunities for reconnection and reminiscing over old times, networking, creating avenues for personal and professional growth, fostering friendships and celebrating milestones.
The one year anniversary gathering which took place at Galaxy PHD Event Centre, in GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, brought together different professionals and was heralded with classic photo shoot session, free speeches and talks on how to move the association to greater heights. It was rounded off with a dinner.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, Chief Hope Kuku, congratulated members for the one year anniversary.
He encouraged members to reach out to more classmates in order to grow the association as the advantages are enormous in terms of business growth and social interactions.
He said he was already looking forward to a steady growth of the Association to mark the 10th anniversary.
Also speaking, the President of the association, Barrister Tubokumba Harry, described the last one year of the association as “exciting and really fulfilling” promising to “get more of our set mates on board”.
He stated that the coming together as classmates of the same set would inculcate a bond built on shared experiences which can enhance communication skills, promote teamwork and collaboration with lasting memories that members would cherish in the future.
In her own remarks, the Secretary General of the association, Dr (Mrs) Ibinabo Ogolo said one year down the memory lane of the association has been wonderful as members have not only shared experiences but made significant strides towards achieving the aim and objectives of the association.
“We successfully organised programmes like celebrating the Day of the African Child with students of Government Technical College, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt.
Also, a Road Walk and Health Awareness campaign through Port Harcourt streets to create awareness and sensitize the people of Rivers State on the health importance of walking.
The association also organised a “Hang-Out” session for members on 1st October, 2024 to foster relationships and networking and also joined other groups to relieve stress and depression at the Enjoyment Mega Sit Out at Port Harcourt Club in Port Harcourt.
These activities brought our members and community together”. She said.
On his part, the Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Mr Tammy Owunaka noted that the association in just one year had grown to enviable height providing a platform for former classmates to reconnect, network and give back to the society.
Furthermore, he stated that the association created opportunities for professional mentorship, developments, and collaboration, thereby helping members to advance in their aspects of endeavour and personal lives.
He said that through the association, members have demonstrated that power of collective action and social responsibility can propel an organisation and commended the sense of belonging and camaraderie among members.
Also speaking, the legal adviser of the association, Barrister Ngozi Ajayi noted that though the association is only one year old, it was already walking on a purposeful path and urged members to remain committed to and focused to make the association one of the best in the state.
In his remarks, Barrister Sylvester Adaka, who is a former Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch and a memeber of the association stated that so far the association is on the right path but will progress better with more classmates on board.
He commended the classic photo shoot session as a great way to portray the individual personalities of members, adding that he was looking forward to more events.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.