Rivers
RSBOPP Moves To Review Procurement processes for service delivery …Hints on departments merger
The Rivers State Board of Bureau on public procurement (RSBOP), says efforts are been made to strengthen the existing procurement processes leading to the award of contracts and jobs execution in the state to achieve efficient service delivery to the people.
These measures are a deliberate and determined efforts put in place by the board to ensure that contract awarding and job executions are done in accordance with the procurement laws in the state.
The Chairman of the RSBOP, Lawrence Oko_Jaja, SAN disclosed this while speaking to journalists at corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers state after an interactive meeting held with staffs of the agency, Friday.
Oko_Jaja who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN) stated that procurement has become a global issues, stressing that without a proper procurement plan, it will be difficult for any state or nation to move forward in the attainment of it’s developmental strategies and goals.
The chairman averred that the board has observed some improprieties in the procurement processes on how things are been done which were not in geared to promote value for money and assured that the present Board of the agency would take every measures to ensure that the state procurement laws establishing are adhered and complained with.
“We will ensure that the laws are followed and we have value for money that the procurement must ensure that money is used for contract execution and not to enriched peoples pocket.
To ensure that the money been quoted for any job or contract correspond with the prevailing market price ,we are going to strengthen the monitoring and evaluating team of board to perform their duties, going to markets, verify the prices quoted for and also ensure compliance.
“We are going to look into the procurement law to see how we can closed the existing gaps noticed that are not in line with global practices . This measures will also affect local government area councils in the state to ensure there is value for money and save money for the state government and in doing so, the government can spread its services across the state and not in one place”
” His excellency, the governor of the state has a mantra “Rivers first” we are going to ensure we assist him and the state government achieve this policy by ensuring that the procurement laws are complied with and things are done rightly that is why we are here “he stated.
Oko_Jaja assured that members of the board will not take the opportunity given to them by his the state governor lightly but that they will justified the confidence reposed on them for the benefits of the state.
Earlier, during an interactive staff general meeting with Board members held to brief them on some key decisions taken so far by the Board which are geared to achieve efficiency in policy implementation and ensure that staffs deliver there job responsibilities efficiently.
Mr. Oko_Jaja told the excited workforce that the board has approved the merger of some departments like the legal department, ethics department, the human resources department and the facility management department to ensure maximum output and efficacy in service delivery, adding that the legal and ethics department have been merged to together as one department, while the human resources department and facility management has also be merged together.
He told them that going forward every department will be responsible for it’s responsibilities so to be accountable in the their job delivery and announced that the board has also approved the establishment of a working conditions of service for workers to improve on their welfare as well as to allow staff of the agency grow in the service cadre like their counterparts in the state mainstream civil service as well as other approvals.
Our correspondent reports that the meeting was the first board meeting for the year as well as the first general staff meeting with members of the Board since its inauguration last October by the state governor.
Akujobi Amadi
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PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
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