Rivers
Rivers Partner TAF To Promote Disability Inclusion
The Rivers State Government has pledged to partner with TAF Africa, a leading advocate for disability inclusion and champion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) rights, to tackle the unique challenges faced by PWDs in the state.
This partnership, according to the State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, underscores the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
The State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr Ilamu
Arugu, who made this pledge during an advocacy visit by TAF Africa delegation in Port Harcourt, reaffirmed the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara-led administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by fast-tracking the passage of the prohibition bill.
He assured the TAF Africa delegation that the government will work closely with them to ensure the bill’s successful passage.
“We are committed to partnering with you to address your needs and challenges. We will work together to ensure that the prohibition bill is passed this year”, the Commissioner said.
He also directed that a desk officer be assigned to work with PWDs, to ensure that their requests and concerns are addressed promptly.
He thanked the TAF Africa group for their visit and assured them that the government is committed to supporting PWDs.
Earlier in his remarks, the TAF Africa delegation led by Mr. George Dominic Anwayi said their advocasy visit, which was the first in the State, was aimed at seeking partnership with the State Government to promote disability inclusion in governance and its policies.
Mr. Anwayi noted that the organization has been working with various stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure that persons with disabilities are carried along in the electoral process.
“They have also collaborated with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to develop a framework for access to work schemes, targeting job opportunities for persons with disabilities in the private sector”, he stated.
The TAF Africa spokesperson during the meeting disclosed that the organization is currently implementing a project on inclusive governance in Rivers State, funded by PRF.
He said the project aims to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government programmes and policies, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other legal provisions.
Anwayi expressed support for the proposed disability bill in Rivers State, commending the state government’s efforts to ensure disability inclusion.
He called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to promote inclusive governance and ensure that persons with disabilities are integrated into all aspects of life.
The meeting, which was attended by representatives of PWDs and government officials including directors and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Professor Justina Jumbo, was described as “fruitful and productive”.
Continue Reading
Traders at Ibaka Town Market have commended the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his administration’s empowerment initiatives targeted at women, and ongoing market reforms.
The women made the commendation recently when members of the Ibaka Town Market Women Association paid a courtesy visit to the Council’s boss to express their appreciation for what they described as impactful and people-oriented leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Women Leader, Mrs. Comfort Achese, praised the Chairman for the financial grants disbursed during the first phase of his empowerment programme.
According to her, the intervention has significantly boosted business activities and improved the livelihoods of small-scale traders within the market.
She described the initiative as timely and transformative, noting that many women have been able to expand their trading capacity and better support their families as a result of the financial support.
The delegation also applauded the Council’s Chairman for taking proactive steps to address longstanding challenges within Ibaka Market.
They noted noticeable improvements in the trading environment, which they said have contributed to a more organized, safer, and conducive space for commerce.
Responding, Hon. Tobin expressed gratitude to the market women for the visit and their continued support. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, emphasizing that empowering women and small businesses remains central to his governance agenda.
The Chairman further assured the traders that additional phases of the empowerment programme are in the pipeline, alongside further infrastructural upgrades aimed at strengthening economic activities across markets in the Local Government Area.
He encouraged the women to remain steadfast in their businesses, assuring them that his administration would continue to implement policies and programmes that promote inclusive growth and improve living standards in Okrika.
The visit underscores the growing collaboration between the Council’s leadership and grassroots stakeholders, particularly women, in driving sustainable economic development within the community.
By: By Michael T. Abraham
The Executive Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area (LGA), Barr. Vincent Nemieboka, has presented a ?20,509,859,898.65 appropriation bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Assembly.
He said this is a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The budget proposal, unveiled during the maiden plenary session held in the newly renovated Legislative Chamber, he said, marks a significant milestone for the Council.
The upgraded chamber, equipped with modern facilities, hosted lawmakers and top government officials in what was described as a historic sitting.
Welcoming the Chairman, the Leader of the Legislative Assembly, Chief Cllr. Tekena Akor, described the occasion as a turning point for governance in the area and expressed confidence that the proposed budget would accelerate development across Ogu-Bolo.
In his address, Nemieboka expressed gratitude to God for the successful inauguration of the new legislative session and commended the Assembly for its continued cooperation with the Executive arm.
He also pledged to construct a brand-new Legislative Chamber to further strengthen legislative operations.
The Chairman extended condolences to the Assembly over the passing of the father of the House Leader, offering prayers for strength and comfort to the bereaved family.
Reflecting on the achievements of his administration, Nemieboka highlighted several ongoing and completed projects across the council.
He disclosed that electrification projects in Ikpokiri and Opu-Ama communities are at advanced stages, with transmission towers already installed and efforts underway to connect them to the national grid.
He noted that the island community of Iwo Kiri has been equipped with solar-powered street lighting, while the ELE Health Centre is nearing completion.
In the education sector, ELE Primary School is undergoing major renovation, including reroofing and structural upgrades, while construction is ongoing at Bolo Primary School.
Additionally, a modern Assembly Hall is being built for Community Secondary School, Bolo.
Other projects include the commencement of Teachers’ Quarters in Owuogono Community, completion of electrical infrastructure in Chuku-Ama, pending transformer installation, and near completion of a Town Hall and footpath road in Nemieboka-Ama.
In Wakama, internal road construction has been completed, alongside rehabilitation of a previously damaged school building.
On empowerment initiatives, the Chairman disclosed that monthly grants for youths are ongoing, while 500 women are set to benefit from ?150,000 each as business support grants aimed at boosting small-scale enterprises and improving household incomes.
He also highlighted a partnership with the Lulu Briggs Foundation, through which law students received ?1 million each in educational support.
Looking ahead, the 2026 budget outlines ambitious plans, including the construction of recreational and developmental centres such as gyms and basketball courts, implementation of a subsidized transport scheme, and expansion of skill acquisition programmes.
The Chairman further said plans are also underway for the building and furnishing of a befitting palace for the Ogu Kingdom, procurement of a bus for legislators, and further investments in sports development.
In a notable declaration, Barr. Nemieboka stated that the council is free from bank debt, attributing this to prudent financial management, transparency, and responsible leadership.
He expressed optimism that the 2026 budget would consolidate existing gains and deliver improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, and enhanced welfare for the people of Ogu-Bolo.
Observers say the scale and scope of the proposed budget reflect a deliberate effort by the council to sustain development momentum and address critical needs across communities within the Local Government Area.
By: Michael T. Abraham
As the digital revolution reshapes global opportunities, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Tamunoibuemi Life-George, has called on girls in Bane Community to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a vital tool for empowerment and inclusion.
This was part of her message, recently, during the celebration of this year’s International Girls in ICT Day at Marian High School, Bane, in Khana Local Government Area.
The FIDA Chairperson stressed the urgency of equipping girls with relevant digital skills to enable them compete in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Represented by the association’s Secretary, Mrs. Okorite Yobo, Life-George said the initiative reflects FIDA’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of female innovators, problem-solvers and leaders in the digital economy.
She noted that AI, when properly harnessed, offers vast opportunities for learning, creativity and economic advancement, adding that girls must be encouraged to take their rightful place in the technology space.
The Chairperson continued that digital knowledge should not be perceived as the exclusive domain of boys, insisting that bridging the gender gap in technology requires deliberate and sustained advocacy at all levels.
The FIDA Chairpseron explained that her association’s outreach to Bane Community was intentional, and aimed at extending digital awareness to rural areas where access to such opportunities was limited.
Life-George further reiterated that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) represents the future of work and innovation, warning that excluding girls from this space would widen existing inequalities.
She expressed concern over the continued underrepresentation of women in technology-related careers, calling for early exposure and mentorship to spark interest among young girls.
She also commended Cinfores Limited for its collaboration and support, particularly for donating a laptop to a student as a means of encouraging digital learning and excellence.
Earlier, a Performance Test Officer with Cinfores Limited, Miss Winnie Nnadi, had urged the students to remain focused and committed to their studies, noting that determination and proper guidance are key to success in ICT-related careers.
In her remarks, the Vice Principal of the School, Mrs. Maria Patta, appreciated the organisers for bringing the initiative to the school, describing it as timely and impactful for the students’ future aspirations.
Patta, however, highlighted some of the challenges facing the school, including inadequate funding, lack of a school bus and poor infrastructure, and appealed to stakeholders for support, as students who participated in the debate emerged winners and were rewarded with prizes, reinforcing the event’s theme, “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”
By: King Onunwor
-
Sports1 day agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports1 day agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Sports1 day ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports1 day agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports1 day agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports1 day agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Maritime1 day agoCILT Nigeria Seeks Anti- graft Agency Collaboration
-
Sports1 day agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion