News
Ibas Pledges To Resuscitate State-Owned Media Houses
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalising state-owned media organisations to enable them meet modern operational standards and better serve the public.
Ibas made the pledge following an extensive inspection tour of State media houses, including The Tide Newspapers, Rivers State Television (RSTV), Radio Rivers FM, Garden City FM, and the State Printing Press.
The Administrator who described the media as “indispensable to societal survival and development,” emphasised the need for urgent intervention to restore these critical platforms.
He said, “Without the media, we wonder how society would survive,” adding “We must identify key areas requiring intervention and ensure our media houses operate at the standards expected by the public.”
Highlighting the media’s pivotal role in fostering good governance and an informed citizenry, the Administrator revealed that his administration has already laid out plans for facility upgrades.
“If funds are available, I assure you that within six months, we will complete the necessary improvements,” he said.
“I have directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, to develop a comprehensive plan, leveraging provisions in the budget,” he added.
Expressing concern over the current state of infrastructure and equipment in all the state-owned media houses, Ibas assured that revitalisation efforts would be both immediate and sustained.
He urged media personnel to adopt a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, stressing that “longevity depends not just on the age of machinery but on proper usage and maintenance.”
“It’s not only about replacing old equipment. Staff must also commit to preventive and corrective maintenance practices to maximise efficiency and lifespan.”
The inspection tour forms part of the Administrator’s broader agenda to rejuvenate public institutions across Rivers State, ensuring they deliver optimal service to the citizens.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated all the winners of Saturday, August 16, by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the President commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.
Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.
President Tinubu congratulated the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.
He also congratulated the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.
“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.
“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.
President Tinubu commended all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoined them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.
The Rivers State Government has disclosed its plan to establish the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency, which will take over the responsibilities of the Central Working Committee on Emergency Preparedness, Flood Management and Control.
The State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), revealed this during a sensitisation campaign of the Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He explained that the government is engaging the Federal Government and international partners to mobilise resources for improved flood management systems, covering pre-flood measures, interventions during flooding, and post-flood recovery projects, as well as early warning infrastructure.
Ibas, in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, last Friday, said the initiative forms part of the state’s proactive strategy to mitigate flooding through awareness, prevention, preparedness, and community participation.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Administrator urged the committee to go beyond responding to disasters and instead anticipate vulnerable areas, reduce the impact of flooding, and equip residents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
He added that the State is enforcing environmental laws to curb indiscriminate refuse disposal, illegal dumping, and construction on flood plains, which worsen flooding incidents.
According to him, effective flood management requires collaboration between the public sector, local communities, civil society, and the private sector, as government alone cannot tackle the challenge.
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