Rivers

RSG, TAF Africa Launch Joint Initiative For Inclusive Governance

Published

2 months ago

December 1, 2025

The Rivers State Government has said that it is committed to strengthening its collaboration with TAF Africa to enhance inclusive governance across all strata, especially for Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs).

The Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, disclosed this at the opening of a two-day capacity building workshop for 31 Disabilities and Gender Desk Officers, organised by TAF Africa in Port Harcourt.

Brown, represented by the Director of Administration, Office of the Head of Service, Mr Chimenum Mpi, said that the State Government had nominated Disability and Gender Desk Officers across 31 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration between TAF Africa and the State Government on inclusive governance.

She commended TAP Africa for its continued partnership and unwavering commitment to building a society where no one would be left behind.

Brown described the training as a significant step in building a public service that reflects fairness, access, and dignity for all.

“Your work strengthens institutions, shapes policies and, more importantly, gives voice and visibility to PWDs across our nation,” Brown said.

She urged the beneficiaries to translate their experiences to better the State Government and society.

She further advised them to return to their various offices determined to drive real, practical change.

She said that the Office of the Head of Service remained committed to strengthening institutional frameworks that support inclusion.

“We will continue to partner with credible organisations, like TAF Africa, to ensure that public service meets global standards in disability inclusive governance,” she said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of TAF Africa, Mr Jake Epelle, said the collaboration between the Rivers Government and TAF Africa would strengthen accountability, promote inclusive policy implementation, and enhance service delivery for citizens with disabilities in the state.

Epelle commended the State Government for the establishment and nomination of the desk officers and approval of the training, which he described as a major milestone in the advancement of disability- inclusive governance in the state.

He said that the training was part of the Disability Inclusive Governance Project in Rivers, funded by the Disability Rights Fund.

He said that the training aimed at equipping the officers with practical knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively champion disability inclusion within their respective MDAs.

According to him, the swift and affirmative response of the State Government demonstrates a renewed commitment to upholding the rights, dignity, and meaningful participation of PWDs in public life, as well as mainstreaming disability inclusion in government systems, policies, and service delivery.

Epelle said with the establishment of the desks and capacity-building programme, Rivers was charting a transformative path towards a government system that truly reflects disability inclusive.

He affirmed the oganisation’s commitment to supporting the State Government and Rivers people in achieving full compliance with national and international disability rights standards.

The Keynote Speaker, Dr Krakrafaa Bestman, emphasised the importance of inclusivity and diversity in governance.

Bestman underscored the need to include PWDs in decision-making, policy design, service delivery, and accountability.

He also highlighted the need for leaders to move beyond compliance towards excellence in practice, translating policy into measurable impact.

The event was attended by government officials, partners, and members of the Rivers public service with the aim of exploring ways to move from policy to practice in disability inclusion.

By: Grace Nglass

Rivers

INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

Published

17 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.

He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.

“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.

“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.

Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.

“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.

He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.

Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.

He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.

Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.

“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.

Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.

He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.

Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.

He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.

“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”, Onyekere said.

He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.

Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.

Rivers

PH To Host 2026 NBA Conference

Published

17 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”

Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.

The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.

Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.

The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.

Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.

It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.

The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.

In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.

While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.

By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Wobodo Pledges Support For Ex-Service Men, Others

Published

17 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.

Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.

He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.

The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.

According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.

He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.

The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.

He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.

The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.

As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.

He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.

One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.

By: King Onunwor