News
RSG Empowers 300 Widows …Wike, A Caring Governor – Banigo

Dr. Banigo (2nd left), being welcomed by the Rivers State Widows Association, from the 23 local government areas of the State, during the 2015 International Widows Day celebration /Empowerment programme in Port Harcourt
In keeping with its election promises to enhance the economic wellbeing of women in Rivers State, the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has empowered over 300 widows across the 23 local government areas of the state.
This is part of activities commemorating Wike’s 100 days in office.
The empowerment scheme was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs,on Friday at the Ministry of Justice Auditorium, Rivers State Secretariat, Port Harcourt.
Presenting the cash to the widows, Wike, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the exercise was part of his administration’s policy of touching all segments of the society.
He advised widows not to see the demise of their husbands as a reason to engage their children in child labour and other unwholesome practices, noting that it has become worrisome to see some women turn street beggars or resort to prostitution due to socio-economic pressures.
Wike lamented the trauma of widows who are always seen as potential suspects in the event of their spouse’s death, and subjected to various forms of inhuman treatment in the name of traditional practices.
The state chief executive reiterated his administration’s gender-friendly posture with the appointment of women into key positions in the state, noting that over 50 per cent of the present members of the local government caretaker committees in the state are women.
The governor said government will continue to provide a conducive environment for investors and Rivers people to attain their full potentials, adding that Government is collaborating with security agencies to fight crime with the donation of patrol vehicles equipped with modern communication gadgets to police and other security agents.
He, therefore, charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds and knowledge acquired from the seminar to manage their business ventures, pointing out that with “prudent utilisation of resources, the benefit of today’s event would germinate and multiply.”
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Pastor Biobele Adesola, lauded Governor Wike for empowering widows, and explained that laws enacted to check unwholesome practices against widows are not being enforced, as widows have continued to suffer dehumanising treatment.
In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Justina Jumbo, said widows need to be supported, comforted and empowered, stressing that gender discrimination has great adverse effect on families headed by widows.
Jumbo opined that widows are subjected to dehumanizing cultural and traditional practices, ostracized and dispossessed of properties jointly owned by the family.
She commended the state government for presenting empowerment packages to over 300 Rivers widows.
Earlier, the President of Widows Association, Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Patricia Weli, had expressed appreciation that the Governor Wike-led administration for recognizing the plight of widows in the State within the 100 days in office, and assured that the empowerment packages would be utilized to encourage the governor to do more.
Responding, one of the beneficiaries, Ngozi Amos Ernest from Ikwerre Local Government Area, thanked the governor for the opportunity given them to engage in meaningful activities to enable them take care of their families.
Highpoint of the event was the conferment of patronship of the association and decoration of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo.
Similarly, as part of activities marking the 100 days in office of the Rivers State Government, the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has visited three charity homes to demonstrate his love and care for the less privileged in society.
Among homes visited by the governor are the Children’s Home, Borokiri, the Child Special School at Corpus Christ and the Home for the Elderly, Harbour Road all in Port Harcourt, on Friday.
Items worth millions of Naira, including Gas Cookers, washing machines, beverages, wheel chairs, standing fans, chairs, food items and toiletries were presented to the management of the homes.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Governor Wike said the visit was to identify with the yearnings of the less privileged, and assured them that the present administration will always take care of their upkeep and needs.
“This government is a caring one. We are remembering you in commemoration of our 100 days in office, we remember you now and will always remember you,” he stated.
The state chief executive assured the managers of the homes that government will continue to support them to ensure that the homes are maintained.
“I assure you that government will continue to partner with you. We will come whenever we are needed,” she said.
He commended the workers for their efforts and diligence in taking care of the homes, and urged them not to be weary in their service to humanity.
The Director, Child Welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Mike Kurubo while speaking on behalf of the Children’s Home, Borikiri, thanked the governor for the gesture, and used the opportunity to call on the state government to provide a befitting staff quarters and a bus for the Children’s Home.
On her part, the Matron of the Home for the Elderly, Reverend Sister Mary Jane Rapheal Agubosi, called for the assistance of the state government in the payment of hospital and electric bills, provision of a bus and a standard security house.
She thanked the state governor for the visit, and prayed God to reward him graciously.
In the governor’s entourage were the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Onimum Jack, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Ms Kadilo Brown, former commissioner in the state, Mrs. Toru Ofili, and other Government functionaries.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
-
News2 days agoRSG Targets Nine Million Residents in Mosquito Net Distribution Campaign
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoAiyedatiwa Signs New Electricity Bill
-
Maritime2 days agoMarine Minister Commends President Tinubu On NPERA Bill Assent
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoNLNG Commissions Research And Innovation Centre In RSU
-
News2 days agoKenPoly Holds Eight Convocations, August 29
-
News2 days agoRSG Begins Another Phase of Projects Commissioning Today
-
News2 days agoRMAFC Completes Revenue Sharing Review, Proposes New Pay
-
Maritime2 days agoNAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Maritime Police Harassment
