Rivers

Rivers NUJ Decries Excesses Of Nigerian Varsities

Published

9 years ago

July 25, 2016

Chairman of the Nigeria Union
of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State council, Mr Omoni Ayo-Tamuno, has called on the Federal Government and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to check the excesses of Nigerian universities in their admission policy as it affects candidates who wrote the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) with awaiting results.
He also urged the Federal Government and NUC to intervene in the high fees charged by universities in the country for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
Ayo-Tamuno made the call while speaking at the Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt Prize Giving, Graduation Ceremony and Lunching of the School’s Magazine, The Stemaco.
The NUJ Chairman, who was the Chairman of the occasion, explained that the call became imperative in view of the fact that Universities never made it a condition that only candidates with results should sit for the JAMB.
He stressed the need for relevant government agencies to direct universities to allow candidates awaiting results to compete for space into tertiary institutions in the country.
“If this is not done, a lot of prospective candidates that wrote JAMB will be blacked out and money paid will be a waist to their parents and guardians”, he said.
Ayo-Tamuno commended the management of the school for the high level of cleanliness in the compound and advised them to maintain the standard.
He also lauded the school for the lunching of the maiden edition of the school’s magazine and the Year Book, 2016, saying “the quality is good, let it not end with the funfair of lunching, you should continue with subsequent editions”.
In his speech, the Principal of the College, Rev. Father Anthony Baakel said the school scored high structurally with ultra modern impacts on the outlook with noticeable renovations.
He stated that both students and teachers put in their utmost best to record academic excellence.
Rev. father Baakel commended old students of the college for their commitment towards the overall development of the school.
“Be of good conduct and represent your alma mater in good lights”, he told the graduating students.
In his farewell speech, the outgoing Senior Prefect of the college, Anugbuo Promise, thanked both the academic and non-academic staff of the school for imparting the needed skills to the graduands, while calling on the current students to not only keep the flag flying.
Highlight of the occasion was presentation of awards to distinguished personalities such as Dr. Peter Didia, a former Commissioner for Health, Chief Akuro George, a former Vice President of Nigeria Bar Association, and Barrister Kingsley Chinda, a member of the National Assembly.
In his response on behalf of the awardees, who were old boys of the college, Dr. Didia pledged that the old boys would continue to contribute to the physical and spiritual development of the school.
He thanked the management of the school for the awards.

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

11 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

12 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

12 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor