News
Nigeria’ll Exit Recession Stronger, Banigo Assures
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has expressed the hope that Nigeria would come out of recession stronger and vibrant despite the hard times presently facing the Nation.
Banigo stated this at the Rivers State Teens Prayer/Worship Meeting organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 5, Headquarters Parish, Eastern Bye-pass, Port Harcourt.
The deputy governor, who was represented at the occasion by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Barr Gilbert Nria, said although teenagers appear to be the worst victims of the current economic challenges in the country as it affects their education and job placement, they should not despair, stressing that it was not the will of God for them.
Describing the theme of the event, “One God, One Voice, One Country”, as most appropriate, coming at a time when the nation was undergoing economic recession, Banigo urged the teenagers to speak with one voice, worship and pray God for His speedy intervention in the affairs of the nation.
She expressed gratitude to the church for being alive to its responsibility by organizing the teenage programme aimed at nurturing them for the enormous tasks ahead, appealing to the teenagers and organizers of the event not to see it as another congregation for social activities but rather a date with God to intercede in the nation’s economic crisis.
“I am elated that this event is being organized at this time when our country is undergoing economic challenges. This convinces me that the church is alive to its responsibility with a view to nurturing the teenagers who are the leaders of tomorrow,” the deputy governor said.
Banigo stated that the reintroduction of boarding system in some public schools in the state was a deliberate attempt by the government to re-enact good morals and quality education into students as was the case in the past.
The deputy governor called on teenagers to be committed to the work of God and worship Him wholeheartedly, shun cultism and other societal vices to enable them assume their positions as future leaders, urging teenagers to continue to support the youth-friendly government of Chief Nyesom Wike in the state.
She used the occasion to condemn the recent brutalization, robbing and raping of some female youth corps members at Asarama in Andoni Local Government Area, noting that steps were being taken to forestall a reoccurrence of such incident in any part of the state as well as bring perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice.
Earlier in his address, the Teens Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Region 5, Headquarter Parish, Obinna Ebogidi, had said the event was organized to engage teenagers to speak with one voice and pray to God to intercede in the security and economic challenges of the nation.
Ebogidi appealed to the state government to encourage talented teenagers and create the necessary platform for them to showcase their God-given talents as a conscious effort to divert their attention from acts inimical to the society.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
-
Business5 days ago
‘I’ll End Casualisation If Elected As ATSSSAN President’
-
Editorial4 days ago
Resurgence Of Illegal Structures In PH
-
News5 days ago
Reps Move To Suspend 2026 WAEC’s Computer-based Exam Policy
-
Sports5 days ago
New WW Whyte Secondary Schools Cup Kicks Off In PH
-
Sports5 days ago
Golfers Donate N6m To Charity Homes After Tournament
-
Opinion4 days ago
The Girl Who Didn’t Dance
-
Business5 days ago
PenCom Completes Nov Retirees Payments, Declares End To Delayed Pension Disbursements
-
News4 days ago
NELFUND Warns Students Against Fake Loan Portal