News
Rivers NUJ Gets New Exco
Following a keenly contested election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State Council, yesterday, a new executive has emerged to steer the affairs of the union for the next three years.
In the election, which took place at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Mr Stanley Job Stanley of Radio Rivers Chapel emerged as the new chairman having beaten his only opponent, Miss Uchechukwu Agbam to a distant second.
Stanley polled 124 votes while Agbam scored 46 votes.
The position of the union’s secretary was clinched by Mr Ikechukwu Wigodo of The Tide Chapel.
He polled 125 votes against his opponent, Mr Jim Opiki-Udede, who scored 47 votes.
Mrs Ifeoma Uche Ossai polled 110 votes to emerge as the new treasurer of the union while her opponent, Miss Priscilla Okere got 60 votes.
Messrs Paul Bazia, Martins Giadom and Godspower Lekia Anya emerged unopposed as the vice chairman, financial secretary and internal auditor, respectively.
The position of the assistant secretary is expected to be filled through bye-election within three months.
In his post-election speech, the new Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley thanked members, especially the NUJ Rescue Team for their support which led to the victory of his team.
He promised to be magnanimous in victory, and called on his opponents to work with the new executive to build a new vibrant union.
Also speaking, the Rivers State NUJ Election Planning Committee Chairman, Mr Gabriel Nwanetanya listed some of the challenges the committee face, including short period of time the credentials committee to deliver, poor funding, and members’ apathy to issues of election.
“I believe that journalists are society’s watchdogs, but we have to watch ourselves first. We are meant to mirror the society; we have to put ourselves in a position that we can objectively mirror the society because if we are not practicing what we are preaching, it is going to be very difficult for the society to move forward.
“Some of our members have attitudinal problem, and we need to shift from seeing ourselves as ordinary citizens on the streets, among others. We must see ourselves as professionals who are supposed to be role models, who the society should look up to,” Nwanetanya added.
He urged members of the union to see the election not as a do or die affair, stressing that positions of authority were only given by God.
Nwanetanya further stressed that many members do not have clear understanding and knowledge of the provisions of the Constitution of the union, but would jump into the fray to contest for any position because of their personal ambitions, and advised members to always read the Constitution thoroughly before indicating interest to contest elections.
He expressed joy that the committee has acquitted itself, and appealed to all members to join hands with the new executive to move the union forward.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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