Rivers

RSG Recommits To Youth Dev Projects

Published

4 years ago

August 27, 2021

The State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to embark on projects and programmes that would have direct bearing and impact on the lives of youths in the State.
Commissioner for Youth and Development, Hon. Prince Obi Ohia, made the assertion yesterday, at a town hall meeting in Degema Local Government Area.
Hon. Ohia gave instances of some of the projects undertaken by the state government which are beneficial to the youths which include; the Real Madrid Academy, describing it as the epicentre of youth development in the state and the numerous infrastructural projects with youths as direct beneficiaries of such structures.
According to him, “those that would work in such environment are the youths, those that would handle the supplies are the youths and even a large number of those that would use such infrastructure are the youths, meaning that all infrastructural developments being carried out by our amiable Governor, Chief Barr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike are youth focused and youth centred”.
He explained that the recent siting of the satellite campus of the Rivers State University in Emohua, very close to Degema is an eloquent testimony of the Government’s focus on youth oriented projects, adding that youths would benefit from the project, even more than any other class of persons.
The commissioner also explained that the ministry of youth development had been equipped through articulate policy formulation by the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration to provide adequate youth investment through the three technical departments available in the ministry.
He said that the specialised departments were the vehicles through which youth education/counselling, networking/social mobilization as well as enterprise development are applied in prunning and harnessing youth potentials for optimum productivity in the State.
Hon Ohia urged community based youth organisations in the local government to take advantage of the ongoing revalidation exercise by the ministry and ensure they were registered in order to be captured on the ministry’s database.
He charged the youths to shun gangterism, cultism and get rich quick syndrome but rather, channel their energies towards developing their minds and becoming better individuals in the society.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Roland Obed Whyte who gave an overview of the ministry’s statutory functions and responsibilities announced that no Community youth based organisation in Degema LGA had fulfilled the revalidation requirements of the ministry and as such, were not recognised by the state government.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

22 hours ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

23 hours ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

23 hours ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.