News
PHED, RSNC Chart Path To Improve Service Delivery
The managements of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) and Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC) have agreed on strategic partnership to improve service delivery to their various customers and publics.
Both organisations made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the management of the corporation to the electricity distribution company (DisCo) in its Moscow Road headquarters in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of the company, Dr Henry Ajagbawa, said that PHED was committed to working with the newspaper outfit to increase public awareness on the challenges facing the DisCo, the opportunities offered by the operating environment, and the prospects for improved services to energy consumers in the four franchise states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers.
Ajagbawa, who was represented by the Chief Services Officer, Ochuko Amah, said the company was doing its best to create the necessary awareness on its obligations to energy consumers and the people’s responsibilities to the DisCo in the four states, but added that PHED was willing to do more as there were rooms for improvement.
He noted that since the birth of PHED about eight years ago, enlightenment campaigns have been consistently implemented across all the franchise states to create awareness on the dangers of vandalisation of electricity assets, consequences of energy theft, and the blow-back of refusal to pay for electricity consumed by customers.
The managing director added that in addition to media campaigns and public education initiatives, special community liaison officers/teams have been engaging beneficiary communities to further deepen interactions with the aim of fostering understanding and cooperation while creating buy-in of stakeholders to protect PHED facilities and also ensure improved revenue inflow.
He said that PHED has also been implementing impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes that contribute to national development in many ways through interventions to enhance quality education, healthcare delivery and social development in communities, particularly among the vulnerable ones.
Ajagbawa said, “On our CSR, during the COVID-19 pandemic era in 2020, we donated over 1,400 bags of rice, we held a women’s week in 2020; we visited the Motherless Babies’ Home in Port Harcourt in 2020; we supplied complete set of school bags to one of the state government-owned primary schools in Port Harcourt.
“We sponsored Innovate Arts Academy for schools worth over N2.8million in Bayelsa State in 2021; we sponsored school children’s competition in 2021; and most recently during the 2022 Children’s Day, we donated over 1, 000 writing materials to schools in Rivers and Cross River states,” he said.
He said that the initiatives were designed to build confidence in the people as a good corporate citizen working to enhance the livelihoods and living conditions of customers in the franchise states, adding that people in communities need to see PHED staff as friends and facilities as critical infrastructure they should protect at all times.
Responding to the corporation’s request for smoother working relationships and collaborations, Ajagbawa said that PHED was ready to escalate its media penetration and presence to reach more target groups and customers, just as it was committed to fashioning novel strategies to improve partnership with RSNC to deliver quality services to the people.
In his remarks, the General Manager, RSNC, Chief Ernest Chinwo, thanked the management of PHED for the warm reception, and said that the management of the corporation was at PHED to seek areas of mutual collaboration.
He said that as a newspaper publishing outfit, which was also involved in other commercial printing jobs, the corporation desperately needed the support of the DisCo in the regular supply of electricity, especially on its production days: Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Chinwo said that the partnership has become even more compelling because of the rising cost of alternative sources of energy due to high cost of petroleum products and inflation, and suggested possible channels of collaboration that could add value to their respective businesses.
“The RSNC, most people know us as publishers of The Tide, but we are more than just that: We do all kinds of commercial printing jobs. In fact, we have a full commercial printing department, and we can do a lot of content designs and printing for agencies, organizations and individuals.”
He said that although the corporation was paying its bills regularly, it was also ready to open more areas of synergy to guarantee a win-win business solution to both partners and their various stakeholders.
The general manager expressed surprise at the huge investments PHED has made to sharpen its CSR interventions in the four franchise states, and the serious challenges it was facing, and added that The Tide was desirous of working with the DisCo to further engage the people with a view to improving the operating environment for profitability.
“Most people are not aware of the many CSR interventions you have been making in your franchise states and the serious challenges posed by the massive vandalisation of your infrastructure and assets, sustained energy theft, huge debts owed by electricity consumers who refuse to pay bills, and frequent attacks on your staff by people who are deliberately trying to run away from their responsibilities.
“Maybe, you are not communicating the issues enough to the populace. Therefore, you need to do more. We offer you our platform to tell your stories on a regular basis,” Chinwo said.
He also said, “Of the state government-owned newspapers in the whole of South-South and South-East, and indeed, Nigeria, we make bold to say that we are not just outstanding but we are the most regular on the newsstand. We come out three times a week and we are reliable and steady. Sometimes, when special occasions demand, we come out four or five times a week. We have been in the business of serving the Government and people of Rivers State, and of course, Niger Deltans and Nigerians for more than 50 years. And we are still very strong competitors in the business and confident about the future”, he added.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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