Rivers

NYSC Applauds RSG Over Facilities Upgrade …Tasks Corps Members On SAED

Published

3 years ago

July 6, 2022

National Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has lauded the Rivers State Government over what it called the government’s unflinching support in upgrading facilities in the state’s NYSC Orientation Camp.
Chairman of the Board, Amb. Fatima Balla Abubakar, gave the commendation during the 2022 Batch B, Stream1 Orientation Course Over Sight Tour of the board to the State’s Permanent Orientation Camp at Nonwa Gbam in Tai Local Government Area.
Speaking to journalists, Abubakar said the visit to the state’s NYSC camp was to reaffirm the lofty strides of the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, towards the development of the facilities in the camp.
“Worthy of note was the state-of- the- art auditorium at the centre of the camp”, she said.
Abubakar, who noted that it was incumbent upon state governments to build and maintain the camp for corps members and its facilities, insisted that Governor Wike had kept the pace and his earlier promise of providing a number of facilities in the state’s NYSC Camp with the project at the stage of about 97 percent completion.
Describing the auditorium as a wonderful edifice, Abubakar said “one of the reasons we came to Rivers State was because we are aware of this project. My colleagues were here when this project began and we came this time around hoping that we will see the Governor.
“If we had seen him, one of the things we are going to do is to say thank you for this wonderful edifice that he has put in place for corps members of the State.
“We thank the Governor, government and people of the State for doing this for the NYSC in the State. We like this because with this kind of facility put in place for use for the corps members, many things will be made comfortable and easier on camp and believe he will do more.
“Unfortunately, this time around, we did not have the opportunity to see the Governor to put forward other things that we require in the camp as we understand the Governor is out of the country.
“But we will follow it up with letters and believe that since he has given his word that he will do something in terms of facilities that we require, he will do it”, she stated.
The board chairman further charged the corps members to embrace the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED) designed by the scheme to fill the gap of the unemployment challenge of the country after their service year.
”In the camp, there is what we call the SAED where corps members are taught different trades. We also make provision for them to get agricultural loan for those of them who want to go into any kind of farming.
“The essence of this programme is to sort of help the lack of jobs that we have in this country. They are given this opportunity of different trades so that, if they don’t have white collar jobs, they can undertake something to help sustain their lives”.
She further urged the corps members to” keep safe, stay within the camp, listen to instructions of the State Coordinator and Staff and maintain camp rules and regulations”.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu

Rivers

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

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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