Rivers

NULGE Lauds LG Chairman’s Workers-Friendliness

Published

3 years ago

May 15, 2023

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Andoni Chapter has lauded the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council Erastus Awortu for being labour-friendly and sensitive to the wellbeing of workers of the Council.
Chairman of NULGE in Andoni, Idante John Ishmael, made the remark during the handover of a parcel of land to the union at Ngo by the Council Chairman for the construction of convinience for workers of the Council and visitors alike.
He said the gesture comes after the procurement and presentation of an official Vehicle to the union by the Council Chairman to enhance the mobility and productivity of the workers.
The NULGE Chairman commended the Andoni Council boss for his goodwill towards the workers since he assumed office, pledging “the unwavering support of the workers to the Awortu administration”.
“It is on record that on the 1st of May this year the Chairman, through the Secretary of Council, yielded to the request of NULGE for the allocation of a portion of land for the construction of a public convenience for Staff of the Council, politicians and visitors alike.
“Today we are here to acknowledge receipt of the parcel of land. As a union, we are really grateful.
“For sometime now we have never seen an administration that is this labour-friendly, that is this worker-friendly.
“Last year, the union requested for an official vehicle among other requests and it was granted, it was handed over to us by the Secretary.
“This year we requested for a portion of land for the construction of public convenience, and the Chairman has graciously approved it for us.
“We want to really appreciate the Chairman because he has shown us that he is a labour-friendly Chairman. We also want to appreciate the Secretary of Council, who has been in the system and he knows the way the system is going.
“I want to appreciate the Management of Council. It is really not easy, as a union we promise to give him our unalloyed support, especially in enhancing the development of Andoni Local Government”, the NULGE boss stated.
The Andoni Council Chairman, who was represented by the Council Secretary, Dimiari Franklin, noted that the sole purpose of Government is the security and welfare of the people as enshrined in the constitution.
He said the Awortu administration considers the workers as critical stakeholder in the delivery of good governance to the people and therefore places premium on their wellbeing.
Franklin asserted that governance is collaborative and this informed the decision of the Council Chairman to partner with NULGE to construct a befitting convenience for the workers and visitors alike to enhance the sanitary condition of the Council Secretariat for enhanced service delivery.
“Government is a collaborative effort, that was why when NULGE came with the idea of constructing convenience for the workers, the Council Chairman gave approval, given the importance of such project to the health and sanitary condition of workers of the Council and visitors alike.
“This is indeed a good omen, it shows the harmonious working relationship that exist between the workforce and the executive. It also shows that the Council Chairman attaches importance to the wellbeing of the workforce for enhanced efficiency and productivity.
“On behalf of the Council Chairman, let me assure the leadership of NULGE that this Council under the leadership of Barr Erastus Awortu, would continue to work for the betterment of all Council workers for the overall development and happiness of Andoni people”, he said.

By: Theresa Fredrick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Dep Gov Seeks Collaboration, Transparency Between RIVCHPP, PHCMB

Published

1 hour ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has called for renewed commitment, transparency, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the health sector, particularly between the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) and the Primary Health Care Management Board.

She made the call today, during the First Quarter Review Meeting of the Task Force on Primary Health Care, held at Government House, Port Harcourt.

She emphasized the importance of honesty in addressing challenges within the healthcare system, urging all parties to remain open and truthful in their engagements.

According to her, transparency is critical to identifying and resolving underlying issues affecting service delivery.

“If we are not truthful, we will not cure the disease, but merely cover it up,” she stated.

The Deputy Governor recounted a personal experience at a primary health centre, where a patient, despite being duly registered under the RIVCHPP scheme with completed biometric capture, was still asked to pay for services.

She explained that intervention by relevant authorities later confirmed the patient’s eligibility, thereby exposing a communication gap between the scheme and healthcare providers.

Prof. Odu warned that such incidents could discourage community members from enrolling in the scheme and ultimately undermine its objectives.

“When this happens, we are disenfranchising our people. The message that goes back to the community is that even when you register, you are still made to pay,” she stated.

While commending the leadership and staff of the Primary Health Care Management Board, the Ministry of Health, development partners, and other supporting units for their efforts, Prof. Odu cautioned against complacency.

She urged stakeholders to continuously strive for improvement, raise standards, and ensure lasting positive impact within the healthcare system.

Rivers

Experts Converge To Tackle N’Delta Business Challenges

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

As part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, about 600 experts are billed to converge in Port Harcourt in a business conference to uplift middle-class businesses in the Niger Delta region.

The convener of the convergence, Lanre Oluseye, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, said the conference, scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt for the first time, would equip middle-class businesses with the knowledge required to overcome challenges and scale up their businesses.

He explained that the convergence was conceived in response to challenges stalling business growth, particularly at the mid-level.

Oluseye noted that while Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) benefited from various interventions, middle-class businesses were often neglected despite facing significant constraints.

He added that the conference would bring together accomplished professionals and business leaders to mentor mid-level entrepreneurs on how to overcome barriers and attain greater heights.

“Convergence is a conference where thoughts, ideas and strategies come together to create a catalyst that enables business people to move to the next level.

“It is a platform that accelerates growth by bringing great minds together to chart a course for others to follow.

“Our objective is to move the Port Harcourt-based middle-class businesses to cross the barriers that are holding them down”, he said.

Oluseye continued that the conference, slated for April 18, would attract about 600 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and middle-level managers to address business challenges in the Niger Delta through innovative ideas and strategies.

He emphasised that the event would not be a mere social gathering, but a knowledge-driven platform designed to transform participants and provide networking opportunities to enhance their businesses.

He assured that participants would gain new insights, build valuable networks and engage with like-minded professionals.

Oluseye further said that top industry leaders expected at the conference included the Managing Director/CEO of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Leye Falade; former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; and the MD/CEO of Aradel Holdings Plc., Gbite Falade.

Others are Tope Aladenusi of Deloitte Africa; the Partner, Chief Economist and Lead, Strategy and West Africa, Segun Zaccheaus; and a global thinker and futurist, Olakunle Soriyan.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Urges Residents To Abstain From Crime

Published

3 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Traditional ruler of Evo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Leslie N. Eke, has called on residents of the Kingdom and Rivers State at large to shun all forms of crime and embrace peaceful coexistence in the interest of sustainable development.

He made the call recently while briefing newsmen at his palace in Woji Community , Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

While stressing that crime remains a major setback to growth and stability in the state, the monarch expressed deep concern over the rising cases of insecurity in some communities, noting that such acts not only endanger lives, but also discourage investment and meaningful development.

According to the royal father, traditional institutions must continue to play a pivotal role in promoting peace and guiding the conduct of youths within their domains.

King Eke, who is also the Chairman of the Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, urged community leaders to collaborate with security agencies to rid their areas of criminal elements.

He emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved when residents consciously decide to uphold law and order, adding that no meaningful progress can thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence.

He also used the occasion to throw his weight behind the peace initiative of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as timely and necessary for the unity of the state.

He commended the Governor for prioritizing peace and stability, noting that such efforts would create an enabling environment for governance and socio-economic development.

King Eke called on youths in the state to resist the temptation of being used as instruments of violence, urging them instead to engage in productive ventures that would enhance their future.

He appealed to parents and guardians to instill moral values in their children, stressing that the fight against crime begins at home.

The traditional ruler reaffirmed the commitment of the Ikwerre traditional institution to support all genuine efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across the state.

He also urged all stakeholders, including community leaders, security agencies and residents, to work collectively towards building a safer and more prosperous Rivers State.

King Onunwor