Rivers

NDDC’s Youth Employment Initiatives Impresses RSG

Published

2 years ago

September 22, 2023

Rivers State Government has expressed excitement over the vision of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) youth development scheme tagged “Holistic Opportunities, Projects and Programmes for Engagement (HOPE), otherwise known as “Project Hope”.
The Government said the project was in consonance with the vision of the State Ministry of Youth Development tagged, “A Preparedness Plan for Rivers Youth paradigm shift from Unemployability to Resourcefulness”.
The State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Chisom Kenneth Gbali, stated this, Wednesday, during a facility tour of the Rivers State Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Port Harcourt by the NDDC management led by its Managing Director, Dr Charles Ogbuku.
Gbali stated that the State Government through the Ministry of Youth, in partnership with NDDC as critical stakeholders, would go a long way to encourage Rivers Youths to believe that both State and Federal Government are ready to pull them out of their limitation.
The Commissioner further stated that Rivers State Government over the time have been sustaining the state in different spheres, especially on youth affairs.
He opines that with this initiative the Federal Government will help to encourage and arouse the curiosity of the youths on the need to become self-reliant through the acquisition of modern skills.
According to him, the Ministry of Youth Development in the state has created a level playing ground required to attract opportunities that will change the narrative of the state to that level of employability and resourcefulness which is the theme of the Ministry’s sensitisation/advocacy campaign.
Dr. Gbali noted that since the ministry took the sensitisation programme to the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, there has been a rise in progressive reasoning from the reaction of the youths in the media, and behavioural change on social vices has significantly reduced.
He said that the Ministry of Youth Development will liaise with the Federal Ministry of Youth on how to explore opportunities that will benefit the youth in the State.
The State Government, he continued, “is optimistic that the Brand innovations adopted by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the state will give youths the needed footing to become self dependent and employers of labour”.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, commended the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for the partnership, and granting the commission access to use the State’s ICT facility for the programme.
Dr. Ogbuku noted that one of the major priorities of NDDC is to ensure that Niger Delta became a Tech- Hub, additing that the State ICT Centre would be an added advantage to encourage the commission achieve their vision.
He emphasised that a perfect knowledge of technology was key for guarantee youths to work in multinational companies and become not just self-reliant, but also employers of labour.
Also speaking, the Project Manager, NDDC, Amb. Blessing Fubara, explained that the NDDC Youth Development scheme, “Project HOPE”, is focused on empowerment, employment and Development of Niger Delta youths.
He disclosed that 185 supervisors have been employed, one each from the 185 LGA’s in the Niger Delta region, stating that more 185 collation officers will be employed for database collection.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Rivers

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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