Rivers

Mrs Wike Felicitates ACMGS’ OGA On 80th Anniversary

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2023

Wife of the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Justice Suzzette Eberechi Wike, has felicited Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls Secondary School (ACMGS), Elelenwo Old Girl’s Association (OGA), on the 80th anniversary of the school.
She described the school as one of the best girl’s school in Nigeria, adding that the school has improved from what it was known to be in the past.
Justice Wike disclosed this on Saturday in her keynote address at the 80th year anniversary celebration of the school at the school premises, Elelenwo, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to her, she saw in a content were it is written that ACMGS should be returned to the past glory, adding that she want to deffer from that because she saw that ACMGS is improving from what she knows it as been in the past.
The former First Lady of the State said from her past experience of the old students of the school, there were no electricity and water in the school premises, recalling that students used go into the village to fetch water, but that, that is now in the past.
“The children are lucky now because they have a better condition.
“Before I came to the event center today, I went straight to the bathroom. I was wondering how clear it was and how much it has be upgraded.
“A lot of beautiful things have happened in the school, so the children now are even lucky than we were, meaning that they are going to be better than we were.
“I have always said that the test of a successful parenting or a successful mentoring is that our children or the one that were mentees should turn out better than we are, and I know with the high standards of education: the teaching that goes on here, with deep emphasis and spiritually growth, and with the norms and the attention paid to discipline on the children, I know that many worthy stars are waiting to be announced to the world from this school”, Justice Wike said.
She expressed happiness for being a product of the school, adding that they are going to celebrate many more products of the school with time.
“I am a proud product of this school, even as I spent only three years in ACMGS, having started from Uniport Demonstration Secondary School (UDSS).
“I wanted to have a feel of boarding house and I could not think of any other school better in Rivers State but ACMGS.
“I used to match with boys in those days. I thank God for the experience, but by Him I came to ACMGS and I saw that I just calmed down.
“I did not understand why, but I think I did understand better later because I was a school with cool-headed girls who were relaxed, who were very respectful and they carried themselves like ladies”, she recalled.
Wike, therefore, urged parents to send their daughters to ACMGS, saying “it is the best female school in Nigeria”.

By: Kiadum Edookor

Rivers

Expert Demands Full Implementation Of PIA In N’Delta Oil Communities

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

An expert in Natural Resource Governance, Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, has called for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Uzoigwe made the appeal during a training for community representatives under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He noted that five years after the PIA was enacted, funding under the HCDT framework for member communities had yet to be fully implemented.

He attributed the slow pace of implementation to oil companies’ failure to remit funds, ongoing litigations, internal community disputes, and regulatory challenges, among other factors.

According to him, these challenges have made it difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of HCDT implementation in host communities.

Uzoigwe also expressed concern that several communities were yet to establish HCDTs, which are essential for accessing funds designated for local development.

“Fortunately, there are communities that have successfully leveraged the HCDT to advance development in their localities.

“However, we want every host community to access these funds to accelerate development in their respective areas and contribute to the broader transformation of the Niger Delta”, he stated.

Uzoigwe urged host communities to familiarise themselves with the provisions and regulations of the PIA to enable them to fully benefit from the Act.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, explained that the training was organised for HCDT communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.

According to her, the objective of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the PIA’s provisions, conduct needs assessments and undertake community development planning.

“We examined how the HCDT can be made effective and efficient in utilising the three per cent operational cost allocation for community development projects, as stipulated in the PIA.

“This allocation is structured as follows: 75 per cent for project execution, 20 per cent for savings, and five per cent for administrative costs.

“HCDT members are responsible for identifying and prioritising community needs through a transparent, sincere, and people-centred decision-making process in managing these funds”, Okon explained.

She encouraged host communities to engage actively with various stakeholders, including women, youth, farmers, and community leaders, to identify development projects that reflect the genuine needs of their communities.

Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, says he will run an all-inclusive government for the betterment of the local government.

He stated that his priority is workers’ welfare in all ramifications and the good people of the area.

Apiafi stated this recently while addressing workers at the council’s headquarters in Opobo, saying that his direct mandate is to ensure that the existing peace is sustained.

According to him, he is a technocrat, hence he will carry out his functions accordingly.

“Thank you all for welcoming me as your administrator. My mandate here is to ensure that you, workers, are well treated, with your salaries paid promptly, and give you what you deserve.

“You all are my brothers, sisters and friends. I know that together we can take this local government to an enviable height. What I need from you is cooperation.

“I solicit for your support to enable us all succeed because I alone cannot achieve the desired development”, he urged.

The administrator used the forum to thank the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice – Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and pledged that he will not disappoint him in any aspect, while promising to discharge his duties in strict compliance to the charge of the Sole Administrator.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the LGA, Comrade Diri Dandison, commended the administrator for placing workers’ welfare top on his list.

According to him, what workers want in the LGA is someone who can give them listening ears, and also give them what they deserve.

“I am happy that Mr. Fredrick Apiafi has placed welfare of workers first, but we pray he fullfills his promises. What we want is for people at the grassroots to also enjoy dividends of governance”, he said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso

Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Rescue Team from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have saved 99 persons from drowning in Rivers State during an operation.

A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred when a barge, ADAM (Damen Buba) was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.

He said the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER personnel deployed to Naval Security Station 035 in collaboration with four other Navy Gunboats launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard.

According to him, most of the passengers’ goods were also salvaged successfully.

“The timely intervention and prompt response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the valuable properties were preserved.

“The Nigerian Navy hereby restates that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the service will continue to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate sea farers within Nigeria’s maritime domain”, Adams Aliu said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso