News
Johnson Promises RIVPA Inclusive Govt
The Rivers State Government under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is poised to run an open and transparent administration that would make the accelerated development of the State the centrepiece of its focus.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, said this while playing host to leaders and members of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State (RIVPA), who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Wednesday.
The commissioner thanked them for the visit and declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a good governor with good intentions for people of the state.
He assured that RIVPA’s request will receive government’s cooperation and support.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Communications under his leadership will initiate periodic media parleys where commissioners and heads of government departments and agencies would be able to tell people of the state their activities, achievements and challenges in implementation of the robust Economic Development Blue Print of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Johnson also informed about the governor’s desire to hold luncheon with media practitioners in the state to apprise them of the policy thrust of the government, even as he stressed that the government seeks the advice of the media entrepreneurs and practitioners alike to succeed.
He observed that what may appear like a crisis currently in the state is a normal thing that occurs in governance, pointing out that the situation will be stabilized with time.
The commissioner said that he is aware of the numerous challenges publishers are going through at the moment, due to the prevailing economic situation, but noted that the government is determined to create the enabling serene atmosphere conducive for smooth business operations.
He informed that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara-led Rivers State Government was committed to the transformation of the state socio-economic well-being through effective implant if the blue print, which focuses on 12 major areas, including agriculture, education, health, transportation, among others.
According to him; “This is why Governor Siminalayi Fubara is interested in the revival of the Songhai Farm, Buguma Fish Farm, among others”.
The commissioner vowed to break the cycle of exclusion.
He hinted that work is in progress at both the reawarded Andoni axis of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road, as well as the Opobo Ring Road projects, with noticeable progress.
”We will throw the gate wide open for inclusiveness in our information and communications management.
“I will fight for and defend the media community,” he said.
Earlier in her speech, RIVPA Chairman, Gloria Boma Harry, informed that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the commissioner who is a former secretary of the association, on his appointment as the Chief Driver of the Information and Communications vehicle of Rivers State.
The RIVPA chairman noted that Johnson’s appointment would boost the relationship between the media and the Rivers State Government.
“It is, indeed, a privilege for me to lead a team of great publishers in Rivers State to this August meeting holding in November.
“The aim of our visit is to primarily congratulate you, our former secretary on your well deserved appointment as the driver of the communication vehicle in our dear Rivers State.
“Your appointment is well deserved and will boost the relationship between the media and the state government under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“As media owners, whose job it is to set agenda for society through our various newspapers and magazines, we want to assure you that RIVPA will do everything within her powers to ensure that Rivers State receives positive and investment friendly reportage which will impact on the socioeconomic sector of the state.
“We want to also use this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for appointing you as the commissioner of information and communications.
“This appointment has further confirmed that his administration places priority on harnessing the fortunes inherent in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the media”, she said.
The RIVPA chairman appealed to the commissioner to help in restoring the support members of RIVPA were getting from the state government under previous administrations in order to help their businesses as well as forge a stronger partnership with the government for better service delivery and effective perception management of government policies and programmes.
She said, “It is important to note that RIVPA members publicise the activities of the state government on daily basis, as part of our social responsibility of informing, educating and entertaining the public.
“Just like Queen Esther in the Bible was placed in the palace ahead of time to prevent the destruction of the Jews, you, our commissioner and former secretary general have been put in this office to speak on behalf of your colleagues and primary constituents.
“Secondly, RIVPA has asked me to tell you that we would want to have a hand sake with our performance-driven Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, especially now that he has made one of us a member of the State Executive Council. We want to pay him a thank you visit.”
She informed the commissioner of plans by the association to honour him, as a mark recognition of his new status.
“Finally, RIVPA is planning an end of year party, and we will be honouring you, our dear commissioner and other colleagues, who have made us proud.
“On behalf of RIVPA, I pray that God will use you to change the narrative when it comes to media and government relations, and grant you all you need to succeed.”, she said.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.