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Fubara Pledges Support For Journalists, Receives Champion Of Peace Award …As The Tide Shines At Rivers NUJ Award Night

Published

1 year ago

August 21, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Sir. Siminialayi Fubara, has reiterated his support for journalists in the State.

The governor made this pledge on Sunday while receiving the ‘Champion of Peace Award’ at an Award Night organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, to mark the end of its week-long Press Week celebrations.

The award was bestowed on the governor by the Council for his peaceful disposition and demeanour, and quest to deliver democracy dividends despite present political challenges in the State.

Fubara, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, described the award as a motivation to deliver more democracy dividends to the people of the State.

He described the Press as partners in progress and assured that his administration is always ready to work with the media for the betterment of the State.

On his part, President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between the State Government and the media, and urged the governor to sustain the tempo.

Isiguzo also used the event to call on the Federal Government to ensure that the rights of journalists are always protected, as he frowned at the treatment meted out to newsmen during the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

According to him, the Nigeria Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and rights of journalists to their duties.

Chairman of NUJ, Rivers State Council, Comrade Stanley Job Stanley, thanked Governor Fubara for his support towards the successful hosting of the Press Week, and expressed hope for better relationship with the Union in the future.

Meanwhile, The Tide Newspapers, published by the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC) has emerged top winner at the 2024 NUJ Award ceremony in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Out of 47 distinguished journalists recognised during the award, The Tide took home over 10 awards, showcasing its excellence in journalism.

Six senior editors from The Tide received Special Recognition Awards, while two others bagged Meritorious Service and Reporters Awards, respectively. Notable awardees include RSNC’s General Manager, Chief Ernest Chinwo; The Acting Editor of The Tide, Reward Akwu; former Acting Chairman of The Tide Editorial Board, who is now the Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, Nelson Chukwudi; Group News Editor, Boye Salau, and Group Sports Editor, Gabriel Nwanetanya.

Other recipients of Special Recognition Awards include former NUJ secretaries, media executives, and senior journalists from various organisations. These include The Business Editor, Soibi Max-Alalibo, and the incumbent NUJ Secretary, Ike Wigodo, who retired from The Tide a few months ago.

The remaining 10 awardees in the Special Recognition Award category emerged from eight other media outfits. The recipients include two former NUJ secretaries in the State, Mr. Samuel Iyoyo, and Tamunoisela Toby; the General Manager of the Rivers State Television (RSTV), Fengecy Onisoya; Business Manager of Super FM, Pastor Segun Owolabi; Publisher of The Gist Newspaper, Mrs Sotonye Toby Fulton; South South Bureau Chief of The Guardian, Mrs Ann Godwin, and Head of News, Rhythm 93.7FM, Clem Ofuokwu.

Others are the Deputy National President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and senior editor with the RSTV, Dr (Mrs) Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu; former senior correspondent with The Nation Newspapers, Mrs Clarice Azutalam; and Baridorn Sika of the Radio Rivers.

The Tide also excelled in the Meritorious Service Award category, which was reserved for past chairmen of the State Council of NUJ, with former General Manager, Elder Vincent Ake, and Political Editor and Vice President, NUJ Zone F, Opaka Dokubo, receiving honours.

Five others in this category include the first chairman of NUJ, Rivers State Council, Chief Wofuru Oparaolu; Chief Bobo Brown, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, Omoni Ayo-Tamuno and the incumbent chairman of the Council, Stanley Job Stanley.

In the Reporters Award category, The Tide’s John Bibor was among 12 recipients, alongside journalists from other media outlets. The 11 others include Peter Abaje of AIT, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia of Radio Rivers, Obiandu Madume of RSTV, Anayo Onukwugha of Leadership Newspapers, Allwell Ene of Megaletric, and Rachael Ramson of Rhythm 93.7FM.

Other reporters awardees are Okechukwu Gabriel of Treasure FM, Wariso Wariso of Independent Monitor, Paul Bazia of the State Ministry of Information and Communications, Doris Dogini Nwankwo of the Federal Ministry of Information, and Stephen Momoh of TVC who received Reporters Award in Video.

Additionally, two former General Managers and two former editors of the RSNC received Lifetime Achievement Awards, along with seven other veteran journalists. They are: former Chief Executive Officer/Editor-In-Chief of the RSNC, Mr. Dagogo Ezekiel-Hart; former RSNC General Manager, Mr. Celestine Ogolo; former editor of The Weekend Tide who retired as a Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service, Ms Kadilo Brown, and another former editor of The Tide, who is currently serving as Permanent Secretary (Cabinet), Mr Hamilton Amadi.

Also in this category are three former Commissioners for Information and Communications in Rivers State – Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, Dame Ibim Semenitari, and Pastor Paulinus Nsirim.

Other recipients are former President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Scholarship Board, Sir Honour Sirawoo; Regional Manager of Business Day, Elder Ignatius Chukwu; Publisher of National Network, Pastor Jerry Needam, and Mr Blessing Wikina, who was former Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

The Posthumous Meritorious Service Award went to the former General Manager of the RSNC, Late Augustine Nwikinaka; Late Karibo Botoye, Late Ndagene Akwu and Late Paul Alozie who, at various times in their lifetime, served as chairmen of the NUJ, Rivers State Council.

The Tide also had a good outing in the Posthumous Special Recognition Award category, with two former editors of The Tide, Late Soye Jamabo and Late Juliet Njiowhor among the five recipients. The three other awardees are late Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of The Beacon Newspaper, Minere Amakiri; late Publisher of the Independent Monitor, Evans Osi, and former chairman of NAWOJ in Rivers State, Late Uche Atuzie.

Speaking with The Tide, shortly after the event yesterday, the Chairman of the Press Week Committee, Olalekan Ige, explained that the 11 distinguished journalists who received the Lifetime Achievement Award “have consistently, throughout their careers, brought great honour and pride to the NUJ, in addition to rising to the pinnacle of the profession.

Ige also stated that those given the Special Recognition Award are “senior journalists who have attained great heights in the media profession and have maintained a high level of excellence in journalism.”

He added that NUJ also decided to honour some past chairmen of the Council for their meritorious service and leadership at various times, while reporters who have consistently demonstrated excellence in news reporting and have brought pride to the NUJ were also recognised.

Boye Salau & Kevin Nengia

News

Group Doles out N13m To Market Women In Isiama

Published

21 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

The peaceful Town of Isiama in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State was at the weekend agog with activities following the donation of over N13million to market women by Engr. Justus Ngerebara in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiatives, a non-governmental organization, as part of its first phase empowerment programme.

According to Justus Ngerebara, who is also the Executive Director of the organization, the women, numbering 108, will receive various sums based on their business proposal.

He stated that the organization will carry out an annual review of the performances of the beneficiaries, with a view to rewarding those who put the money into good use.

According to him, the initiative was a collaborative effort between himself and his wife, Dr. Unyime Ngerebara, in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiative (FDI), an organization committed to youth capacity building and community development.

He said the family believe deeply in the transformative power of women’s empowerment as a catalyst for economic growth, especially in rural communities.

“As the saying goes, when you empower a woman, you empower a community. This truth resonate strongly with us, knowing that empowered women uplift households and inspire generational change”, he stated.

Ngerebara described the programme as the beginning of more things to come and urged the beneficiaries to view the gesture “as a reflection of our deep love for the community and our commitment to easing the burdens of economic hardship.

“We encourage you to invest wisely, channel these resources into your business not frivolities.

“We will continue to follow up with each participant to monitor progress and Offer guidance.

“It is our goal to see thriving business, creative solutions to households hunger and a ripple effect of prosperity through Isiama.

“We also call on the men to stand beside their spouses, offering support and encouragement to ensure these resources are maximized for growth”, he said.

In an interview, Ngerebara said the second phase of the empowerment programme will start very soon, stressing that since inception the organization has done so much for the community.

He listed some of the programmes carried out by the group in the community to include the installation of solar powered lights, and solar powered water.

While declaring the event open, a former coymmissioner for Works in Rivers State, Engr. Sampson Ngerebara, described the event as the first of its kind in the community.

Engr. Ngerebara said the programme will go a long way to improve the conditions of not only the beneficiaries, but also the entire Isiama Community.

He also charged them against wasting the resources on frivolities, adding that their success will attract more of such empowerment programme to Isiama community

Giving a brief talk on women empowerment, a lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr. Awajimogobo Felix MacLean, warned the beneficiaries to justify the effort of the donor by avoiding wastages.

Dr. MacLean also urged them to be consistent in their line of business as well as avoid unnecessary competition.

She also stressed the need for them to network among themselves, while working out ways of helping the community to develop.

Guest of Honour at the occasion, Professor Uriah Oboada Alafonye, said Engr Justus Ngerebara, the initiator of the programme, has set a standard for present and future generations of leaders both in the community and the rest of Andoni to follow.

Prof Alafonye who is of the department of Arts Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, also appealed to the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity provided by the programme to reduce poverty in the community.

Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hebron Mercy Fyneface, a crayfish seller and an interior designer, said it was the first time she was receiving such gesture from any organization or government.

She thanked Engr Justus Ngerebara for remembering the women of Isiama and urged others to emulate him.

By: John Bibor

News

Fubara’s Return Excites NCSU … As Hope Rises For Civil Servants

Published

21 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

The umbrella body of civil servants in Rivers State, the Nigeria Civil Service Union(NCSU) has expressed delight over the lifting of emergency rule in the State and the return to office of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu and members of the State House of Assembly, saying, the development portends good omen for workers, the people and the State.

The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who gave the indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the return of the Governor to office portends good omen and better days for civil servants in particular, stressing that the union heartily welcomes the Governor back to office, to resume his good works in the State, after six months of the emergency rule, as well as his deputy and members of the House of Assembly.

He noted that civil servants in the State are not only elated over the development but are also full of hope that the Governor would start from where he stopped in attending to their welfare needs.

He contended that the political crisis that recently engulfed the State and the six-month emergency rule had for over one year pulled the State backwards, but expressed delight that a permanent solution has been found to stem further political upheavals in the State, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this possible; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and leader of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike; Governor Fubara; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule; members of the House; and other stakeholders for agreeing to amicably resolve all contending issues.

The labour leader said this is the right time for all political gladiators in the State to bury the hatchet, work together and embrace peace and genuine reconciliation in the overall interest of the State.

He described as too hasty the resolution of the House, mandating the Governor to present a supplementary budget to it, and pleaded with members of the House to be calm, to tread with caution, and harmoniously work with the Governor.

He said the return of democratic governance in the State would fast-track progress and development in the State, and enjoined the people of the State, particularly civil servants to continue to give their support and cooperation to the Fubara administration.

Osumah expressed optimism that Governor Fubara would give prompt attention to challenges facing civil servants in the State, being a former civil servant himself, stressing that the workers truly have hope, now that the Governor has returned to office, and knowing the kind of Governor he is.

According to him, he is going to look into the controversial and contentious contributory pension scheme; rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex; recruitment into the state civil service; extension of service and retirement years for civil servants; provision of vehicles to industrial unions; as well as provision of befitting staff quarters for civil servants; among others.

News

NDDC Organizes ADR Capacity Building for Staff

Published

21 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organized a one-day sensitization program for its personnel on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approaches to promote workplace compliance on transparency and due process.

The workshop, themed “Promoting Transparency and Due Process in the Workplace using ADR Approaches in Building a Culture of Accountability and Integrity,” aimed to equip staff with the skills to resolve disputes effectively.

Declaring the event open on thursday in port Harcourt,The NDDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of using ADR mechanisms to resolve conflicts in the workplace.

Dr. Ogbuku represented by his chief of staff,Rev Omeya Oworibo,noted that ADR approaches can encourage a culture of honesty, fairness, transparency, trust, and reduce conflicts among staff, ultimately promoting efficiency and productivity.

He averred that those disputes and quarrels if not proper resolved can derail the vision and objectives of the commission to the people, noting that the commission must as a team and unity as service provider in order to render a profitable service delivery to the people.

“ADR approach will encourage culture of honesty,fairness, transparency ,trust and reduce back bitting and the workforce, noting that such tendency would in turns promote efficiency and increase results in workplace.

when integrity and honesty becomes the operandi of an organisation and employees begins to trust that their matters will be handled with fairness it will breed team work and increase in productivity.”he stated

He commended the department of DCR for organising the workshop and urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity and imbibe the culture of tolerance, integrity and teamwork in workplace.

Also speaking,the NDDC acting director of DCR ,Mr Godwin Ayewumi Ogedegbe noted that the theme of the captures the core of what the commission seeks to achieve a workplace where every action is expected to be guided by openness, fairness, and a steadfastness commitment to due process, where conflicts are not merely resolved, but prevented through structured,principled processes , and where accountability and integrity are not aspirational ideals but every day practice.

In his keynote presentation on the theme “workplace Ethics and alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation,

Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, delivered a keynote presentation on “Workplace Ethics and Alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation.” He stressed the importance of due process, transparency, integrity, and accountability in the workplace, noting that these values are essential for productivity and organizational goals.

The workshop aimed to promote a culture of accountability and integrity in the NDDC workplace. By equipping staff with ADR skills and promoting transparency and due process, the commission can build a more efficient and productive work environment.

By: Akujobi Amadi