Rivers

RSBOPP Moves To Review Procurement processes for service delivery …Hints on departments merger

Published

1 year ago

January 17, 2025

The Rivers State Board of Bureau on public procurement (RSBOP), says efforts are been made to strengthen the existing procurement processes leading to the award of contracts and jobs execution in the state to achieve efficient service delivery to the people.

These measures are a deliberate and determined efforts put in place by the board to ensure that contract awarding and job executions are done in accordance with the procurement laws in the state.

The Chairman of the RSBOP, Lawrence Oko_Jaja, SAN disclosed this while speaking to journalists at corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers state after an interactive meeting held with staffs of the agency, Friday.

Oko_Jaja who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN) stated that procurement has become a global issues, stressing that without a proper procurement plan, it will be difficult for any state or nation to move forward in the attainment of it’s developmental strategies and goals.

The chairman averred that the board has observed some improprieties in the procurement processes on how things are been done which were not in geared to promote value for money and assured that the present Board of the agency would take every measures to ensure that the state procurement laws establishing are adhered and complained with.

“We will ensure that the laws are followed and we have value for money that the procurement must ensure that money is used for contract execution and not to enriched peoples pocket.

To ensure that the money been quoted for any job or contract correspond with the prevailing market price ,we are going to strengthen the monitoring and evaluating team of board to perform their duties, going to markets, verify the prices quoted for and also ensure compliance.

“We are going to look into the procurement law to see how we can closed the existing gaps noticed that are not in line with global practices . This measures will also affect local government area councils in the state to ensure there is value for money and save money for the state government and in doing so, the government can spread its services across the state and not in one place”

” His excellency, the governor of the state has a mantra “Rivers first” we are going to ensure we assist him and the state government achieve this policy by ensuring that the procurement laws are complied with and things are done rightly that is why we are here “he stated.

Oko_Jaja assured that members of the board will not take the opportunity given to them by his the state governor lightly but that they will justified the confidence reposed on them for the benefits of the state.

Earlier, during an interactive staff general meeting with Board members held to brief them on some key decisions taken so far by the Board which are geared to achieve efficiency in policy implementation and ensure that staffs deliver there job responsibilities efficiently.

Mr. Oko_Jaja told the excited workforce that the board has approved the merger of some departments like the legal department, ethics department, the human resources department and the facility management department to ensure maximum output and efficacy in service delivery, adding that the legal and ethics department have been merged to together as one department, while the human resources department and facility management has also be merged together.

He told them that going forward every department will be responsible for it’s responsibilities so to be accountable in the their job delivery and announced that the board has also approved the establishment of a working conditions of service for workers to improve on their welfare as well as to allow staff of the agency grow in the service cadre like their counterparts in the state mainstream civil service as well as other approvals.

Our correspondent reports that the meeting was the first board meeting for the year as well as the first general staff meeting with members of the Board since its inauguration last October by the state governor.

Akujobi Amadi

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

4 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

4 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

4 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor