Rivers

RSG To Relocate RSTV, RSBC To Media Village

Published

13 years ago

February 3, 2012

Barring any changes in policy, the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation (RSBC) and the Rivers State Television (RSTV) may this year be relocated to the new Media Village being developed by the state government.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari said at the premises of the RSTV at Elelenwo during the breaking of one week fasting and prayer session organised by the Ministry and its parastatals.

The commissioner also said that necessary equipment needed for the efficient functioning of the various media houses under the ministry would soon be procured.

Mrs. Semenitari, said that in line with the theme of the fasting and prayer session which is, “Behold I will do a new thing” taken from Isaiah 43:19, the year 2012 would open a new chapter in the affairs of the ministry and its parastatals. She however, noted that any member of staff who cannot meet up with the new expectation would be shown the way out.

She particularly warned that the ministry would no longer tolerate any form of gossiping and blackmailing, adding that staff of the ministry and the parastatals must be ready to obey their supervisors, irrespective of their age and qualification.

“We must work as one body, we must support our leadership.

I don’t want any division, I don’t care what you think about whoever God has placed over you, that is not important.

“You owe that person five hundred percent loyalty,” she said.

The commissioner described that event as a product of divine intervention, expressing the confidence that with its successful conclusion, a new lease of life would be experienced in the ministry and the parastatals.

Earlier, in a brief exhortation, the Director, Government Printing Press, Mr. Augustine Nwikinaka said that going by the theme of the one week event, it was evident that God had properly directed the ministry this year towards greatness.

Mr. Nwikinaka who quoted several chapters of the Bible to buttress his points, however harped on the need for constant prayers to achieve desired results.

The event which featured special prayers for the ministry, the state, the governor and the commissioner was attended by the new Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Jikotude Adamu, general managers of the state owned media houses, directors and other staff.

In a related development, a cleric has urged components of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission to emulate the Ministry of Information by rededicating and thanking God annually.

The Vicar of St Nicholas Anglican Church, Woji District, Venerable Alex Usifoh gave the charge last Sunday at the church’s auditorium during the thanksgiving service organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

King Onunwor & Princess Amadi

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

7 hours 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

7 hours 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

Rivers

NDDC Inaugurates Ultra-Modern Market In Rivers Community

Published

8 hours ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated an Ultra-Modern International Market in Ibaa Community, in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, as one of its projects to impact lives across the region.

The Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Tony Okocha, who was also at the event, said the project would improve local commerce and uplift economic activities in Ibaa and its environs.

Okocha commended the contractor for executing a quality job and appreciated the people of Ibaa community for their cooperation towards the timely completion of the project.

The Rivers NDDC representative said he was inspired to build the market after his visit to Ibaa community in 2024, where he witnessed women trading in makeshift stalls.

The Delta State NDDC representative, Mr. Monday Igbuya, said the market was one of its kind.

He urged the community to maintain and utilise the facility effectively.

The Traditional Ruler of Ibaa, Dr. Wobodo Jonah, the youths and the entire community presented traditional food items to Okocha as a mark of honour and appreciation.

Also, the Student Union President presented an Award of Excellence to the Rivers State Representative in recognition of his commitment to community development.

The ultra-modern market had a storey building with 20 lock-up shops, 126 open stalls, modern toilet facilities, a 12,000-gallon potable water tank, and two office rooms, fully fenced with a secured gate.

The inauguration was attended by dignitaries, including the North Central Representative, Mr. Nicholas Wend, among others.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso