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Amaechi Signs 4 Bills Into Law …Orders Overhaul Of State Land Survey
Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has assented to four new bills passed by the state House of Assembly.
The bills include the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Amendment Bill 2012, the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board Bill 2012, the Rivers State Governor and Deputy Governor Pensions and Fringe Benefits Bill 2012 and the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Amendment Bill 2012.
Governor Amaechi thanked members of the state House of Assembly for working so hard for the bills signed into law.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon. Otelemaba Amachree and other members of the House presented the bills to the governor.
Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi, has promised to implement the resolutions reached at the State Land Summit which ended yesterday with a view to achieving a paradigm shift in land administration and management across the State.
Governor Amaechi made this pledge yesterday in his closing remarks at the end of a two-day summit held at the Auditorium of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Port Harcourt.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi said “this summit ushers in the process of unlocking the wealth of Rivers State and we are glad we have started it,” expressing optimism that “the implementation of the resolutions reached here will move the State forward,” assuring that “we will ensure that we change the way land is being administered and managed in the State”.
The State Chief Executive thanked the participants and resource persons for their patience, genuine contributions and positive disposition towards issues raised during the summit, stating that these would “make things to work as we embark on this journey to change things in our State”.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barrister Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi, had declared that “those who think it’s business as usual in the way we administer land in the State should be ready to witness some surprises,” reiterating the resolve of the State Government through his Ministry to drastically reduce the timeline for issuance of certificates of occupancy (C of O) in the State, appealing to the public to key in to the new drive.
He disclosed that the process of identifying, mapping and allocation of land in the State has now gone digital, pointing out that the analogue system of cadastral mapping constituted a very serious challenge, expressing happiness that “we have beyond that stage now.
Everything is now being done in line with global best practice across the world,” commending the discussants, resource persons and participants for their contributions during the summit.
Also speaking, one of the resource persons and Project Coordinator, Federal Land Information System (FELIS) in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Venerable Andrus Ukaejiofo, expressed delight on the summit, saying “it is the way to go,” lauding Governor Amaechi and his deputy, Engr. Ikuru, for “their commitment to change the system of land administration and management. They are doing a great work and am proud to be part of this”.
possible to give auted Lands Administration System: the Rivers State Experience at a Land Summit organised by the State Ministry of Lands and Survey on Monday in Port Harcourt.
He disclosed that following the fresh compilation and computerization of land records, the body was able to identify about 11,200 certificates of occupancy so far approved since 1978,’’ but we have been able to integrate survey, registration, mapping based on information available to us ‘’.
On the other hand, he said that there were still challenges stemming from local region since no mapping exists outside the city centre.
He therefore recommended for special local region mapping for a comprehensive land inventory in the state.
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.