The South-South Physically Challenged Indigenes (SSPCI), Rivers State Chapter, has urged the government to prioritise the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the ongoing state of emergency in the State.
In a press release issued recently, the group acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State but emphasised the need for the administration to maintain impartiality and recognize PWDs as special beneficiaries.
The statement, signed by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Itekena Altraide, and Director Administration, Barrister Franklin Chukwuma Izidor, states, “We urge Sole Administrator, Ibas, to ensure that he maintains unbiased responsibility and that PWDs are included in his pro-tem administration.”
The SSPCI also called for a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigerian judicial system, citing the need for the system to meet public expectations.
The organisation further urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to be more proactive in its role as a watchdog of the judicial system and governance.
They said they have taken up the responsibility to reconcile the warring political divide on behalf of good conscience as stakeholders of the State who strive for harmonious living.
To facilitate reconciliation in the State, the SSPCI plans to establish a five-member PWD committee to engage with key stakeholders, including Governor Siminalaiye Fubara, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, and Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.).
“We will no longer be sidelined”, the group declared, adding, “We have resolved to expose our strengths and psychological disposition to those who care.”
The SSPCI’s statement highlighted the challenges faced by PWDs in Rivers State, alleging that they have been marginalised and excluded from life-improving activities despite their resilience and determination.
“Despite our struggles, we have remained law abiding citizens, yet we face discrimination from various quarters, including the governments. We have invested in our education and skills development, but the reality of our exclusion in life improving activities is prompting us to take a stand.
“We are morally pained, emotionally distressed, and our vision for the future is beclouded by these selfish developments.
“No faction considered the impact of their actions on our dear State teetered on the brink of anomie before the intervention of President Tinubu and the National Assembly”, the SSPCI said.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has felicitated with the former State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, on his 60th birthday.
The union thanked God for granting the former governor the privilege to witness his diamond jubilee on earth, urging him to make every second of it count.
Amaechi, who was also the immediate past Minister of Transportation, clocked 60 last Tuesday.
NUJ, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, and Secretary, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, in Port Harcourt on May 27, said Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration was a moment of joy for the union.
“This occasion is also an opportuned moment to recall how God positioned Governor Rotimi Amaechi on the saddle of leadership of our dear State.
“As Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, was known for his focus on infrastructure development and urban renewal.
“His administration invested in road construction and bridge building, aiming to connect all parts of the State as well as power plant projects (Afam, Trans Amadi, Onne) to improve power supply.
“It is an opportunity to write his name on the sands of time through meaningful developmental programmes and projects, some of which are standing as testimonies”, the statement said.
The union said it was proud of Amaechi’s visionary leadership, dedication and commitment to the people of Rivers State while in office.
“The NUJ is particularly excited with the gains recorded during his time when he single-handedly built, furnished and handed over a befitting edifice to the NUJ Rivers Council, which is tagged the best Press Centre in Nigeria through the instrumentality of the then Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dame Ibim Semenitari”, NUJ said.
The council assured the former governor of its unflinchingly support and pray that his 60th birthday will be the beginning of new things that will happen in his life.

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has said it is aiming to increase youth participation in its recently expanded specialised skills-based programme under the Train 7 Project.
Manager of Nigerian Content Development at NLNG, Mr. Dagogo Buowari, made the remark in a statement issued by NLNG’s Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Mrs. Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku in Port Harcourt.
The Manager, according to the statement, spoke at the launching of the Train 7 Project Human Capital Development (HCD) Basic Training Supplementary Programme.
Addressing the latest beneficiaries of the programme, Buowari described the scheme as a significant step in the company’s broader efforts to achieve Nigerian Content targets and to empower the nation’s youths with practical skills.
“This initiative further strengthens NLNG’s role in supporting Nigeran Content development, particularly within the ongoing Train 7 Project.
“We are proud to sustain this momentum in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which continues to drive human capital development across Nigeria.
‘’The supplementary training marks an expansion of the Train 7 HCD Basic Training Programme and offers two distinct learning pathways designed to accommodate the varied needs of participants”, he said.
Buowari noted that the training was divided into two components, which were structured theoretical modules delivered through classroom instruction and practical, field-based hands-on experience.
According to him, both components are delivered through a carefully developed curriculum with clearly defined milestones to ensure that trainees graduate with both industry-relevant knowledge and applied technical expertise.
“Beyond technical training, the programme is structured to comprehensively support the personal and professional growth of each participant.
“Trainees will have access to healthcare services through Reliance Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), thereby ensure their wellbeing throughout the duration of the programme.
“They will also be enrolled in mentorship schemes offering guidance from experienced professionals within the oil and gas industry”, he added.
Buowari further stated that the company would offer additional support services, such as, counselling and emotional wellness resources, performance assessments, and career guidance sessions.
He affirmed that the support mechanisms underscore NLNG’s commitment to both skill acquisition and the development of well-rounded professionals who can excel in dynamic and challenging work environments.
He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunities offered to enhance their skills for the benefit of themselves and their families.
The Tide’s source recalls that Nigeria, through the LNG Train 7 Project, aims to increase its gas production output to 30 million tonnes per annum.

By: Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick