News

RSSDA Debunks Alleged Plan To Recall Overseas Scholarship Students

Published

11 years ago

August 27, 2014

The Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) has debunked allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party in the state that it plans to recall students sponsored on overseas scholarships by the agency.
In a swift response to the allegation yesterday, the agency’s Manager, Media and Communications, Kingsley Uranta, said in a statement, that the party’s claims were false, unfounded and a calculated attempt to mislead Rivers people.
The statement reads: Our attention has been drawn to the news making the rounds that RSSDA “has given a marching order to students of the state origin to return home when they are yet to start their medical programme (MBBS) for which scholarship was offered, and stoppage of payment of their upkeep with effect from August, 2014’’
According Uranta, “This statement is not true. As an agency responsible for the development of qualified manpower for the state, it will be counter-intuitive for us to force our students to return home before the completion of their studies. That will negate the objective of the scholarship scheme in the first place.
Rather, the RSSDA was recently approached by parents of a group of 17 scholars who were among a number of applicants awarded scholarship by the agency to study for first degree in medicine or medically-related courses in 2010.
“Unfortunately, they could not gain admission for medicine after their pre-degree (foundation) programme, and therefore settled for medically-related courses such as Pharmacy, Bio-Medical Sciences and Physiotherapy. The scholars, who have now graduated in these fields with their allowances fully paid to the end of their studies in July, 2014, have turned around to demand for fresh sponsorship from the Agency to study medicine.
“These medically-related disciplines from which the scholars have qualified are also needed in the healthcare delivery system in the state. Besides, it would only be fair that having benefitted from the State sponsorship for their first degrees, other deserving candidates are given similar opportunity. We have already communicated this position to the scholars and their parents on several occasions.
“Since the inception of the Governor’s Special Overseas Scholarship Scheme, we have placed about 2,000 deserving young Rivers State men and women in top ranking Universities across the world. By the end of September, 2014, nearly 1,000 of them would have fully completed their studies, majority of them with flying colours. The remaining are still in the programme and continue to enjoy the full sponsorship of the Rivers State Government”.
It would be recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State Chapter had in a Press Statement titled: “Rivers PDP Raises Alarm Over Plans To Recall Overseas Scholarship Students”, accused the Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led administration of not keeping its promises to Rivers people.
The party had made the declaration while reacting to the alleged “cries and lamentation of students of the state origin sent to the United Kingdom to study medicine by the state government through the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) since 2010, who have just been given a marching order by the agency to come home when they are yet to start their medical programme (MBBS) for which scholarship was offered.
“Faulting the move by the RSSDA to force them back home and the stoppage of payment of their upkeep and accommodation allowances with effect from August, 2014, the PDP in a statement signed by Jerry Needam, Special Adviser on Media to the state Chairman, Prince Felix Obuah said that is not only deceitful and a breach of contract but also a fraud, as millions of Naira had been voted for the programme.”
The party also challenged “both the RSSDA and Governor Amaechi to take into cognizance the far reaching implications of forcing these students to return home without clearing their indebtedness to the UK institutions, a criminal case which can make them (the institutions) to blacklist the students and denying them the possibility of travelling abroad for further studies or any other business in future.

L-R:Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Chairman, South-South Monarchs Forum, Dr Edmund Dankoru, Amanayabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Jaja-Jeki V and Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi-Aidonogie, at a meeting with the Minister of Transport in Abuja,yesterday

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor