Rivers

Stakeholders Seek Inclusion Of Climate Change Studies In School Syllabus

Published

4 years ago

April 8, 2022

Some stakeholders in Rivers State are calling for the inclusion of climate change and environmental studies in school curriculum in the state.
They said this at the two-day Climate Action For Sustainability And Environment Project (CASE) climate action manual review meeting in Port Harcourt.
The event was organised by the Rivers Network Of NGOs (RINNGOs) with support from the British Council at the European Union (EU) they said that the proposal will check the involvement of the youths in activities that destroyed the environment such as: illegal oil bunkering.
The participants said these in position of Authorities should devise a means of reaching to young ones especially in their tender age with the view to impcanting in their minds the negative effects of Kporfire to the environment.
Rivers State Commissioner for Education Professor Kaniye Ebeku described the event as timely inview of the negative effect of the black soot on the environment.
Ebeku also said the situation would strengthen residence, climate literacy and advocacy amongst children and youths in Rivers State.
According to him, “ the climate Action for sustainability and environmental education project with a vision to combat climate change and its impacts, strengthen residence, climate literacy and advocacy amongst children and youths in Rivers state is needed not only timely but a welcome development coming at the heels of the effort of the government to put an end to the menace caused by the soot and recated pollutants.
“In addition, recognises also the importance of the growing youths early to take responsibility towards protecting their environment”.
The commissioner also acknowledged that at the global level, initiatives like this help to improve school environments especially resource usage at the environmental footprint where students take in environmental problems and seek resolution at local to national level as well as thinking globally so as to improve students attitude and behaviour as part of developing a sustainability mindset.
The commissioner said the ministry welcomes proactive policy advocacy that will engage teaching and learning without a doubt will welcome stakeholders inputs and collaboration towards improving the education sector.
Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Women Affairs, Barrister Uche Uriri said climate change affects women and children negatively because of their level of vulnerability.
Uriri said climate change has not only increased poverty among the women folk but the health conditions of women and children deteriorating.
She said any action towards teaching the youth the dangers of Kporfire will be welcome by the ministry.
Also speaking an Assistant Director in the ministry of environment Mr. Isaac Nwankwo said the ministry will work towards taking the programme to the grass root.
Nwankwo said the government of Rivers State has started infact by waging war against Kporfire which is one of the causes of climate change.
He blamed the low air quality index in the State on the activities of the citizenry, adding that early education will inculcate in the younger ones the importance of clean environment to human existence.
Also speaking the representative of the European Union (EU) Mr. Temple Ora Eke said policy markers in Rivers State should demonstrate higher level of commitment towards combating climate change.
Eke said one of the ways of doing this is by promoting the concept of “Catch Them Young” across the state.
State coordinator of Rinngos, Dr (
Mrs) Mina Ogbanga said the climate Action pack is a collaborating of 20 years practical of working in environmental education across schools communities and IDP camps pushing for youth led efforts at environmental protection.
“Today incline with the sustainable development Goals 4, 7 and 13, wish to once again make history as we prepare another working tool for environmental education and climate action against 2030 target year”.
Ogbanga said the two days programme was to put implace and inclusive working material on climate action endorsed by the key ministries which role in deploying the manual cannot be over emphasezied.
The event was attended by teachers from some Local Government Areas including Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Ogu/Bobo, Okirika amongst others.

By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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