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The Tide To Support NGOs, Others Driving Creative Innovations
The management of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC), publishers of The Tide Newspaper has said it would support non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other development agencies driving creative innovations of young people with a view to boosting wealth that would impact positively on the development of the state and the nation.
The General Manager of RSNC, Chief Ernest Chinwo, gave this assurance when he received in audience a group of NGOs led by Convener, StartupSouth, Mr Uche Aniche, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Acting Chairman, Editorial Board/Supervising Editor of the Newspaper, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, who represented the general manager, said that the newspaper was aware of its social responsibility to the development of the state, and was working tirelessly to create editorial content to inspire innovative ideas that should drive entrepreneurship and business development opportunities.
He said that it was for this reason that the management created two pages to promote activities of small and medium scale entrepreneurs (SMEs), innovators as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and techprenuers in the state.
Chinwo said that SME/Innovations and ICT pages published every Wednesday provide the needed platform for those in the SMEs and ICTs and tech businesses to reach out to the world through the medium.
According to him, Port Harcourt is one of the largest and fastest growing economic hubs in the country outside Lagos, adding that The Tide Newspaper has remained the only surviving state-owned print media publishing regularly in hard copy and also online.
“It is good you guys are here in Port Harcourt. Outside Lagos, Port Harcourt is the largest and fastest growing business hub in the country, especially in the areas of gas and oil, and ICTs. The newspaper understands the importance of creativity and innovations. This is why we have dedicated two pages to give our young startups and innovators opportunity to showcase their businesses and innovations”, he said.
On the request for media partnership by the group, he assured them of the readiness of the newspaper to synergise with forward-looking business people and agencies to complement government’s efforts to attract investors with a view to upscaling economic development of the state.
“We will be interested in partnering with your organisation so long such collaboration will help move the state to the level in terms of economic development. The state government has improved on infrastructure development, and this has enhanced the ease of doing business in the state. We will synergise with your organisation and accommodate your views”, he stated.
Earlier in their various speeches, the Convener, StartupSouth, Mr Uche Aniche, and Executive Director, AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, had said that they were in the office basically to seek for partnership with The Tide as the foremost newspaper outfit in the state, especially in the area of publicity of their activities in the 11 states in the South-South and South-East.
They commended the management of the newspaper for the quality news content that has endeared vast readership to The Tide,adding that they were ready now more than ever before to work with the media to communicate the positive developments in the state to the outside world.
According to them,there organisation would harness the professional tech and innovation community to solve social problems and challenges,adding that they would also promote creativity and innovations among young Rivers people by turning them as wealth creators.
“Here in Rivers State, StartupSouth is doing well but unfortunately,the media is not aware of what we are doing.That is the essence of our visit. We cover South-South and South-East,” Aniche said.
“AfriLabs operates in 52 African countries. We are working together to support young innovators in the state. Through our partners, we plan to build a network of business leaders and entrepreneurs to help push the envelope in economic transformation of the state”, Ekeledo added.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol