Rivers

NIMECHE Tasks Govt On Science, Technology Education Dev

Published

3 years ago

November 17, 2023

Rivers State Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMECHE) has urged for more investment in science and technological education in the country.
State Chairman of the NIMECHE, Engr. Promise Jumbo, said this is necessary to fast track development in the country.
He stated this at the maiden edition of the Mechanical Engineering Students Competition at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University (RSU) in Port Harcourt.
The competition was organised by NIMECHE in conjunction with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University.
Jumbo, who attributed the backwardness of the country to poor investment in Science and technological education, said time has come for Governments to invest massively in the development of the sector.
He said the competition was organized to enable the students showcase their talent and encourage the spirit of excellence among them.
Jumbo described Mechanical Engineering as a vast field of engineering discipline and urged the students to put in their best to enable them excel.
He also urged the students not to allow any distractions, adding that it beholves on them to ensure that they put in their best by taking their studies seriously.
Noting that the participants were selected based on their CGPA, he said, “the programm is a maiden competition for final year students of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University.
“It is worthy to note that, the students were selected based on their CGPAS but, they have over 70 of them and these ones were selected based on their CGPAS.
“So, we are going to administer a questionnaire to them and to get the best three out of them, and prizes will be awarded accordingly”, he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Goodluck Ikenyiri, commended the Institution for the programme, adding that it will instill the spirit of competition among students of not only Engineering Department, but of all departments in the University.
He commended the State Chairman of NIMECHE for what he called the excellent idea, and urged other societies to emulate it.
Ikenyiri also called for more students to be involved in subsequent editions, urging students to keep themselves abreast of event to enable them participate in subsequent editions of the competitions.
“We are starting it here and with Mechanical Department in RSU. If you miss it here, we will go to the next school”, he stated, describing it as a surprise package for students.
“It is a surprise package. You may not have known that there is an award to it, but you will soon know, even if it’s a token. But, for a student, it’s tangible.

“So, we want to encourage you. This first one, you are the luckiest because you’ll simple questions, and we will take the best three.

“Secondly, you will be subjected to discussions: the first phase is what the department has done.

“The second is what we want to do, which are simple questions. The timing was supposed to be 30 mins, but we will reduce it to 15mins, 3o questions in 15mins.

“You would have been 10 and out of it we selected 5, but now you are 5 and we will narrow it down. We need 3 to get the awards. So, you are a lucky group, but we must do it diligently and we will mark it right here, then finish up the whole thing today”, he explained.

Ikenyiri used the occasion to encourage the students, saying the programme is their own and not for the organizers.

“The prizes will be given to you on a plater of gold. Therefore, you have to be serious as everything necessary will be done right”, he advised.

He thanked the Head of Engineering Department of the University for encouraging the students to participate in the competition.

Ikenyiri charged the students to always comport themselves well anytime they are called upon, whether in Mechanical or Engineering programmes, adding that they should “dress well because that is the first criteria”.

Highlights of the event was the presentation of cash prizes to winners of the competitions.

Promise Kelvin Iray, who emerged the overall winner, went home with a cash prize of #70,000, while Moi Jessse got #50,000 and Obele Elera Benson cashed home #30,000, after emerging first and second runners-up respectively.

Meanwhile all participants got #10,000 consolation prizes and certificates.

Speaking after his emergence, the winner of the competition, Promise Kelvin Irayi, a final year student of Mechanical Engineering, said the competition was not a popular one and that he searched for it online but didn’t see any link.

He said, the HoD required them to be present and he decided to try, and, “to the glory of God, I emerged as the winner of the competition”.

He encouraged his fellow students to put in their best to enable them win in subsequent editions.

By: John Bibor & Eunice Ubelejit

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

2 hours 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 hours 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 hours 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