Rivers
Govt’s Inaction, Bane Of Corruption In Nigeria – Prof
The inability of Government at all levels to impose appropriate sanction against citizens found culpable has contributed to widespread corruption in Nigeria.
This is the opinion of Professor Ozioma Bennett Orluweni, while delivering the 53rd inaugural lecture of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) recently at the university’s auditorium.
The Professor of Public Administration said corruption is now seen as the norm in both private and public spheres.
Nigerians, according to Professor Orluweni, are counted among the richest in the world, but their economy is underdeveloped with majority of the population wallowing in abject poverty and misery.
The country, he stated, is ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world, hence it is tagged the poverty capital of the world and among the most corrupt people on earth.
The inaugural Lecturer noted that the so-called religiosity of Nigerians has not in any way stopped those in position of power from exploiting the privilege they have been given by the people to serve at both the Local, State and National levels from abusing those positions through corrupt practices.
He informed that the Nigerian society tend to over emphasise individual goal attainment at the expense of the legitimate means of achieving these set goals.
He observed that “material acquisition has virtually become the ultimate goal, and that the society does not appear to be concerned with how one makes it. All that is important is that one has arrived”.
This, he continued, marked discrepancy between the goals and means in the society, adding that “it has invariably led to various forms of corruption, such as embezzlement of public fund, offering and acceptance of bribe, electoral rigging, examination malpractice, etc., making it difficult to have a corruption free society, especially as the Principal often times not only aid and abet corruption, but also connives in the spreading of corruption”.
Orluweni, who is the Director of the University printing press and Bookshop, hinted that the economic condition of a society induces corruption and called for egalitarian distribution of wealth to reduce corruption to the barest minimum.
He stressed the need for the establishment or reform of the existing public service to the one that is built on rules and procedures, stating that such procedures must be based on “integrity, merit, professionalism and patriotism imbued with the commitment to model against corruption”.
The Professor of Public Administration advocated for stiffer sanctions for corrupt public officials or individuals to serve as deterrence against the institutionalisation of corrupt behaviour and anti-democratic value system.
“A vibrant anti-graft agency devoid of political interest, and dependence on any powerful political class”, Professor Orluweni continued, “should be instituted in the general fight against corruption.
“Such institutions should not only be constitutionally empowered to be independent, they should also be autonomously funded with appropriate legislation.
“The rule of law and constitutionalism should be strengthened to serve as deterrence against corruption”.
The Director concluded by advising politicians to avoid the temptation to play God in politics and to be God-fearing and loving, saying “this will enable them eschew the Nigerian politician’s characteristics of shamelessness, deceitfulness and selfishness”.
These, he said, would improve democracy, strengthen institutions and good governance.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, commended the 53rd inaugural Lecturer for a job well done and welcomed him to the medal class.
He called for caution and moderation in the manipulation of societal resources and described unemployment and poverty as a bane of corruption, which has retarded economic growth and development in the country.
While lauding the Lecturer for doing justice to the topic of discourse, he urged those who amass wealth to reinvest the resources through building of factories, enhancement of massive industrialisation programme, and provision of other facilities where they can at least create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.
In a vote of thanks, Professor Godwin Chukwuemeka Nwaeke expressed gratitude to all who came to identify with the university and the inaugural lecture and expressed the hope that they would take the lessons learnt to better their lot and that of the country.
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Antenatal care and immunization services recorded high patronage during the just-concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week as residents in various communities across Port Harcourt took advantage of the free healthcare interventions.
The exercise, which was aimed at improving maternal and child well-being, attracted women, caregivers and children to different health facilities where a range of free healthcare services were provided.
Findings from selected health centres visited during the exercise showed encouraging participation by beneficiaries despite a few operational challenges experienced by health workers.
At Ozuboko Health Centre, the doctor in charge, Dr. Flag Amachree, said the facility recorded a good turnout throughout the exercise.
The Tide gathered that the team of immunization officers embarked on outreach immunization activities to schools to ensure that more children benefited from the programme.
She, however, identified inadequate supplies of deworming tablets as a challenge, noting that available stocks were being carefully managed to meet demands.
One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuella Edwin, who visited the facility for antenatal registration, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the health workers.
She commended the staff for their dedication, professionalism and friendly disposition, adding that the registration process was stress-free and without any major challenge.
Similarly, Mrs. Esther Abbey said she registered for the free medical services offered during the healthcare week and described the process as smooth and simple.
She added that the programme also created an avenue for her daughter to benefit from immunization services through arrangements by her school.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Philomena Ezekiel, said she was unable to access the service for her children after she was informed that a National Identification Number (NIN) was required before the test could be carried out.
At Amadi Health Centre, the Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Ebere Ikonwa, attributed the low turnout recorded at the facility to inadequate community mobilization, noting that no town crier was assigned to create awareness.
Despite the situation, she said the facility carried out outreach immunization services successfully and recorded significant patronage in antenatal care and immunization services.
By: Esuuk-Awaji Oyet, Princess Akinyemi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, public trust and sustainable development.
The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together key actors in governance, security and the media sector to deliberate on pathways for improved engagement in addressing contemporary national security concerns.
Themed, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, the gathering is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on responsible information management and enhanced institutional cooperation.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initiative was conceived as a high-level engagement to deepen understanding between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the country.
She explained that the summit would provide opportunities for critical conversations on crisis communication, information sharing, conflict reporting and strengthening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
According to the statement, the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders drawn from across the country.
According to the organizers, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit.
Also expected to chair the occasion is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The statement noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, growing concerns over misinformation and heightened public anxiety over national issues.
It emphasized that structured engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in improving crisis communication, reducing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate and responsible information.
Participants at the summit are expected to examine issues such as responsible reporting of security operations and conflict situations, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information and the safety of journalists covering security-related assignments.
Other areas of focus include countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and professional respect between journalists and security personnel.
The summit will also feature goodwill messages, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs before concluding with the adoption of a communiqué and an action framework to guide future collaboration.
The NUJ restated its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and promoting national peace, security and democratic governance.
By: King Onunwor
Rivers
Anaka Community Seeks Development, Unity … Advocates Devine Guidance In 2027 Leadership Selection
The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Community in Akpor Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, HRH. Eze Marcus Oriji, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.
HRH Oriji, who spoke through his son, Alloy Marcus, in an interview with newsmen in the community, said the community is committed to peace.
He described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.
According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress in various fronts, several challenges still remain.
Anaka Community, he continued, has faced developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.
He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.
On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,ii for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.
Marcus explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.
Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.
Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Eze Alloy Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.
He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances.
He urged youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.
The royal representative emphasized that sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.
By: Azubuike Chiwendu, Akpelu Godspower
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