Rivers

NIPR Seeks Nigeria’s Economic Recovery

Published

2 years ago

June 7, 2024

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called on the Federal Government to take policy steps that will lead to economic recovery and transformation.
Chairman, NIPR, Rivers State, Rev. Francis Asuk, made the call at a walk to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the institute in Port Harcourt.
The event themed, “Walk for Economic Transformation”, which started from Polo Club, GRA, to the Isaac Boro Park, had members of NIPR Rivers, NIPR Students Association (NIPRESA), security agencies and corporate bodies joining in.
In his speech, the State NIPR boss, Rev. Asuk said the call became imperative as Nigeria is in dire need of economic recovery to improve on the living conditions of her people.
He observed that Nigerians the world over were succeeding in their professions, but a bad reputation was hampering her economic growth. Consequently, the need for Nigeria to rebuild her integrity, for which the NIPR is taking the lead in ensuring that the country regains her reputation among the comity of nations.
“Today, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations is beginning a road walk for economic transformation for our nation.
“In 2023, we attained 60 years. This celebration is to mark that event and accordingly the NIPR Governing Council, which is the body that oversees the regulation and the practise of Public Relations led by the President of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, supported by its members, are taking a road walk across the nation for economic transformation.
“NIPR has taken up the task of ensuring that we rebuild a better reputation for Nigeria”, he said.
Rev. Asuk decried quackery in Public Relations practise and called on organisations to always engage only certified Public Relations practitioners.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, commended NIPR for the laudable initiative.
“These activities of NIPR are geared towards not just marking the institute’s 60th anniversary, but the commitment to it, and sustainable development which we are driving in advancing our Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s health for all for Rivers people.
“The Governor’s health for all project is geared towards empowering the health, well-being and sustainable development for the good of the State”.
The NIPR Diamond Anniversary celebrations also featured a tree planting exercise in line with the Green Nigeria Initiative.
Stakeholders from the Rivers State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; Commissioner for Power, Solomon Eke; Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill; and traditional Rulers, Eze Upata of Upata Kingdom, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo; and Eze Gbaka-Gbaka of Evo Kingdom, King Leslie Eke, were on hand to plant trees of transformation at the NIPR Garden at the Isaac Boro Park.
Others include: the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olatunji Disu; Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Rivers State, Basil Igwebueze; Chairman National Orientation Agency, Young Ayotamuno; Head Corporate Communications, Indorama Petro chemicals, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, and his counterpart at NLNG, Andy Odey; as well as fellows of the institute, who also joined in the tree planting exercise.
The NIPR 60TH Anniversary celebrations continued with a public lecture titled “60 years of Public Relations practice in Nigeria: Milestones, New Trends and Prospects” delivered by Prof. G. B. Okon at POWA Complex, Old GRA, yesterday.

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

15 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

15 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

15 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