Rivers
Info Perm Sec Hints On Plan To Fence The Tide Premises … Training For Information Officers
The Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications says it has secured approval from the government for the fencing of the premises of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the Tide Newspaper.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir Honour Sirawoo, who disclosed this during a courtesy call on him by Executive of The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, further said the Ministry has also secured approval for the training of about one hundred information officers.
Sir Sirawoo said the ministry is working hard to start its online publication, adding that to this end, the Ministry’s website, which has been moribund for sometime now, is being revived.
According to him, “We are going to start an online publication. We feel that this ministry can generate revenue just like the media houses.
“Because the only difference between them and us is that we have a full administrative structure, and if we expect them to generate revenue, we should also generate revenue.
“I think they have commenced the process of working on the website.”
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the need for staff of the ministry and its parastataals to be regular at work, adding that the ministry under his watch will not condone absenteeism and lateness to work.
“You know that when you come to work, you must do the right thing even if you are my friend”, he warned.
He said Information Officers at the local government areas must work as a way to realize their expertise, adding that they must report events in their areas to enable the ministry properly inform people about the state.
Meanwhile, Sir Sirawoo has called for collaboration between the NUJ and the ministry.
“We must work together to see that we enlighten people on what is appropriate and what is not appropriate.
“I also want to say that as a union we serve the government of the day, even if you have to critique the government you must get your facts right”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary, who blamed successive leaderships of the union for the dilapidated nature of the NUJ Secretariat, said time has come for the union leadership to work out an arrangement whereby the union’s secretariat can be made to generate revenue and income for the union.
He said one way of doing this is by leasing the edifice to private investors for its management and maintenance.
Sirawoo congratulated the union’s leadership for the peaceful outcome of the just-concluded NUJ election and urged the leadership to work as a team for the realization of set goals.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ, Rivers State Council, Comrade Paul Bazia, described the posting of Sir Sirawoo to the Ministry of Information and Communications as a home coming.
Comrade Bazia expressed optimism that Permanent Secretary will do well in the ministry, especially with his background as a cub reporter who rose from the rank and file to a Permanent Secretary.
“You have grown through the ranks from a cub reporter to become a Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, covered NDDC, and various beats.
“You rose to become chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State on two occasions, President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, and you have become a Permanent Secretary.
“You have vast experience on the field as a journalist, and you are in deployment to the Ministry of Information and Communications at this time”, he said.
Mr. Bazia said the NUJ under his leadership is working hard to change the narrative of the state, adding in doing this the state-owned media houses must be revived to meet up its responsibilities.
According to the Chairman, “We are going to showcase the areas where the state has strength and where there are investment opportunities.
“We plan to also host a media summit later in the year around September to also look at the opportunities that we have in the blue economy, the tourism sector”, he said.
John Bibor & Edidiong Johnson
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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.
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.
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
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