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Rivers Varsity Swears-in New SUG President
Rivers State University has welcomed a new set of Student Union Government (SUG) Executives, led by the dynamic and visionary leader, Rizi Wisdom Owabie. The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Faculty of Law auditorium, marked the beginning of a new era in student governance at the university. Recall that the Rivers Varsity has been in the news for alleged mishandling of funds by the SUG.
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As Rizi Owabie took the oath of office, he made a solemn promise to the student community to rule with transparency, accountability, and integrity. He assured them that their interests would never be compromised or violated, and that his administration would be free from embezzlement and other vices.
This commitment to transparency and accountability is a welcome development, especially given the university’s past experiences with admission racketeering and other forms of malpractice . The students of Rivers State University deserve a leadership that truly represents their interests and promotes their welfare.
As Rizi Wisdom Owabie and his team settle into their roles, they face a daunting task: to restore the trust and confidence of the student body. However, with their commitment to transparency and accountability, there is hope that the union will experience a new era of growth, development, and progress.
Recall that Rizi Owabie’s Acceptance and Appreciative speech was thus:
Fellow students, colleagues, and friends, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, love, and joy as your newly elected SUG President.
Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Special thanks to our satellite campuses (Emohua, Etche, and Ahoada), associations, organizations, faculties, and departments for your enthusiasm and dedication.
I’m honored to work with you to achieve our shared goals and build a Rizin’able and student-centered government.
I promise to fulfill my promises and create conducive campus environment for learning, growth, and success. Thank you for choosing me as your leader. Let’s rise together and make our students’ community great again.
Rizi Wisdom Owabie’s inaugural speech has sent shockwaves of excitement throughout the student community, with many student bodies expressing optimism about his leadership. His words have sparked a sense of hope and renewal, leading many to believe that his governance may indeed be a breath of fresh air for the university.
As Rizi begins his tenure, all eyes are on him to see if he can deliver on his promises and bring about positive change to the Rivers State University. The student community is eager to see if he can tackle the challenges that have plagued the university in the past and bring about a new era of growth and development.
Only time will tell if Rizi Wisdom Owabie will be able to uplift the Rivers State University and leave a lasting legacy. However, one thing is certain: the student community is watching with bated breath, and their expectations are high.
Alhaji Asari reveals why Nigeria is not doing well as a country
Mark Lenu
A prominent leader of the Niger Delta extraction and the Edi-Abali of Kalabari Kingdom, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari has analysed some of the core issues that are hindering the collective development of Nigeria as a country.
In a chat with newsmen at his Obuama hometown on Thursday, Alhaji Asari who is also a renowned security expert said the ruling political class is promoting and protecting foreign interest at the expense of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
According to him: “Our government does not have the will to defend our collective rights and heritage as a nation. What foreign interest is our government protecting that it can not protect our own sovereignty?”
Speaking on the oil economy of the country, Alhaji Asari maintained that the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu led federal government was a good move but the funds realised from the subsidy removal have not been properly managed.
He also wondered why indigenes are allowed to extract solid minerals in the North while licensing of petroleum production is highly politicised against the Niger Deltans.
He said Rivers State is capable of owning its refinery but the state political actors are afraid of attempting it because if they do, the Abuja politicians will remove them from office.
Concerning the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Alhaji Asari described him as a negative force in the presidency who shouldn’t have been appointed to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
While urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to stand firm and defend the mandate freely given to him by Rivers people, the Edi-Abali also hinted that Wike is being allowed to disturb the political peace of Rivers State because Governor Fubara does not want trouble. “I believe in the kingdom of God suffereth violent and only the violent taketh it by force,” he said.
Alhaji Asari further clarified that he had no face off with the military, adding that his stance on sincerity remains what he will not allow anybody to take away from him.
He also lambasted Nnamdi Kanu, describing him as a criminal who ordered the killing of several innocent people in the South-east, saying that the decimating of the Eastern Security Network of the IPOB was a good move.
Oil Spill Sparks Environmental and Livelihood Crisis in Rivers State
By Tina Amanda
Residents of Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State are raising alarm over a massive oil spill that has devastated their shoreline since December 13, 2024.
Sources from the community attribute the spill to a suspected leak from a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility in Bonny Island. The oil has spread across the Oyorokoto, Agbama, and Imo River waterways, severely impacting communities along the river.
Reuters reports suggest the spill might have originated from a ruptured pipeline at Shell’s Bonny loading terminal. The spill has already spread over 40 kilometers from the suspected source, with fears it could extend further due to tidal movements.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the area. A similar spill on Shell’s Trans Niger Pipeline III on May 11, 2024, in Asarama community, Andoni LGA, caused extensive environmental damage and disrupted livelihoods. Fishermen lost their equipment, and waterways were heavily polluted.
During a visit to the affected areas, representatives from the Andoni Host and Impacted Communities Bureau and the National Youth Council of Nigeria described the magnitude of the disaster. They highlighted the destruction of fishing nets, boats, and other equipment, leaving fishermen unable to work.
Mangroves, fish habitats, and other marine ecosystems have also been severely damaged.
The impacted communities are demanding immediate containment of the spill, cleanup efforts, and adequate compensation. Nnimmo Bassey, Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), emphasized that aging pipelines and equipment failures are frequent culprits of oil spills in the Niger Delta.
He lamented the lack of accountability and action by oil companies, leaving communities to bear the brunt of the destruction.
Environmental groups and stakeholders are urging government agencies to investigate and hold polluting companies accountable to ensure justice for affected communities.
Port Harcourt Local Government Gives Rivers State University’s Postgraduate Cafeteria a Stunning Makeover
A fresh chapter of comfort and convenience has opened for postgraduate students at Rivers State University, thanks to the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council’s successful renovation of their Postgraduate Cafeteria.
This long-overdue transformation was officially unveiled during a lively handover ceremony, with the Deputy Mayor, Hon. Mrs. Wendy Timothy Kalio, leading the celebration. Her presence underscored the council’s commitment to fostering education-friendly spaces across the city.
Once a cramped and uninspiring makeshift structure, the revamped cafeteria now stands as a welcoming haven where students can unwind, study, and connect. It’s not just about aesthetics; the improved space promises to make learning and campus life a more enriching experience.
Speaking at the event, the City Mayor couldn’t hide his pride, describing the project as a significant step in the council’s broader mission to uplift the educational landscape in Port Harcourt. He hinted that this is just one of many initiatives lined up to empower schools and strengthen community ties.
For many students, this upgrade is more than a mere facelift; it’s a boost to morale. A better environment often translates to a sharper focus on academics, and this renovation ticks all the right boxes.
Projects like this highlight the undeniable impact of investing in education infrastructure. Here’s to a future where every corner of our city thrives—starting with the bright minds at Rivers State University!
Patience Ozokwor Reveals She Dressed Dead Bodies to Support Her Family, Before Fame
Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, recently opened up about her journey and the challenges she faced before achieving fame.
During a pre-premiere dinner for Funke Akindele’s movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa, the actress shared details of her past struggles and the lengths she went to in order to provide for her family. Reflecting on her experiences, she revealed that she took on various jobs, including unconventional ones, to support her children.
Mama G commended Funke Akindele, describing her as a hardworking and determined individual, qualities she deeply admires. She remarked, “Funke Akindele is a very strong woman. I love strong women. I am a strong woman. I am talking about the things that I do at home. I am a very strong woman, I went through thick and thin to become who I am today.”
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Recounting her own journey, she said, “I used to go to the morgue to dress dead bodies so my children could go to school and eat. I did a lot of things to make my family what they are today. You know they say no problem is accepted in his town, but in my own place, they appreciate me a lot because they saw me through all these things.”
Drawing a parallel between herself and Akindele, she concluded, “That’s the way I see Funke. When I see her, I look at myself. She’s a replica of who I am.”
Rivers Workers Urge Action on Secretariat Power Outage
Civil servants in Rivers State are calling on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to urgently address a prolonged power outage at the State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt. The months-long blackout, caused by a major electrical fault, has disrupted operations in several ministries and left workers struggling under harsh conditions.
The affected buildings, Blocks A and B, each with seven floors, house critical ministries such as Health, Agriculture, Budget and Economic Planning, and Culture and Tourism. With elevators out of service, employees and visitors endure the daily challenge of climbing multiple flights of stairs, raising health and safety concerns
The power outage has also cut off water supply, worsening sanitary conditions in restrooms. Ministries now depend on local water vendors, known as ‘mai-ruwa,’ to supply water, a temporary fix that barely meets the demand. While some offices rely on generators to maintain operations, others cannot, leading to diminished productivity and interrupted service delivery.
Civil servants have reported the issue to the Head of Civil Service and the Ministry of Power, but no significant progress has been made. The blackout has forced some workers to operate remotely to meet their targets, while others struggle to perform their duties under the current conditions.
One worker described the ordeal, saying, “For almost three months, we’ve had no electricity. Without light, there’s no elevator, and everyone suffers climbing to the seventh floor. It’s unbearable, and the governor needs to intervene immediately.”
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Despite the challenges, workers acknowledge Governor Fubara’s efforts to improve their welfare. However, they insist that restoring power to the secretariat must be a priority to ensure a functional and comfortable work environment.
The situation has not only affected the well-being of civil servants but has also hampered the efficiency of government activities. Workers emphasize that a prompt resolution is crucial to prevent further disruptions and restore normalcy to the secretariat.
By addressing this critical issue, the government can demonstrate its commitment to creating a supportive work environment, boosting morale, and enhancing productivity across the board. Civil servants hope their appeal will spur immediate action to restore electricity and alleviate their suffering.
NDDC Dismisses Claims of N30,000 Christmas Cash Giveaway
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has debunked rumors of a supposed N30,000 Christmas cash transfer, describing it as a scam orchestrated by fraudsters impersonating the commission.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, revealed that scammers had created a fake Facebook account using the name and photo of Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board. The fraudulent page falsely announced a “Niger Delta State 30,000 Naira Xmas Cash Transfer,” urging people to register for the alleged cash disbursement.
“We wish to advise the public not to fall prey to the scams and schemes of impostors claiming to represent NDDC officials,” Thompson-Wakama stated.
The NDDC urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with individuals promising cash giveaways under the commission’s name. The commission has notified relevant security agencies to investigate the matter and ensure that those behind the scam are brought to justice.
“We have alerted law enforcement agencies to investigate these fraudulent activities and prosecute those responsible. Anyone encountering such scams should promptly report them to the appropriate authorities,” the statement read.
The NDDC emphasized that anyone conducting transactions with dubious characters does so at their own risk, as the commission will not be held liable for any financial losses resulting from such fraudulent engagements.
“We strongly warn the public against dealing with individuals of questionable character. The NDDC or its officials will not be responsible for any losses resulting from unauthorized transactions,” the statement cautioned.
For accurate information regarding the NDDC’s activities, projects, and initiatives, the public is advised to verify details through the commission’s official website, www.nddc.gov.ng, and its verified social media platforms.
The NDDC reiterated its commitment to transparency and safeguarding the public from fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting individuals during the festive season.
611 Rivers Students Receive Host Community Scholarships, from Lekoil JV
In a significant boost to education in Rivers State, 611 primary and secondary school students from Andoni Local Government Area have been awarded scholarships and bursaries by the Joint Venture (JV) partners, Green Energy International Limited and Lekoil Nigeria. Additionally, 1,000 community members received livelihood support packages, including bags of rice, from the JV operators.
The beneficiaries were drawn from Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama, and Asukoyet host communities. The bursary and scholarship programme extended to students in primary, secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, with 169 students from Ugama Ekede and 181 from Asukama receiving scholarships, while 121 students from Ugama Ekede and 140 from Asukama benefited from bursaries.
During the award ceremony, representatives of the JV, Godwin Omayi, Security & Community Relations Officer (CRO), Lekoil, and Asuk Michael Edwin, CRO, Green Energy, highlighted that the initiative aims to enhance educational access and promote human capital development. They noted that the scheme aligns with the goals of the Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama, and Asukoyet Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
“This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting youths’ educational advancement in our host communities while fostering sustainable development through human capital investment,” Omayi said.
The scholarship and bursary scheme focuses on improving educational standards by setting qualification criteria, encouraging academic excellence, and promoting educational competitiveness among beneficiaries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Asuk Nathan Sampson, Chairman of the HCDT Board of Trustees, reaffirmed the Trust’s mandate to foster the sustainable prosperity of the four communities. He stressed that the scholarships aim to reduce school drop-out rates through effective monitoring to ensure beneficiaries complete their educational programmes.
“The bursaries are designed to address school drop-out challenges by ensuring that students stay in school and succeed academically,” Sampson stated.
He urged the students to use the bursaries wisely and noted that such opportunities were previously unavailable to students in the Andoni communities. “We have been praying for this company’s success because their success means more support for us,” he added.
Community members expressed their joy and gratitude for the scholarships. Uwubong Ene-Owa Nicodemus, a resident of Ekede, shared, “We have never seen anything like this before. It’s a first for us, and everyone, including the students, is extremely happy.”
The presentation of bursaries and scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate beneficiaries is set to continue on December 19, 2024. The JV partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community development as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which requires oil companies to allocate a percentage of their profits to host community development projects.
The event concluded with a shared resolve for continuous collaboration between the JV operators and the host communities to ensure long-term socio-economic development.
PETROAN Applauds Dangote Refinery for PMS Price Reduction, Urges NNPCL to Follow Suit
By Tina Amanda
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended Dangote Refinery for reducing the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to ₦899.50 per liter.
This represents a ₦71 drop from the previous price of ₦970 per liter, providing significant relief to Nigerians, particularly during the festive season.
In a statement, PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, described the price cut as a welcome development that would ease transportation costs and offer much-needed relief to citizens.
“The price reduction will alleviate transport costs and bring succor to Nigerians during this festive period.”
Dr. Gillis-Harry also acknowledged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for ensuring adequate PMS supply during the yuletide season but urged the corporation to reconsider its pricing structure to encourage healthy competition in the downstream sector.
“The reduction in petrol prices by Dangote Refinery demonstrates how competition can positively impact consumers. We urge NNPCL to facilitate the privatization of the Port Harcourt refinery.
“This move will introduce innovative consumer incentives, enhance product quality, and improve service delivery.”
Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to fostering a competitive downstream sector that prioritizes the interests of Nigerian consumers.
Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Rescue 10-Year-Old Boy in Rivers State
By Tina Amanda
The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major success with the arrest of a notorious kidnapping kingpin and the rescue of 10-year-old Emmanuel Jonah.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the incident began on November 25, 2024, when Emmanuel Jonah was kidnapped.
His mother, Florence Jonah, reported the abduction on December 4, 2024, stating that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ₦5,000,000.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Nwile Bete of Rumuekeni School Road, Rumuekeni Town. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and led the police to Sogho Village in Khana Local Government Area, where the victim was rescued unharmed.
Emmanuel has since been reunited with his family after undergoing debriefing. Meanwhile, the suspect remains in police custody, and efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the gang.
The Rivers State Police Command emphasized its commitment to combating kidnapping and other forms of crime across the state, in alignment with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.
This development highlights the command’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of residents in Rivers State.
