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Experts in Rivers Tackle Climate Change Impact on Agriculture

By
Benedicta
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Agriculture and environmental professionals concluded a four-day training organized by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges climate change poses to agriculture.

The training, held under the ‘SUSTAIN International’ initiative in Port Harcourt, focused on equipping participants with strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on farming, such as adopting climate-resilient seeds and technologies.

The workshop highlighted the importance of applying newly acquired skills in farm projects across Nigeria to benefit grassroots farmers. Led by experts from IFAD and other international organizations, the training centered on the Social, Environmental, and Climate Assessment Programme (SECAP), which governs all IFAD-supported agricultural projects in the country.

Participants included professionals from IFAD projects such as LIFE-ND, VCDP, and SAPZ, along with representatives from state and federal government agencies, environmental experts, and other stakeholders.

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They were trained to anticipate challenges such as flooding, unseasonal rains, and drought, and to develop solutions, including fabricating technologies to combat these issues. The training also emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, highlighting power dynamics and the need for updated data to ensure effective project implementation.

Experts proposed forming a SECAP community of practice to foster continuous learning, experience-sharing, and peer support across IFAD programs globally. They also resolved to integrate SECAP standards into their respective projects, ensuring compliance with social, environmental, and climate requirements. Efforts will be made to extend these practices to state-level decision-makers and farmer organizations for widespread adoption.

Facilitator and IFAD consultant Priscilla Achakpa explained the training’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of understanding SECAP’s role in various project components. She noted that the monitoring and evaluation of IFAD projects would be aligned with the SECAP training module.

The initiative, which is part of a global exercise spanning 59 countries in Africa and Oceania, was conducted in two cohorts—policy and decision-makers in one, and professionals handling implementation in the other. The program reflects IFAD’s commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices to combat climate change worldwide.

Ahoada youth PRO heads to court over killing allegation

By
Editor
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By Mark Lenu

 

The Public Relations Officer of Ahoada Igbu Youth Congress, Comrade Ekeakita Hector Chinem has approached a magistrate court sitting in Port Harcourt over an allegation of killing leveled against him.

Hector who described the allegation as a defamation of his character said the intention of his accusers was to have him spend this year’s Christmas in detention.

However, the court could not entertain the matter on Monday and ordered the suspects who were arrested in connection with the allegation to be remanded in police custody and be brought to court on a later date.

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The youth PRO told our correspondent that one Menwe James Nnamdi and Ekele Okorogba, all from Ihugbogo Community in Ahoada East LGA alleged that “I Ekeakita Hector Chinem killed and robbed one late Godstime Innocent from Ihugbogo Community along Civil Defence Road on 17th November 2024 around 9 pm on that fateful day.

“As I am talking to you, the police are on top of the matter. The very night that he (James) claimed I killed his brother, luckily enough I was with SP Chukwuma at a hotel and I went to a club where I stayed till 12am even the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer confirmed it when my accusers came to lay this allegation against me.”

According to James, “Hector murdered my younger brother named Godstime Innocent on Sunday evening around 9 pm in Ahoada main town. My younger brother was able to drag with Hector and disarmed the gun magazine Hector used in assassinating my brother.

“As I am talking to you right now, the gun magazine is with the Ahoada East Police Division as evidence.”

Hector is praying for justice to take its course while strongly dissociating himself from the killing of the deceased, adding that his accusers and their sponsors are those who want to undermine his efforts in exposing crime and criminality in the area.

The state police command who had confirmed the incident said the motorbiker was killed while attempting to rob him, adding that investigations are ongoing to unravel the motive behind the murder.

Rivers State High Court to Hear Interlocutory Injunction in PDP Congress Dispute

By
Editor
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By Tina Amanda

 

A Rivers State High Court presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, has scheduled January 15, 2025, for the hearing of arguments on an interlocutory injunction filed by two Port Harcourt-based legal practitioners, Edwin Woko and Love Otuonye, along with two other members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The applicants are challenging the validity of the congresses held in Rivers State on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, across 319 wards, 23 local government areas, and the state structure of the PDP.

They are seeking a court order to nullify the congresses, alleging they were conducted in violation of a court order issued on July 16, 2024.

The applicants are seeking an injunction to restrain the state PDP Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, and other defendants from acting or parading themselves as members of the State Executive Committee.

They are also requesting the court to recognize them as legitimate members of the State Executive Committee and direct the PDP and its National leadership to deal exclusively with them.

During the court session, the defense counsel, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court about the absence of the claimants’ counsel. Following this, Justice Stephen Jumbo adjourned the matter to January 15, 2025, for the hearing of arguments on the interlocutory injunction.

The outcome of the hearing is expected to have significant implications for the leadership structure of the PDP in Rivers State.

Naira Appreciates by 8.24% Against Dollar in One Week

By
Precious Aniefiok
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The naira has made significant gains against the US dollar, appreciating by 8.24% within a week. This improvement is attributed to the introduction of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new foreign exchange platform, which has facilitated more transparent trading and bridged the gap between the official and parallel markets.

According to data obtained from the CBN’s website, the closing exchange rate rose from N1,672.69 per dollar on Friday, November 29, 2024, to N1,535 per dollar on Friday, December 6, 2024. This represents a gain of N137.69 against the US dollar.

The naira’s improvement is also attributed to higher liquidity and stability in the foreign exchange market. The CBN’s platform has introduced an automated trade-matching system, which has improved market integrity and facilitated better price discovery.

Throughout the week, the naira saw steady boosts in its exchange rate, with fluctuations each day. Here’s a breakdown of the daily exchange rates:

  • Monday, December 2: N1,660 per dollar (0.76% increase)
  • Tuesday, December 3: N1,625 per dollar (2.11% increase)
  • Wednesday, December 4: N1,608 per dollar (1.05% increase)
  • Thursday, December 5: N1,567 per dollar (2.55% increase)
  • Friday, December 6: N1,535 per dollar (2.04% increase)

The recent appreciation of the naira has been welcomed by experts, who attribute the improvement to a combination of factors, including the introduction of the new FX platform, higher liquidity, and stability in the foreign exchange market.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, noted that the recent improvement in the value of the naira is a welcome development, but emphasized the need to sustain the gain through fiscal discipline and monetary policy management.

“The recent improvement in the value of the naira, I’m talking about the naira exchange rate, is a welcome development. It is a development that gladdens the hearts of individuals and corporations because the exchange rate issue has been one of the biggest challenges facing the economy,” Yusuf said.

“It has been one of the biggest drivers of inflation, the biggest driver of the high cost of doing business, so it is a great relief that we are having this development. Our prayer and hope is that this should be sustained going forward.”

Yusuf pointed out that the recent Eurobond offering of Nigeria has also handed the country a boon as it increased investors’ confidence.

Adeyemi Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, also called for a sustenance of the stronger naira, urging the Federal Government to strengthen existing measures to upscale crude oil production for export and promote non-oil export.

“While we recognised and appreciate the recent improvements, it is, however, difficult to definitively pinpoint the reasons for the improvement except the recent $2.2bn Eurobond loan secured by the Federal Government or the upsurge in diaspora remittances as a result of the festive season,” Oyerinde said.

“However, to sustain and improve the appreciation in the naira value, which is what the private sector desires, we urge the Federal Government to strengthen existing measures to upscale crude oil production for export, entrench a better monetary and exchange rate management through judicious and productive allocation of available forex, promote non-oil export and further encourage domestic refining of crude oil by private individuals and, of course, the Port Harcourt refinery to end importation of refined fuels, and improve government patronage on made in Nigeria goods and services to lower dollar movement outside the country.”

The CBN’s new foreign exchange platform, which was introduced to enhance transparency and operational efficiency in Nigeria’s FX market, has been instrumental in facilitating the naira’s appreciation.

The platform, which became operational on December 2, 2024, aims to provide a more transparent and efficient way of trading foreign exchange in Nigeria.

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The CBN explained that the Bloomberg BMatch platform introduces an automated trade-matching system to improve market integrity and facilitate better price discovery, ensuring that trades are more transparent and easier to monitor.

The Director of the CBN’s Financial Markets Department, Omolara Duke, noted in a circular to banks that the initiative represents a significant advancement in ensuring uniformity and seamless operations among market participants.

Nigeria returned to the international bond market last Monday, raising $2.02bn through Eurobonds sold in two tranches. The offering was oversubscribed by $9.01bn, significantly boosting liquidity for the local currency. The Federal Government issued $1.05bn in 10-year bonds at a 10.375 percent coupon rate and $700m in 6.5-year Eurobonds maturing in 2031 at a 9.625 percent coupon rate. This Eurobond is expected to boost dollar liquidity in the country, supplementing the introduction of the new FX platform.

At N1,535/$, the naira recorded one of its best performances in recent months, adding to the momentum built since EFEMS was launched.

As the official market experienced rapid gains in the exchange rate, the parallel market, where forex is sold unofficially, presented an even more unsettling scenario for speculators.

By the end of the week, the exchange rate was trading at N1,570/$ at the parallel market, a sharp decline from N1,700/$ earlier in the week, as the naira continued its strong recovery against the dollar.

Over the weekend, the naira rose sharply in the parallel market, peaking at N1,530/$ on Saturday morning before settling at N1,580/$ on Sunday.

The recent appreciation of the naira has been welcomed by experts, who attribute the improvement to a combination of factors, including the introduction of the new FX platform, higher liquidity, and stability in the foreign exchange market.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, noted that the recent improvement in the value of the naira is a welcome development, but emphasized the need to sustain the gain through fiscal discipline and monetary policy management.

Adeyemi Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, also called for a sustenance of the stronger naira, urging the Federal Government to strengthen existing measures to upscale crude oil production for export and promote non-oil export.

Overall, the naira’s recent appreciation against the US dollar is a positive development for the Nigerian economy, and experts are urging the government to sustain the gain through prudent fiscal and monetary policy management.

Any Country Thriving on Social, Environmental, Human Rights Injustice Is Doomed – CEBARAC

By
Editor
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By Tina Amanda

 

 

The Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign (CEBARAC) has warned that any country flourishing under social, environmental, and human rights injustices is on a path to doom.

The National Coordinator of CEBARAC, Prince Wiro, issued the statement in a goodwill message marking the 2024 World Human Rights Day in Port Harcourt, themed “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”

He highlighted the plight of Nigerians in oil-producing regions, whose environments have been devastated by multinational corporations, yet justice remains elusive.

“There will be no future for a country where citizens are denied their social rights, such as access to quality education, a standard healthcare system, and basic amenities, due to corrupt practices by some public office holders,” Wiro stated.

He emphasized that for Nigeria to secure a sustainable future, the government and citizens must prioritize the promotion of social, environmental, and human rights.

According to him, equality before the law, irrespective of status, religion, or ethnicity, is non-negotiable.

Wiro further urged Nigerians to exercise their rights by demanding transparency and accountability from public officeholders at all levels, noting that such actions are vital for safeguarding the country’s future.

World Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10.

IAUE Students Cry Out Over Outrageous School Payments

By
Rejoice Victor
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Students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) have expressed their frustration and disappointment over the recent increase in school fees. The new fees, which have been described as outrageous and unaffordable, have left many students struggling to make ends meet.

According to sources, school fees have increased by over 50% compared to last year, making it difficult for students to pay. Many students are struggling to pay their tuition fees, and the increased fees have added to their financial burden.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for us to pay our school fees,” said a student who wished to remain anonymous. “The fees are too high, and many of us are struggling to make ends meet. We urge the school management to reconsider the recent increase in school fees and to explore alternative solutions that will not burden students financially.”

The situation is even more dire for students who are self-sponsored. Many of these students are struggling to make ends meet, and the increased fees have made it impossible for them to continue their education.

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“The school management should consider the welfare of students and ensure that they are providing quality education and services that justify the fees they are charging,” said another student. “We are not just students; we are the future leaders of this country, and we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

The students have also expressed their disappointment with the Student Union Government (SUG) for not doing enough to address their concerns. “The SUG is supposed to be the voice of the students, but they have been silent on this issue,” said a student. “We urge the SUG to take up our case and to fight for our rights.”

The school management has yet to respond to the student’s concerns, but sources say that they are aware of the situation and are working on a solution.

In a related development, the students have called on the school management to provide quality education and services that justify the fees they are charging. “We are paying a lot of money to attend this school, and we expect to receive quality education and services in return,” said a student. “We urge the school management to take our concerns seriously and to work towards providing us with the quality education and services we deserve.”

Furthermore, the students have also expressed their disappointment with the lack of transparency and accountability in the school’s financial management. “We don’t know how our school fees are being spent,” said a student. “We urge the school management to be more transparent and accountable in their financial management.”

In addition, the students have also called on the school management to provide more support services for students, such as counseling and academic advising. “We need more support services to help us succeed in our academic pursuits,” said a student. “We urge the school management to provide more resources and support services for students.”

As one student succinctly said, “We are not just students; we are the future leaders of this country, and we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We urge the school management to take our concerns seriously and to work towards providing us with the quality education and services we deserve.”

Port Harcourt Onunu Festival Shakes City With Cultural Fun

By
Benedicta
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Port Harcourt came alive on December 8th with the vibrant celebration of the Onunu Festival, tagged HEROES, a cultural event organized by Belema Nelson Onikio, popularly known as Onunuboy.

The festival infused the city with an unforgettable blend of culture, music, and joy, drawing notable figures and residents together in a shared spirit of unity and festivity.

The event featured an impressive lineup of Port Harcourt celebrities, including Sophyn, dancer; Hilary Maduba, veteran actress and politician Hilda Dokubo, renowned model Dame Ibinabo Fiberesima (aka Queenbae), and Brian Jonah Dennis, among others.

Hosted by the dynamic duo Kobo Medlyn and Emmanuel Nengi Obelley, the culturally themed festival delivered a memorable experience filled with entertainment, laughter, and camaraderie.

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Dame Ibinabo Fiberesima generously sponsored the attendance of several guests, while Brian Jonah Dennis added to the festive spirit by providing free plates of the traditional dish Onunu, under sponsors.

Additionally, he recognized Hilary Maduba as the best dancer of the festival with a special gift of N200,000, further highlighting the event’s celebratory and inclusive nature.

Sophyn captivated the audience with her cultural songs, while Ibinabo and Hilda Dokubo thrilled the crowd with their energetic and captivating dance moves. Their performances left the audience in awe and elevated the lively atmosphere of the festival.

Beyond the entertainment, the Onunu Festival symbolized love, unity, and happiness in Port Harcourt. With its successful blend of cultural appreciation, delicious food, and joyous activities, the event left an indelible mark on the city, bringing people together to celebrate their shared heritage and community spirit.

Rivers State University VC to Step Down in 2025

By
Precious Aniefiok
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Professor Nlerum Okogbule, the current Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, is set to retire from his position on March 4th, 2025. After years of dedicated service, Professor Okogbule will be leaving a significant mark on the institution.

During his tenure, Professor Okogbule has been instrumental in driving the university’s academic excellence, research initiatives, and community engagement. His leadership has led to notable improvements in infrastructure, faculty development, and student support services.

As the university community prepares for this leadership transition, there is a sense of anticipation and gratitude. Professor Okogbule’s contributions have been invaluable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students and faculty.

The university is expected to commence the process of selecting a new Vice-Chancellor in the coming months. The search committee will be tasked with identifying a qualified individual who can build upon the strong foundation laid by Professor Okogbule and lead the university to even greater heights.

RSU to Graduate 8,920 Students, Including 120 First-Class Honours and First Nursing Cohort

By
Benedicta
-

Rivers State University has announced plans to award First-Class Degrees to 120 students during its 36th convocation ceremony, scheduled for this weekend. The event will also mark the historic graduation of the university’s first cohort of Nursing students, with a total of 8,920 graduates set to receive degrees.

Speaking during a pre-convocation press briefing in Port Harcourt, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, described the occasion as a significant milestone for the university.

“This year’s convocation is special because it will be recording two significant events in the historical trajectory of the university,” he said. “First, it will be the last convocation where I will be presiding as Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University. This is because my five-year tenure as Vice Chancellor of the university will terminate on March 4, 2025.

“Second, it will witness the graduation of the first set of Nursing graduates from the university. Indeed, the Nursing graduates were recently inducted as professional Nurses by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. This is a landmark achievement not only for the university but also for the Rivers State Government, which is massively supporting the Medical College and the university.”

Prof. Okogbule further noted that this convocation precedes another major milestone: the upcoming graduation and induction of the university’s first set of medical doctors by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria in January 2025.

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The convocation spread over two days, will see undergraduate degrees awarded on December 13, 2024, and higher degrees conferred on December 14, 2024. According to the Vice-Chancellor, this structure is intended to minimize overcrowding and streamline the event.

A convocation lecture will also be held on December 12, 2024, delivered by Prof. Lawal Suleiman, former Vice-Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University. The lecture, titled “Emerging Technologies in Reshaping the Future of Education and Learning Environment,” aims to shed light on the transformative role of technology in education.

Providing details on the graduating students, Prof. Okogbule stated, “At this convocation, we will be graduating a total of 8,920 graduates. The breakdown is as follows: Bachelors Degrees, First Class, 120; Second Class Honours Upper Division, 1,962; Second Class Honours Lower Division, 4,017; Third Class, 757; Pass Degree, 58—bringing the undergraduate total to 6,708.

“For Higher Degrees, we will be awarding 743 Post Graduate Diplomas, 1,195 Masters Degrees, and 442 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degrees, bringing the total for Post Graduate Degrees to 2,212.”

Prof. Okogbule expressed his appreciation for the support of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which has significantly contributed to the university’s progress and achievements.

Samson Siasia sends strong message to Eguavoen

By
Nico Deborah
-

The former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia, publicly advised Augustine Eguavoen to relinquish his position as the interim manager of Nigeria’s national football team. The conversation highlights significant points about leadership within the Super Eagles.

Siasia, who recently served a FIFA-imposed coaching ban over allegations of match-fixing, has expressed his readiness to return to active coaching. Currently unattached, the former Super Eagles striker has chosen this critical juncture to voice his concerns about Eguavoen’s dual roles.

Eguavoen assumed the interim coaching position in September following Finidi George’s dismissal due to Nigeria’s lackluster 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The 59-year-old has since steered the Super Eagles to a successful qualification for AFCON 2025, losing just one game during the qualifiers. Despite these achievements, Siasia argues that Eguavoen should relinquish one of his roles to focus effectively on his responsibilities.

Siasia’s argument centers on Eguavoen’s capacity to simultaneously serve as the Super Eagles’ interim head coach and the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) technical director. Speaking to Brila FM, Siasia said:

“He cannot hold two positions at the same time. He should actually decide on which one to hold and leave the other.”

While Siasia supports the idea of a local coach for the Super Eagles, he criticized the tendency to hire foreign coaches, arguing that Nigeria has adequate homegrown talent to lead the team. He further noted the youthfulness of the current squad, advising patience in assessing their development under Eguavoen’s leadership.

With no official comments from the NFF regarding a permanent head coach, the spotlight remains on Eguavoen. The Super Eagles are not scheduled to play until March 2025, leaving ample time for the federation to make critical decisions about the team’s future management.

Siasia’s concerns resonate with broader issues surrounding Nigerian football management, including resource allocation, leadership roles, and the preference for foreign expertise over local talent. As the NFF contemplates its next steps, the debate underscores the importance of clear roles and long-term planning to ensure the Super Eagles’ continued success.

This development poses a pivotal question: should the NFF maintain Eguavoen in his dual capacity, or will they heed Siasia’s call for a streamlined leadership structure?

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