Author: Emmanuel Obe

The Rivers State Government will from Monday, August 17, commence the commissioning of 10 major people-oriented projects across the state as part of efforts by the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to deepen development at the grassroots. The commissioning programme, which will run until August 28, will cover several local government areas and will include roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure and other public facilities. The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing in Port Harcourt. Wokoma said the projects were tangible evidence of Governor Fubara’s commitment to transforming communities…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to return and complete an electrification project originally awarded to Baa-Lueku Community in Obioakpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The development followed intervention by Dr. Fabeke Douglas of the Ogoni Liberation Initiative and a recent meeting with the NDDC to resolve the controversy surrounding the relocation of the project. The electrification project was initially awarded on March 2, 2011, to Rados Global Service Limited at a contract sum of N198,340,365. According to a report issued by Fabeke on Thursday, August 13, the contractor commenced work but stopped midway. A…

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the implementation of the new salary structure for staff of all state-owned tertiary institutions, with effect from 2026. The State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, disclosed this on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during a familiarisation visit to the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt. According to a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Dr. Ngozi Okiridu, Nwagor said the payment of the new salary structure and the accompanying arrears would commence as soon as funds are released by the state government. The commissioner…

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has introduced comprehensive new standards governing the education, training, assessment, examination, certification, revalidation, endorsement and medical fitness certification of Nigerian seafarers. The reforms, contained in the Merchant Shipping (STCW) Regulations 2025, are designed to align Nigeria’s seafarer development framework with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended. NIMASA said the new standards would strengthen safety and professional competence while enhancing the global recognition and competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers. Under the reforms, updated National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula in Nautical…

…NMA demands Investigation The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, has expressed grief over the death of a young medical doctor, Dr. Stephen Vanman, whose lifeless body was found in Port Harcourt after he was reported missing. The NMA said the cause of death remained unknown, while calling on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice. In a statement signed by the Secretary of the NMA Rivers State Branch, Dr. Diamond Tonye-Obene, the Association said its State Officers Committee (SOC) was informed of Dr. Vanman’s disappearance…

The management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, has suspended all remaining activities of the Students’ Union Government Week following the shooting of a first-year student on the university campus. The student was reportedly shot on Wednesday by suspected gang members, barely 48 hours after a clash between two rival gang groups was said to have occurred at the institution on Monday. The circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s shooting were still unclear as of press time, while the identity and motive of the alleged assailants remained unknown. A viral video circulating online showed the injured student lying on a…

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has charged the newly elected leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide to reposition the organisation and restore the values upon which it was founded. Diri gave the charge on Wednesday when the new IYC President Worldwide, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, and members of his National Executive Council paid a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Yenagoa. The governor congratulated the new executive on its emergence, describing the IYC as the umbrella body and conscience of Ijaw youths worldwide. He urged the leadership to prioritise unity, peace and development while working…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed reports of a disagreement between his administration and the State House of Assembly over the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, said on Wednesday that he was not at loggerheads with members of the Assembly, insisting that both arms of government were working together in the interest of the people of the state. The clarification followed reports published by some national newspapers and online platforms alleging a disagreement between the Executive and Legislative arms over the 2026 budget proposal. According to the statement, the reports were misleading,…

The Eleme Local Government Council of Rivers State has constituted a 22-member Land Disputes Investigation Panel to investigate allegations of land grabbing, unlawful encroachment and illegal acquisition of ancestral community lands in the area. The Executive Chairman of the council, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, announced the constitution of the panel on Monday, August 10, 2026, during a press conference at the Eleme Local Government Council Secretariat. Ollor said the initiative was in response to growing concerns over the alleged forceful dispossession of individuals and families of their legitimate properties by criminal elements operating under the guise of real estate companies. He…

…gives up on Warri over internal divisions Popular Nigerian comedian and actress, Anita Asuoha, better known as Real Warri Pikin, has cancelled her planned show in Warri, Delta State, citing what she described as “unfortunate divisions” surrounding the event. The comedian, who was scheduled to stage the show in the coming weeks, announced the cancellation in a statement expressing disappointment that divisions were emerging “where there should be unity.” Real Warri Pikin said the decision was made with a “heavy heart”, but stressed that the cancellation of the show would not diminish her commitment to Delta State, Nigeria and Africa.…