Author: Emmanuel Obe

Renowned environmental activist and Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, on Monday accused the Nigerian government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of enabling decades of ecological destruction in the Niger Delta through weak regulation and failure to hold oil companies accountable. Bassey made the accusation while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Correspondents’ Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Port Harcourt. The event, themed “The Imperatives of Comprehensive Clean-Up of the Niger Delta Environment: Role of the Media,” was supported by Renaissance Africa…

…recruitment of more 5,000 teachers on course The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB) has completed a two-day orientation programme for 1,000 new teachers, reaffirming its commitment to raising the standard of basic education in the state. A press release issued by the Director, Corporate Communications Department of Rivers SUBEB, Mr. Justice Amadi, said the induction introduced the teachers into the policies, ethics, and pedagogical standards of the Rivers State school system. The RSUBEB Chairman, Hon. Samuel Ogeh, said having emerged through a rigorous process, the new teachers should justify the confidence reposed in them by being diligent, disciplined,…

A woman leader and activist in Ndoni Kingdom, Chief Mrs. Adaobi Whyte Ajuwa, popularly known as Ada Ukwu-Ogene of Aboh and Ndoni Kingdoms, has drawn attention for tearing her traditional red cap in protest against the prolonged delay in the installation of a king in the community. The protest, which has become a major talking point in the kingdom, was aimed at expressing dissatisfaction over what she described as years of leadership vacuum in Ndoni. According to reports, Ndoni Kingdom experienced long periods of interregnum, including over 100 years at one point, followed by another 19 years and most recently…

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expanded the responsibilities of the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. (Evang.) Princess Pat Ada Ajudua, by appointing her to also oversee the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Community and Girl Child Support Services. Ajudua disclosed the development in a statement, expressing gratitude to God and appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in her. She described the appointment as a privilege and a call to greater service to the people of Delta State. According to her, the dual responsibility represents a mandate to promote community welfare, empower women, and improve…

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has charged newly recruited teachers of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB) to carry out their duties with diligence, integrity and professionalism. Nwagor gave the charge during an orientation programme organised for the newly employed teachers at the White Jade Event Centre, GRA, Port Harcourt. He described the recruitment as a major investment by the Rivers State Government in the future of children and the overall development of the state, stressing that education remains the cornerstone of societal progress. According to him, basic education forms the foundation upon which…

An energy expert and lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Dr. Joseph Obele, has defended the proposed refinery partnership involving Chinese investors, describing opposition to the deal as politically motivated and driven by advocates of monopoly in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. Obele, who reacted to comments made on Arise Television by former President of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), Dele Oye, said critics of the arrangement were largely opponents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms and persons uncomfortable with increased competition in the petroleum industry. He maintained that while constructive criticism remained necessary in…

The Executive Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Onengiyeofori George, has dissolved the Electoral Committee constituted to conduct the Krakrama youth elections, following allegations of bias and compromised integrity. According to a press release, issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the council, Mrs. Winnie Morganson, Dr. George announced the decision in Buguma, the council headquarters, stating that it was based on “irrefutable evidence of vested interest and predilection” against members of the committee set up by the outgoing youth leadership. He said the action became necessary after receiving complaints from aspirants and key stakeholders, who…

The planned takeover and rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries by Chinese firms has drawn mixed reactions from industry stakeholders and host communities, with operators hailing the move as strategic while community leaders express concerns over lack of inclusion. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) for what it described as a bold step toward revitalising the nation’s refining sector. The association specifically lauded NNPC Ltd under its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, for signing a Memorandum of…

Stakeholders in the media industry have called for a shift towards peace-building journalism that promotes conflict resolution, social responsibility, and national cohesion. The call was made during a forum organised by the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day in Port Harcourt. Delivering the keynote address, Professor Christopher Ochonogor if the University of Port Harcourt urged journalists to embrace what he described as “peace journalism,” a model that prioritises conflict resolution and discourages reports capable of escalating tension, violence, and criminality. “Focus on solutions, not just the problems,” Ochonogor…

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has commended the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, for sustaining and revitalising the long-standing relationship between the Warri and Asaba kingdoms. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Olu of Warri to his palace in Asaba, Delta State, Asagba Azinge praised the monarch for preserving the cordial ties established between his late father, Olu Atuwatse II, and the 13th Asagba of Asaba, the late Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien. “I am happy about the relationship between your father and my predecessor. I also enjoyed a similar relationship with him.…