Author: Emmanuel Obe

Experts and stakeholders in the blue economy have said that massive investment in key infrastructure and good governance were crucial in unlocking the vast benefits of the blue economy in Rivers State. This was the key takeaway from the opening day of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Week in Rivers State. The theme of the event, “Blue Economy: Starting Steps for Rivers State,” highlighted the state’s rich ocean resources and the untapped potential for economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods. The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Mr. Amaechi Okonkwo, said,…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has taken a significant step towards fostering economic growth in the Niger Delta by releasing N10 billion to the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA). This initial installment of a promised N30 billion investment aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and empower businesses at all levels. The announcement came during the inauguration of the NDCCITMA board of directors in Port Harcourt. NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the commission’s commitment to supporting commerce and trade in the region. “We are fulfilling our promise by releasing this N10 billion to kick-start…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has reiterated his commitment to restoring vandalized infrastructure across the state, assuring residents that his administration would prioritize these repairs within its available resources. Ibas made the commitment when he inspected ongoing road projects, assessed the damage to local government council secretariats, and the newly inaugurated Bori Zonal Hospital. The tour encompassed road projects in Khana Local Government Area, including the Nyhokhana-Kenkhana road connecting Luuwa to Baani communities and the Zakphor-Bateem road. In Eleme, the Administrator inspected the internal roads and drainage projects alongside the Eleme section…

Bayelsa State Government has condemned the recent act of sabotage on the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline, located between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The pipeline was damaged in what authorities are calling a “criminal act of economic sabotage”.In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, declared that the government will not tolerate such destructive behavior. She emphasized that security agencies are working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent future incidents. “The protection of national assets is a collective responsibility,” she urged citizens, imploring them to remain vigilant and report…

Amidst rising political tension in Bayelsa State, a High Court in Yenagoa has issued an injunction preventing a planned mega rally in support of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The court, presided over by Justice I.A. Uzakah, granted an ex-parte motion on Thursday, effectively halting the rally scheduled for April 12th in Yenagoa. The motion was filed by the Bayelsa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN. The lawsuit named the rally organizers, NEW Associates, and their representative, Mr. George Turnah, along with Minister Wike himself, as defendants. The Nigeria Police Force, the…

Thursday’s cancellation of all pending contract tenders by the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (RTD.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has sent concerns through the state.The cancellation, which was taken in response to the Supreme Court upholding the Appeal Court ruling suspending Governor Siminilayi Fubara’s government, has sparked concerns from various stakeholders who fear it will hinder project implementation and cost the state dearly.The government’s official announcement, issued by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, cited the lack of an Appropriation Law following the court’s ruling as the justification for the cancellation. It mandated all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies…

The Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, is set to host its annual Press Week, themed, “Blue Economy: Starting Steps for Rivers State,” with a focus on “Enhancing The Safety and Economic Wellbeing of Journalists in a Period of Tension and Economic Crisis.” The event kicks off on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the NBA Hall, opposite the City Council secretariat in Port Harcourt. The week-long program aims to explore the potential of the Blue Economy for Rivers State, a sector that holds immense promise for economic diversification and growth. The theme reflects the…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, on Thursday hosted a delegation of Rivers State Caucus members at the National Assembly and stressed the importance of their partnership in realizing the state’s ambitious development agenda. The meeting, held at Government House in Port Harcourt, saw the Administrator outlining his administration’s priorities, focusing on restoring peace, fostering economic growth, and delivering vital public services. He said, “We have made notable progress in restoring peace and stability to our great state,” Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas stated, acknowledging the difficult circumstances brought about by the recent declaration…

…Mitee, others dropped as non-executive directors President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Group Chief Executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He is Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojukari. Ojulari, who hails from Kwara State, was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company. Renaissance recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion. A new Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of NNPCL was also appointed. He is Ahmadu Musa Kids, who replaces Pius Akinyelure. The appointments…

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reviewed its decision to hold its 2025 annual general conference (AGC) in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital because of the state of emergency declared by the President in the state. A statement issued by the association after a virtual meeting called to discuss the hosting of the conference, said, “The NBA at its virtual Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, March 27 resolved to allow the National Executive Committee to Conduct further Consultations regarding the 2025 Annual General Conference scheduled to take place in Rivers State and report to NEC. “NEC…