Rivers
Nsirim Assures CAFFAN Of RSG’s Support
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has assured members of the Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFFAN), Rivers State Chapter, of the support and assistance of the Rivers State Government to boost fish production.
Nsirim, who gave the assurance during the 2021 CAFFAN capacity building and award ceremony in Port Harcourt, last Thursday encouraged the youths to channel their energy towards sustainable wealth creation, and take advantage of the goodwill of CAFFAN to build their capacity since the era of white collar job was over.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Barrister Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo urged the association to start a Young Fishers Club in secondary schools so as to build the students’ interest and passion in fish farming for the next generation.
He also commended CAFFAN for taking advantage of the people-oriented projects of the Governor Nyesom Wike administration; especially in the areas of good road networks and adequate security which he said have enabled the fish business to be moved at a minimum cost within the State.
In his keynote address, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol urged the 100 youths who are beneficiaries of the mentorship and youth empowerment programme of the association to develop their capacity and target towards exporting fishes and generating employment opportunities for others.
Kpakol, who was represented at the event, discouraged the use of anti-biotics for fish production because of the adverse effects on human health.
Also speaking, the member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Abiante Awaji-Inombek commended members of CAFFAN for their determination to increase the production of fishes considering the shortfall compared to the consumption rate required in the nation.
In encouraging the association in the state, the lawmaker said he is presently pursuing the establishment of the Federal Institute of Fisheries in the Niger Delta.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of CAFFAN in Rivers State, Elder Clapton Ogolo noted the determination of the association in partnering with local government councils and other organisations to ensure that Agriculture is made a true business opportunity, employment and economic development as a means of maintaining a sustained food security in the state.
On his part, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Rt. Hon Enyiada Clifford Cookeygam, while speaking on behalf of council chairmen in the state, commended the association for running with the vision of Governor Nyesom Wike in wealth creation and human capital development, stressing that the relevance of his local government cannot be over-emphasised, as it was one of the largest exporters of palm produce and fishes before the deviation to crude oil.
He also applauded CAFFAN for its willingness to train and equip 20 youths in each of the 23 local government areas of the state.
Those honoured for their contributions towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which focuses explicitly on food by seeking to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition as well as promote sustainable agriculture included Senator George Thompson Sekibo, the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly; the Interim Administrator/Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Effiong Akwa; Dr Abiante Awaji-Inombek; and Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Director of Agriculture in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture; Representative of the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture; Representative of the State Commissioner for Youth, Dr Nene Jamabo; Head of the Fisheries Department of University of Port Harcourt, Prof I. D. George; and former Head of Fisheries Department, Rivers State University, Dr (Mrs) Blessing Daniel-Kalio; among others.
The management of the Rivers State University, (RSU), Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt has admitted eleven thousand and eighty-three students to study in various disciplines and courses for 2024/2025 academic sessions in the university.
The vice chancellor of the university,prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi disclosed this during his address at the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the convocation arena in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Zeb-obipi expressed delight that it was a privilege to welcome everyone to the momentous occasion, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students and described matriculation as an important ceremony organised by institutions, especially universities.
“Though this is the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the university,it is the first under my watch as vice chancellor, and I am highly excited that I am having my tail cut in the conduct of this significant ritual of matriculation.”
“Once again, I give God all the glory and thank the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the 14th Governing council under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mary Odili and the host of others who played one role or the other in my emergence as the vice chancellor. May I also use this opportunity to acknowledge my co-contenstants that made the selection a worthy competition, especially Prof Adolphus J. Toby and prof Nkalo H.Ukoima. There is no doubt that they all mean well for the university and as such i am studying the various vision statements they had submitted for possible inclusion in the efforts to implement what we have, “he stated.
He explained that his vision is to transform the university into a world class, innovative, inclusive institution, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility through the re-engineering of the university’s academic, administrative, and community engagement frameworks to ensure that they are student centric, faculty driven, community oriented responsive to the need of the 21st century.
According to him the university aim to achieve the visions by enhancing academic programmes to meet global standards, strengthening research capacity and promoting innovation and improving infrastructure and facilities to support teaching, learning research, and fostering partnerships with industries, government, and other stakeholders to promote community engagement and entrepreneurship among others.
The VC while giving the statistics of the administration said a total of 29,107 candidates took the university as first choice in the 2024 JAMB Examination, 16,172 qualified the institution 190 cutoff mark, 15,348 registered for the post UTME, while 15,014 participated in university test and out of the number,11,083 was admitted.
The VC while congratulating the matriculants, urged them to shun any forms of social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and indicent dressing, adding that the the school has zero tolerance on indiscipline and other anti social behaviours that are detrimental to societal growth.
Akujobi Amadi
The Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown has joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate end to the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State.
The Opobo chiefs Council’s vice chair who was speaking on the sidelines at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the INC held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa last Wednesday, emphasized the gravity of the suspension of a state governor, deputy and legislators, characterizing it as an unprecedented assault on the democratic process.
He argued that suspending an elected governor and the state legislature not only undermine the mandate given by the electorate but also poses a significant threat to the political stability of the state. Brown further declared the suspension as “an aberration and travesty of the constitution.”
His words, “Even though the Nigerian Constitution grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorize the suspension of democratically elected officials, such as governors or members of the legislature. The proper procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes rather than executive fiat”.
Brown went on, “The unconstitutional suspension of democratically elected government officials is a Slowly but surely dismantling of democratic structures. This will not help our fledgling democracy, but will destroy all the gains so far made in this democratic dispensation”.
“This is not just about Governor Fubara; it is about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in a democratic election,” he stated. He added, “Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution.”
He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions across Nigeria.
He further articulated the historical context of the Ijaw struggle for
representation, highlighting the community’s long-standing grievances
regarding political marginalization.
“For over 24 years, we have fought to regain our rightful place in governance,” Brown remarked. “To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the federal government is not just
frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people.”
Brown called for a united front among Ijaw leaders and communities,
urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices.
He underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as vital
pathways to resolving the ongoing crisis, rather than resorting to forceful measures that could exacerbate tensions. “We must engage with
the federal government, but we will do so on our terms,” he insisted.
In closing, Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of
justice and equity, emphasizing that the Ijaw people would not back down in their quest for recognition and respect.
“We are prepared to stand firm and advocate for our rights. Our
history is rich with leaders who have fought for us, and we will not
allow their sacrifices to be in vain,” he concluded, rallying support
for a peaceful resolution that honors the democratic process and the will of the Rivers people.
The high-profile one-day stakeholders’ meeting brought together
influential Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Governor, Douye
Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Rivers State
Governor and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; and former Bayelsa Deputy
Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta
Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; prominent traditional rulers from
various parts of Ijawland; the President of the Ijaw Youth Council
(IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri and many other notable Ijaw leaders from across the Niger Delta.