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Prioritise Human Capacity Dev, Don Urges Leaders, Stakeholders

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The Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port-Harcourt, Prof Kingdom Orji, has urged Nigerian leaders and stakeholders to quickly prioritis e human capacity development to complement efforts made by government.
He said this can be done through skills trainings and job placement for Nigerian youths and other citizens by providing necessary training programmes for them.
Speaking to newsmen recently in Port-Harcourt, shortly after the 42nd Convocation ceremony of the institution, Orji stated the need for government at all  tiers to open discussions with major companies and professionals on the possibility of placing Nigerian youths, women, the elderly and the vulnerable in the society on the path of growth..
According to him, beside the training programmes and placement for Nigerians, the government and other stakeholders should also work out modalities that would get adequate remuneration from their employers, especially those of them that are working.
“Nigerians are in dire need of moving from poverty to prosperity, if our leaders and stakeholders are ready to do the needful.
“They need to discuss with professionals for their skills training and job placement, at every point in time, in any organized fora.
“Nigerians believe that the standard wage to the average workers in the country, which remains key to purposeful governance, must be adequately addressed.
“This, our leaders and stakeholders should take very seriously. They should call for discussions by leaders and stakeholders and whatever decisions reached with professionals must be put in practice to ensure that Nigerians who are workers are engaged further in professional training to allow for productive services”, he said.
On the economic turn-around in tertiary education in the school, Prof. Orji attributed it to the quality service delivery mantra of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s administration in the education sector in the state within the past one year.
He expressed delight at the impact made by the Governor to the ivory tower, describing his government as most remarkable, result-oriented, and dynamic in all ramifications.
He aslo emphasized on the need for well- sequenced and timely economic reforms to stabilize Nigeria’s economic landscape.
The don stressed that even beneficial reforms could have adverse effects, if not properly sequenced.
7 them against social ills, such as cultism, prostitution, examination malpractices, sorting, and other obnoxious characters that would mar them at the end of their programmes.
He admonished graduands of the university to be good ambassador by displaying whatever orientation acquired while in school for posterity.

By: Bethel Toby

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Rivers

Ogoni Community Rejoices Over Return Of Peace 

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The people of Zaakpon Community in Khana Local Government Area, in Ogoni,  of Rivers State, have expressed happiness over the return of peace in the community.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving Service held at Zaakpon townsquare on Sunday, the Coordinator, Bua-Zaakpon Prayer Team, Charles Daka, said the  thanksgiving service was to celebrate seven years of the return of peace in Zaakpon.
He called on the people of Zaakpon to continue to work harder in order to  sustain the existing peace in the community.
The prayer coordinator also thank God for the peace that has returned, adding that the crisis that erupted in 2019 destroyed properties, life, schools and other commercial activities in the community.
“Innocent people were brutally murdered, churches, schools and other commercial activities were shutdown.
“It was so pathetic, but we thank Almighty God in his mercy for the return peace on the land.
“God used His son, Gani Toba, and some devoted Christians, mostly females, who were instrumental to intercession for divine intervention and God answered their prayers and restored peace in Zaakpon”, Daka said.
Daka also appreciated the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the peace initiative and development in Zaakpon Community.
He urged the people of Rivers State to continue to support the Governor in order to attract more development in the state.
On his part, the Gbenemene of Kologbere-Bua-Zaakpon Community, King John Suka-Bakpo, said he will continue to work with all relevant authorities to ensure that the existing peace becomes a lasting one in Rivers State and beyond.
“I want to thank God for the peace we enjoyed all this years. Also, I want to thank God for our son, Gani Toba, for his role in returning peace in our community, Zaakpon.
“He used his time and money to ensure peace returns to our community.
“I want also thank our Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who has shown that he is a son of Zaakpon”, Chief Bakpo said.
He  advised parents to counsel their children to maintain harmony in the community.
Kiadum Edookor
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Rivers

KALCCIMA Inaugurates New Executive Council … Pledges Renewed Drive For Kalabari Economic Growth

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The Kalabari Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KALCCIMA) has formally inaugurated its new Executive Council (Exco) in a ceremony marked by optimism, strong institutional backing, and renewed commitment to economic development in Kalabari land.
Inaugurating the new Executive, the National Deputy President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, charged the new leadership to position KALCCIMA as a catalyst for inclusive growth, enterprise development, and strategic engagement with government and the private sector.
The newly inaugurated officers of KALCCIMA are: Elder Monima Daminabo (President); Amb. Clement Akanibo (First Deputy President); Boma Kaladokubo (Second Deputy President); Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison (Executive Secretary/Director-General); and Faaye Franklin (Treasurer).
Others are: Engr. Robinson Success (Financial Secretary); Ibiba Don-Pedro (Public Relations Officer); Princess Nancy Boma Princewill (Organising Secretary); Barr. Idaoyibo Fortune Igbikikuno (Legal Adviser); and Abiye George, who emerges as the Welfare Officer.
In his keynote address, Dr. Membere-Otaji congratulated the Exco and emphasized the strategic importance of a vibrant local chamber to regional and national economic growth.
He urged the leadership to align KALCCIMA’s programmes with NACCIMA’s national vision, stressing professionalism, transparency, and innovation in advancing commerce, mining, agriculture, and small and medium-scale enterprises in Kalabari.
“The Chamber must become a rallying point for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Kalabari has immense economic potential, and KALCCIMA must provide the structure and leadership to unlock it”, he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pastor Prince Billy Harry, charged the Exco to lead with integrity, unity, and purpose.
He encouraged them to move beyond ceremonial roles and focus on tangible outcomes that would uplift Kalabari communities, empower youth and women, and attract sustainable investments.
In his acceptance remarks, Elder Monima Daminabo, President of KALCCIMA, expressed gratitude to NACCIMA, the Board of Trustees, and stakeholders for their confidence in the new leadership.
He assured members that the Exco would prioritize stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and partnerships aimed at stimulating trade, supporting local industries, and promoting agricultural and maritime opportunities unique to the Kalabari axis.
Highlight of the occasion was presentation of goodwill messages by notable professionals and stakeholders, including Arc. Eniye Braide, Arc. Danny Sokari George, and Ebianga Bestmann, all of whom commended the inauguration and expressed confidence in the capacity of the new Exco to reposition KALCCIMA as a strong voice for economic advocacy and development.
They urged the chamber to leverage Kalabari’s strategic location, cultural heritage, and human capital to foster entrepreneurship, attract investments, and contribute meaningfully to the economic prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
The inauguration ceremony ended on a note of collective resolve, with stakeholders expressing hope that the new leadership would usher in a new era of relevance, impact, and sustainable development for KALCCIMA and the entire Kalabari nation.
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Rivers Police Commissioner Condemns Vigilante Group Over Aluu Attack

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The Rivers State  Commissioner of Police, Mr.  Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has condemned the actions of the vigilante operatives involved in the recent gun attack on residents of Unity Estate at Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, said the Rivers Police Commissioner noted that no group was  permitted to take the law into its own hands irrespective of their claims.
The Police Command, through the statement, reassured residents of the State of their safety.
“Members of the public are advised to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.  Efforts are on  to bring all those involved to justice”, it said.
Meanwhile, normalcy was said to have  returned to the area following the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the attack.
The assault occurred in broad daylight on January 5, 2025, when armed men stormed the Mbodo–Aluu estate, firing shots indiscriminately and unleashing fear across the once-peaceful neighbourhood.
According to Police findings, the attackers were suspected members of a vigilante group, the Onelga Peace And Advisory Committee popularly known as OSPAC  from parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The Police report said the attack was allegedly supported by some hired thugs brought in to reinforce the operation.
Witnesses said the assailants were armed with Pump-Action guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.
 The Police noted that the coordinated attack resulted in the destruction of sections of the estate, with several vehicles vandalised in what residents described as a calculated show of force.
One of the victims was shot in the leg during the attack and was  abducted subsequently by the gunmen.
Swift police action followed a distress call, with operatives from the Choba Division racing to the scene and receiving reinforcement from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams.
The combined operation led to the successful rescue of the abducted victim, who was immediately rushed to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.
Exhibits recovered include one automatic Pump-Action gun, a live cartridge, expanded shells, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses and a Siena van allegedly used during the operation.
King Onunwor
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