Rivers
Commissioner Seeks Improved Collaboration For Women’s Development
The Rivers State Government has called for collaboration among Civil Society Organisations, corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning individuals, with government, to support women and the vulnerable in the society.
Commissioner for women Affairs in the State, Dr. Roseline Uranta, made the call, weekend, in Port Harcourt at a national conference and women empowerment programme, organised by the Rivers State Chapter of Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF).
Dr. Uranta stressed the need for improved collaboration with development partners in women empowerment, saying the job should not be left for government alone to handle.
She noted that government has demonstrated strong political will and commitment in formulating policies and guidelines to act as the needed framework to achieve the goal of improving the lot of women and the vulnerable.
She, therefore, called for “greater support from development partners to foster stronger synergy with government to alleviate the suffering of women and the vulnerable in the state”.
The Commissioner commended the SWEF on the bold initiative to empower over a 100 indigent women in the state, with agricultural produce and grinding machines, describing the gesture as commendable, while urging them not to relent but to continue in the good work, assuring on government’s continued support for such programmes.
On her part, National President of the SWEF, Dr. Helen Taiwo Adebakin, stated that the NGO is focused on resource development at multiple levels.
Such lebels imclude delivering access to education and skills training, providing access to financial resources, such as micro loans and cooperative funding, as well as improved health and social services, which, she said, would ensure that rural women can contribute meaningfully without the burden of preventable diseases.
The SWEF National President further urged the NGO’s matrons and patrons to use their positions to advocate for policies that promote gender equality and resource allocation for rural development.
“Leverage your networks to create opportunities for rural women in Rivers State and beyond”, Adebakin urged, adding that the empowerment of rural women is not just a humanitarian effort, but “an investment in the future of communities within the nation”.
The State Chairperson of SWEF, Lady Adaure Odu, on her part, disclosed that about 10 indigent women were being empowered with multi purpose grinding machines while over 100 would be given agricultural produce to assist them economically.
Lady Odu pledged the unwaivering support and commitment of the NGO to the cause of women, expressing optimism that with the right steps taken, a more just and equitable society will be achieved where women will thrive.
One of the beneficiaries of the women empowerment programme, Mrs. Josephine Woke, who hails from Obio Akpor, commended the organisers of the empowerment programme and gave assurance of using proceeds from the grinding machine that she received free of charge to empower other indigent persons around her immediate environment.
Highpoint of the occasion was an award of appreciation to the Hon. Commissioner for women Affairs for her contributions to the cause of women and the vulnerable in the state, and presentation of grinding machines and agricultural seedlings to some indigent women.
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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.