Opinion

Task Before Rivers Golden Jubilee Committee

Published

10 years ago

November 28, 2016

By virtue of Decree Number 4 of 1967, the Federal Military Government of Yakubu Gowon created a 12-state structure to replace the hitherto existing four regions. The creation of the 12 states was also contained in a national broadcast on 27th May 1967. Out of the 12 States six states were created from the north and another six from the south. Rivers was one of the states created with Port Harcourt as its headquarters. It is worthy of note that Rivers State was part of the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria.

One thing is clear: the inclusion of Rivers in the 12 state structure did not happen on the platter of gold. Rivers was truly created out of the age-long demand by the founding fathers of the state involved in the Rivers State Movement. In other words, the creation of Rivers was not an act of benevolence.

In fact, writing on State Movement, Ben Naanen (2002) pages 339 to 350 in Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa and Abi Derefa~a in a book entitled: The Land and People of Rivers State: Eastern Niger Delta, explained that the struggle for ethnic hegemony in Nigeria referred to as ethnic nationalism has been linked to the formation of Pan-ethnic unions from the 1920s.

Professor Ben Naanen, concluded thus: “although, these ethnic movements were founded as cultural and welfare associations, they quickly assumed a political character when party politics emerged in Nigeria.

For instance, Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) founded in 1949 transformed to a political party in 1951 while the Egbe Omo Oduduwa established in 1945 constituted the nucleus of the Action Group and so was the case of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroon NCNC inaugurated in 1944 while Igbo Union in Lagos was at the same time the major source of support.

It is no exaggeration that this gradual growth of ethnic politics became a source of worry to minority groups including Rivers people and Calabar Ogoja Rivers State Movement.

This may not be unconnected with the springing up of the Ijaw dominated body called Rivers People’s League of 1941 whereas non-Ijaw groups notable among them were the Ogoni, Ekpeye, Ikwere- Etche and Abua groups sprang up within the same period.

It is on record that the first attempt at the creation of Rivers State came to limelight when the Rivers province was created in 1947 made up of Ahoada, Brass, Degema and Ogoni with Port Harcourt as headquarters. However, all this is history now.

Probably what is most important in the modem history of agitation for the creation of Rivers State was the collective effort of the founding fathers represented by the famous Rivers State memorandum.

It is common knowledge that the Rivers State memorandum was presented to the Head of State at the time, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, by the Rivers Leaders of Thought and was signed by S.N Dikibo, Chairman, Mr. E.N. Kobani, representing Ogoni Division, Dr I..J.M. Fiberesima representing Degema Division, R.P.G Okara Brass Division, Mr. G.B.C Otoka (Opobo Division) and N. Nwonodi for Ahoada and Port Harcourt Divisions.

Besides these signatories, other prominent names associated with the creation of the state were Chief D. Davies Manuel, Chief Harold Dappa Biriye, E.J A Oriji, W.O.Briggs who later defected to Calabar Ogoja and Rivers Movement and much later Captain Elechi Amadi joined before assisting the Nigerian Army to liberate Port Harcourt during the civil war.

It is also on record that on hearing of the new but strong romance between Rivers leaders of thought and the Head of State, the Governor of the defunct Eastern Region, Chukwu Emeka Odumegu Ojukwu, invited another set of leaders of the state movement on September 2, 1966 asking them to give up creation of Rivers and instead promised a province of Port Harcourt and urged them to support Biafra project.

It is for this reason many hold the view that among other factors, Rivers was created to polarize the struggle for Biafra and gained support of the old Rivers people. Be that as it may, Rivers has been created and will be 50 years on 27th May 2017.

Governor Nyesom Wike has set up the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee comprising about one hundred and fifty-one members while a renowned quantity surveyor and builder, Chief Ferdinard Alabraba, and legal luminary, O.C.J. Okocha are to serve as chairman and alternate chairman respectively.

The members who cut across all spheres of human endeavor, comprise distinguished Nigerians from within and outside the state who do business in the state.

Governor Wike, during the inauguration, stated categorically that the terms of reference include among other things to organise a month-long memorable celebration to mark the Golden Jubilee of the creation of Rivers State, to identify, seek support, collaborate with corporate organizations and individuals for a successful celebration and to determine categories of awards and also recommend persons from within and outside the state to be honored. This, no doubt, is a sensitive task that requires not only funds but wisdom and inclusiveness. raIl stakeholders, to achieve set objectives.

To this end, the task before the committee would be to identify and re-enact the first love of the founding fathers of the state which was to create and promote favourable identity of the Rivers man. To achieve this target, the committee must make conscious effort to present an accurate and updated information on the state. Such information should entail demographic details, occupation and culture of the people.

The quest to meet the manpower need of the state informed manpower development through technical and science education and further led to the establishment of the Rivers State College of Science and Technology which transformed to the premier university of science and technology in the country, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Better still, technical colleges and craft centres were accorded priority attention but this does not seem to be the case now.

It is worthy of note that strategic media outfits were put in place to engender favourable identity and they include the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publisher of The Tide Newspaper, Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation comprising Radio Rivers and RSTV.

Interestingly, the government of Commander Alfred Diete Spiff embraced the Rivers Readers Project under the leadership of late Professor Kay Williamson, Professor Emeritus E.J.Alagoa and Professor Erneritus Otonti Nduka to promote writing, teaching and learning in Rivers indigenous languages. The Committee should see the need to mark the celebration with launch of primers in indigenous Rivers languages as there cannot be culture without language.

At this juncture, it may be pertinent to ask the questions what is the state of key state institutions such as Rivers State Museum, Council for Arts and Culture, Library, indigenous crafts and trade centres, public laboratory that can evoke a sense of history?

This is where Governor Nyesom Wike must be commended for conceptualising the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee which, no doubt, for once would move the people of the state from party politics to a point of sober reflection and our common humanity and to enable Rivers people focus on the big picture.

As the state plans to organise a golden jubilee celebration in 2017, emphasis should not be on the mere celebration of it with a giant cake but the resolve by the founding fathers to accomplish their dreams and aspirations despite daunting challenges.

The Committee must ensure that parts of the state ceded to other states if any because of petrol politics are recommended to be brought back while the founding fathers, who have not been immortalized be named after road, streets, strategic buildings across the state. It is hoped that such a celebration will not be concentrated in Port Harcourt city alone, but all the 23 local government areas will host components while the grand finale takes place in the state capital.

The Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee must bring to the front burner how to revive the culture of the Rivers man towards truth, justice, love, forgiveness, hard work against bloodletting and killings so prevalent in our society today.

In other words, preservation of cultural heritage should not be limited to physical properties such as piece of cloth, historical site and art alone.

The committee must know that to whom much is given much is expected.

Sika is Port Harcourt-based journalist and public affairs analyst.

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”

Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.

Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.

Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.

Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.

Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.

The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.

By; Confidence Adoo

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

1 week ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”

The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.

Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,

when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.

Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?

Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.

Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi