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Wike Gives Foodstuffs To Omuma People … As Palliatives C’ttee Resumes Foodstuffs Distribution

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The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, distributed foodstuffs to the less privileged people of Omuma Local Government Area of the state.
Wike, who was represented by the Chairman of Rivers State Palliatives Committee, Amb Desmond Akawor, said that the palliatives were meant for all less privileged people of the area, irrespective of their political party or association.
He said: “These foodstuffs and other palliatives measures have been put in place for the good of Rivers State, especially those who are less privileged.
“It is not meant for any political party. It is meant for all Rivers people and it is a means of the state government to support in this very difficult time.”
The governor said that the Rivers State Palliatives Committee has been expanded to include journalists and the civil society to address issues of complaints by members of the public.
He charged the ward distribution committees to ensure no section of the local government area was left out in the sharing of the palliatives.
Wike commended the people of Omuma Local Government Area for cooperating with his administration to ensure that Coronavirus is checked in all parts of the state.
The Paramount Ruler of Omuma, Eze Oyenkachi Amaonwu, said that the governor has always proved himself to be a caring and proactive leader.
In his remarks, member of the state House of Assembly representing Omuma State Constituency, Hon Kelechi Nwogu said that Omuma people were happy with Wike for reaching out to them as the entire state struggles to defeat the novel Coronavirus.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon Christian Nwaiwu, thanked the governor for his commitment to the welfare of the less privileged across the state.
Chief Godspower Egbegbu (Ward 2) assured that the committees would work towards a diligent distribution of the foodstuffs provided by the state government.
Ogechukwu Nicholas (Ward 3), Chief Ones Ndukwu (Ward 6), Hon Obasi Uchechukwu (Ward 8) and Nwogu Godfrey (Ward 9) said they would live up to their responsibilities by implementing the directive of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State COVID-19 Palliative Committee, after a short break, yesterday, resumed the distribution of relief items to Omuma and Okrika local government areas of the state.
The items which included bags of rice, garri, cartons of pasta, tubers of yam and cans of oil, were presented to the two LGAs.
Speaking at the presentation, the Chairman of the Palliative Committee, Amb Desmond Akawor, said the items were provided by the state government, under the leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike and other well-meaning organisations and individuals as palliative measure to cushion the harsh effect of the lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Akawor added that as implied by the name, the items were only palliative and not meant to totally eradicate hunger, but support for the vulnerable and down-trodden in the society.
He urged the community representatives to eschew partisan politics, religious sentiments and favouritism in the sharing of the items, adding that the government’s desire to touch the lives of the vulnerable: unemployed, widows, orphans, physically challenged, the elderly and down-trodden, must be felt.
Akawor pointed out that the items were not meant to benefit everybody, especially those who could afford to buy them.
On hand to receive the items in the two local government areas, were the ward councillors, the CDC chairmen, the women leaders, chiefs and clergymen from the communities, one from each of the wards of the local government areas.
Also present were the local government chairmen and House of Assembly members representing the local government areas.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the items such as 100 bags of 50kg rice, 100 bags of garri, 100 cartons of pasta/indomie, 1,000 tubers of yam and five (25 litres) cans of oil to each of the wards in the local government areas.
The councillors, chairmen and Honourable members were full of encomiums for the governor, for alleviating the plight of the people.
The Paramount Ruler of Omuma, King Onyekachi Amaonwu thanked the governor for his kind gesture, and prayed for God’s blessings for him.
It would be recalled that the committee commenced the distribution of palliatives on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 during which they visited the Cheshire Home, Charity Homes, Home for the Elderly and the Disabled.
Food items were also distributed to some local government areas, such as Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni and Port Harcourt City.
Akawor said it was a continuous exercise and that every ward in the 23 local government areas, as well as all groups that are vulnerable in the state would be given palliatives.

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RSG Commits To Workers’ Welfare …. Calls For Sustained Govt, Labour Partnership

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The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.

The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.

He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.

Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.

He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.

Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.

“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.

The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.

He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.

The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.

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Labour Unions In Rivers Call For Improved Standard Living For Workers

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.

The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.

“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.

Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.

According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.

“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tinubu committed to unlocking Nigeria’s potential – Shettima

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.

Shettima stated this when he hosted a  delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.

He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.

The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.

“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.

” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”

He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.

According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.

Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.

“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”

The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.

” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.

The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.

Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.

” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.

“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”

Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.

“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.

“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.

Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.

The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.

He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.

He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.

Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.

He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.

 

 

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