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Tag: Port Harcourt

  • Nigerian varsities must abolish ‘intellectual slavery’ – Don

    Former Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. John Ajienka has called on Nigerian universities and research institutions to abolish intellectual slavery in order to improve and develop the country’s economy.

    He made the call at a one-day conference organized by the Nigerian Defence Academy in collaboration with the Association of Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria, recommending that Nigerian universities must abolish intellectual slavery and consider research as an enterprising avenue.

    The university don said the best of developed countries no longer depend on natural resources any more, but on knowledge.

    According to him, “The first university in this country was established in 1948 at Ibadan, while others came subsequently after it, but we don’t seem to have reaped the harvest of intellectual properties that transform a nation and this also shows that we have lost so much to other countries by way of research findings.

    “We have missed a lot of opportunities. For example, there is a professor from the University of Port Harcourt who developed a supplement for sickle cell anemia, and  today it is been accepted by WHO, and a drug has been produced for sickle call. The university did not encourage him when he was engaging in the research and at the end of the day, the university is not benefitting from that research.

    “At the university of Ibadan, their was a professor that developed a machine for pounding yam, but at the end of the day the university did not benefit it because they don’t have intellectual property policy, research policy to benefit from that.”

    Ajienka who the country lost so much to intellectual slavery noted that the “policy of publish and perish has not helped any university or any country. every researcher that discovers something new must first protect that new knowledge (discovery) through patenting  and from there , they go through innovation process to develop new products.”

    While speaking, he said Nigeria as a nation can only become global player when it prioritize research. “Many universities out of Nigeria have gone past research for promotional qualifications, but for development.”

    He cited Havard University as an example, saying the institution worth 36 billion dollars, richer than a country.

    “Most of the companies in the United states are startup by university students,” he said.

  • Why Wike is at war with his conscience, says Senator Uchendu

    The lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator Andrew Uchendu, has stated that Governor Nyesom Wike is at war with his conscience, because he (Wike) betrayed his benefactor, Rotimi Amaechi, a former Rivers governor and current Minister of Transportation.

    Uchendu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, through his Special Assistant on Media, Solomon Okocha, described as shocking, the decision of Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to work against Amaechi who facilitated his re-election as chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government council, made him chief of staff, Government House, Port Harcourt in 2007 and recommended him to the then President Goodluck Jonathan for ministerial appointment in 2011.

    Wike, through Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, Chief Emma Okah, a lawyer, earlier alleged that Uchendu, a three-term former member of the House of Representatives, was at war with his conscience over the sack of Senator George Sekibo of PDP by the Court of Appeal.

    Uchendu said: “I am not at war with my conscience over my electoral victory, because the same judiciary that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to withdraw the certificate of return from George Sekibo of the PDP, and immediately gave it to me, having won majority of the lawful votes cast during the December 10, 2016 rerun, was the same institution that declared Wike governor of Rivers, even after the Supreme Court described the 2015 governorship election in the state as a theatre of war.

    “If there is anybody who is fighting with his conscience, then it should be Wike, who after so many years of eating from the same plate with his former master, Amaechi, turned around and betrayed him like the Biblical Judas Iscariot, simply because of inordinate political ambition. After treating the former Rivers governor in such a manner, Wike has no moral right to talk about who has conscience or not.

    “Wike’s conscience is also troubling him, because the six police officers, who he used to invade the Rivers East collation centre, to make sure that I was not declared the winner of the re-run election, have all been dismissed from service. The sack of the 23 INEC officials, who confessed to have received N360 million from Wike to rig the polls must be a terrible burden on Rivers governor’s conscience.

    “It is unfortunate that Wike, who did not contest any election with me, has continued to wail on behalf of my opponent. This is simply a case of one crying more than the bereaved. If Wike is not satisfied with the judgment of the appellate court, he should get ready to meet me in the field, if I eventually get the ticket of my party to run in 2019.”

    The Rivers governor, while also speaking, condemned the decision of Uchendu not to accept his gift of a brand new, 2017 model of Toyota Land Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), which other members of the National Assembly from Rivers state recently accepted, to facilitate their jobs and positively project the image of the Niger Delta state.

    The representative of Rivers East senatorial district stated that he had not been officially informed of the allocation of SUV by Wike’s administration.

    He said: “As at today, no official of the Rivers State government has informed me of any vehicle allocated to me by Wike’s government. My written request to the Rivers governor over four months ago for a courtesy visit and a reminder a month ago were met with cold silence. So, saying that I refused to accept the SUV from Wike is an attempt to blackmail me.

    “I wish to advise Wike to stop fighting me, because I believe that the time is ripe to make peace for the greater good of Rivers State. Wike knows that I have the capacity to make peace happen. Fortunately, Rt. Hon. Amaechi has consented to my proposal for reconciliation, peace and development in Rivers State. Wike should take a cue from the Transportation Minister, by first responding positively to my request for a courtesy visit.”

    Uchendu also described as a huge success, last Saturday’s thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt, which was organised by his family to honour God for his electoral victory and quick recovery from serious sickness, making him to be flown overseas for medical attention, but expressed surprise that Wike, out of hatred for him, declared a “special” sanitation exercise for the first time this year, to frustrate the programme, insisting that God, however, took control.

     

  • Tanker fire razes oil firm in Port Harcourt

    A tanker laden with diesel yesterday caught fire about 5.30am in Port Harcourt as the driver tried to escape from policemen.

    The building of an oil firm, Jimcol Resources, was burnt in the inferno with property worth billions of naira destroyed.

    It was gathered that the driver lost control while trying to navigate a bend at the foot of the Eliozu flyover on the Air Force base/ Rukpokwu road.

    The vehicle ran into an electric pole and the tanker fell, spilling its content. The fire was still burning as at last night.

    Four other vehicles owned by the company – a Toyota Hiace bus, two Toyota Hilux vans and a Toyota Camry saloon car – were lost to the fire. Part of a residential building behind the oil firm and shops beside it were also affected.

    Soldiers, policemen and officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were at the scene to prevent hoodlums from looting the remaining items. Some controlled the traffic to prevent a gridlock.

    The Managing Director of Jimcol Resources, Ndubuisi Nwagbara, could not be reached but two of his friends, Messrs. Femi Oyetunji and Olo Samson, were sadness at the incident.

    Oyetunji said Jimcol Resources was into mud logging services for oil companies and geological formation/evaluation of rig sites, and provision of logistic services.

    According to him, each of the two burnt mud logging units cost over $1 million and were recently purchased from China.

    Oyetunji said: “The incident is pathetic and horrible. Nwagbara started without government’s assistance, but relied on hard work to help people, especially the qualified but unemployed youths. This is a huge loss, especially at this crucial period in Nigeria.”

    Eyewitnesses said the tanker driver and his conductors absconded from the scene to avoid lynching.

    Commissioner for Special Duties Emeka Onowu described the incident as sad. He insisted that officials of the state fire service got to the scene within 15 minutes of being alerted and tried their best to prevent the fire from extending to other buildings.

     

  • National Insecurity: Labour has failed Nigerians by failing to act – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that Labour has failed Nigerians by refusing to act in the face of unbridled killings of defenseless Nigerians across the country.

    The governor said it uncharitable for labour to be only concerned about salary increment when their kith and kin are mauled to the death on a daily basis.

    In an address during the 2018 Workers Day in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said: “Labour is only after the increment of wages and emoluments without showing concern for the mass killings going on across different states of the Federation.

    “Labour is quiet in the face of deaths. Of what benefit will increment of  salaries be when all your children, friends and relatives are killed in the course of this national insecurity?  It is incumbent on labour to rise up in defence of Nigerians by demanding for immediate cessation of killings “.

    Governor Wike said that Labour has a duty to work towards the progress of Nigeria as they  battle for their welfare. He said that labour must rekindle their pre-2015 posture when they participated  in occupy Nigeria during the Jonathan era.

    The governor urged labour to defend the nation’s democracy  which is under threat by the failure of the APC Federal Government to respect the rule of law and democratic tenets.

    “Be vigilant and defend our democracy in 2019. That is what labour is known for.  Labour thrives under democracy.  Without democracy, labour will run into challenges “, he said.

    He said that the state is investing in building a strong economy that will enable workers earn decent wages, empower entrepreneurs to create jobs and provide improved livelihood opportunities for Rivers people.

    He said: “We have approved an interest-free revolving loan scheme for civil servants. The annual sum earmarked for this programme is N1, 200,000,000.00 (one billion two hundred naira) only, with a monthly disbursement of N100, 000,000.00 (one hundred million naira only.

    “We have also approved another interest-free loan for owners of small businesses to access to enhance their businesses, create jobs and grow the economy. An annual sum of N2, 400,000,000.00 (two billion four hundred million) only, has been set-aside for this purpose with a monthly disbursement of N200, 000,000.00 (two hundred million naira) only”

    The governor said that his administration is already working to fix some of the subsisting challenges, including the contributory pension scheme, the contributory health insurance scheme and the payment of gratuities to retired civil servants.

    He announced that the State Government will construct State Secretariats for the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.  He also announced a donation of N100million to the different labour unions.

    In her address, Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mrs. Beatrice Otubo commended the Rivers State Governor for his regular payment of salaries and pensions.

    She urged the governor to take steps to resolve the challenges surrounding the contributory  pension scheme and gratuity  to retired civil servants.  The Labour Leader also commended Governor Wike for his outstanding developmental strides.

    Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Rivers State, Mr Austin Jonah lauded the Rivers State Governor for his numerous infrastructural and development projects across the state.

    The Workers Day was marked by parade by all the affiliate trade unions in the state, with Governor Wike taking the official salute.

  • Navy pledges support for grassroots sports in Niger Delta

    The Nigerian Navy has pledged continued support for grassroots sports in host communities as part of plans to curb youth restiveness and insecurity in the Niger Delta.

    Commodore Idi Abbas, the Commander of Naval Anti-Piracy Task Group, Port Harcourt, gave the pledge on the side-lines of a friendly football match organised by the Navy in Port Harcourt on Monday.

    The newsmen reports that the football match between personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship ( NNS ) Pathfinder and Osklean Football Academy Rumuolumeni ended in a draw.

    Abbas said the match was organised to improve fitness of troops; address youth restiveness and promote peace in its Rumuolumeni, the host community.

    “The NNS Pathfinder organised the football match to keep our personnel fit, knowing fully that it is only when the personnel are fit that they will effectively deliver on the job.

    “The other reason is to further foster that cordial relationship of officers and ratings of the base and the host community.

    “This is just the beginning and it is hoped that other games would be looked into with participation of the host community.

    “By doing this, the naval base will get to know its host community and the community members will also get to know their own neighbours,” he said.

    Abbas said there are plans to expand the games to feature other sporting events like volleyball and basketball, saying that the base had excellent sporting facilities to host future games.

    The commander advised the participating teams to use the game to sharpen their skills to stand a chance of representing the country in further sporting events.

    Read Also: Navy intercepts vessel with 406 illegal immigrants

    Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuolumeni community, Eze Ndubueze Olumeni, commended the Navy for organising the games with the host community.

    He said that community members had always looked forward to socialize with the naval base since it came into the community 25 years ago.

    “This is a naval base and not a civilian environment, and so, it has been difficult for our people to feel free to enter here for any activity.

    “We appreciate this type of event and we hope that if we continue like this; our relationship will improve and everyone will be happy for it.”

    NAN

  • 100 students participate as Olympafrica Futbonet berths in Lagos

    As the much anticipated Nigeria Olympic Committee organised ( NOC ) 2018 Olympafrica Futbonet berths in Lagos, over 100 students from schools and football clubs marked the opening ceremony at the Olympafrica ground, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

    The newsmen reports that the International Olympics Committee ( IOC ) initiated competition is meant for the less privileged students, giving them a feel of sports.

    The event which is expected to hold between April 26 and May 6, has in attendance the Project Coordinator Abdulmalik Ibrahim, who said he was impressed with the turnout of the children.

    He said that the annual Nigeria Olympics Committee ( NOC ) sponsored event had given life to many less-privileged children in the society, adding that it gives hope to those who never dreamt of travelling out.

    “This is a competition with a rare opportunity for the less-privileged to have an opportunity to express themselves through sports.

    “The turnout today is impressive being the first day, others will still come when it is their turn to play. It is a wonderful opportunity because the competition is not all about winning.

    “The competition seeks to imbue in them the spirit of brotherliness and fairness, lessons we hold in high esteem during competition. What we want is discipline and fair play.

    “This competition is not about who wins and not winning at all cost; it may interest people to know that the team with the highest goals may not b the eventual winners,’’ he said.

    Abdulmalik said that the competition for school children between the ages of 13 and 15 would seek to foster unity among them.

    He added that the winners and the runners-up from Lagos and Port Harcourt zones would represent Nigeria at the international Olympafrica Futbonet scheduled for Togo this year.

    Read Also: Whither NCE in Lagos schools?

    The participants who spoke to the newsmen expressed their happiness with the competition.

    Adegoke Sulaiman said that he was happy to be among those selected to play in the competition, adding that the selection process was fair enough.

    “I am happy to be here, I think we are just picked randomly and I was surprised when my name was called,’’ he said.

    Olatunji Jokotola said the competition was new to him because of his knowledge of the normal football rules which were not fully practiced during the matches.

    “At first, I did not understand what the competition is all about, but as we played on, I got to know that there are some expectations from us outside the normal football activities.

    “These are what they want us to understand more than just playing the ball, I think it is good enough,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Wike calls for the passage of Host Communities Bill

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the passage of the Host Communities Bill aspect of the Petroleum Industry Bill will give oil producing communities a sense of belonging.

    Speaking at the Government House Port Harcourt on Wednesday during a Courtesy Visit by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, Governor Wike said that the bill when passed will address the challenges faced by oil producing communities.

    He said: “This is an important aspect of the Petroleum Industry Bill as it concerns the host communities.  The host communities will become a component part of the entire process.

    “The oil producing communities are bedeviled by all kinds of environmental challenges. The passage of the host communities’ bill will give them a sense of belonging “.

    Governor Wike added that the passage of the bill will also enhance the security of petroleum pipelines because of the involvement of the Host Communities in the production process.

    According to the governor, setting aside a certain percentage of funds for the development of host communities is vital.

    He urged the Senate Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill to visit all slated communities for the necessary interracttion as regards their peculiar needs.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, Senator Kabiru Marafa said the Senate attaches importance to the passage of the Host Communities Bill.

    He said that the Host Communities Bill will be passed before the long vacation of the Senate. He added that the initiative to segment the bill was to ease the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

    “On the assumption of office, the eight National Assembly took it upon itself to break the jinx and pass the Petroleum Industry Bill once and for all”, he said.

  • Strike: NMA, JOHESU trade words over legality

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Wednesday has described the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) as an illegal body.

    The President of NMA, Prof. Mike Ogirima, also advised that no one should entertain or deal with JOHESU.

    Ogirima was apparently reacting to the indefinite nationwide strike commenced on April 18, by members of JOHESU.

    “JOHESU is an illegal body that should not be accorded any recognition by Nigerians,’’ he said.

    He also said that JOHESU’s industrial action was unnecessary as its demands were driven by envy.

    But Dr Chris Mbata, Rivers Chairman of the union, on Wednesday in Port Harcourt dismissed the NMA statement describing JOHESU as illegal.

    Mbata said the strike was purely to make government respect the agreement it entered into with the union on Sept. 30, 2017.

    According to him, the NMA is unfit to declare a recognised union such as JOHESU an illegal entity.

    “The NMA is not a trade union in the first place; it does not know that JOHESU is a union of all registered health sector trade unions,’’ he said.

    The chairman said the strike was not in any way targeted at any other body of service providers within the health care system.

    “The strike is simply a way of demanding a better welfare package for our members, it is not in any way targeted at anybody or group.

    “We are not in any form of competition, we are all strategic service providers in the system, we are all important,’’ Mbata said.

    He said other groups of health service providers were envious of JOHESU because of its strength and strategic position within the system.

    “About 80 per cent of workers in hospitals in this country are JOHESU members, they are aware of our position in the health sector.

    “Activities come to a halt whenever JOHESU is on strike, we occupy strategic position within the system,’’ he said.
    Meanwhile, the JOHESU strike has been reported to be effective as many branches joined the nationwide indefinite action.

    Mr Obisesan Oluwatuyi, the General Secretary, Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Oluwatuyi said that they would not call off the strike until government met their demands.

    The health workers of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) , Ile-Ife, Osun, under the aegis of JOHESU, has joined the strike.

    Mr Obinna Ogbonna, National Vice Chairman of JOHESU, announced this during the congress of the union at the hospital complex in Ile-Ife on Wednesday.

    Ogbonna said the union decided to join the strike due to alleged failure of Federal Government to honour its agreement with the body.

    He said that federal government had on Sept. 30, 2017, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JOHESU on its demands, which was supposed to be implemented within five weeks.

    “It will be recalled that JOHESU suspended its last nationwide strike action on Sept. 30, 2017, after the signing of the MoU.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, our demands are upward adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), employment of additional health workers.

    “Also, implementation of court judgment and upward review of retirement age from 60 to 65, among others.

    “However, it is disheartening to note that after six months of the suspension our last strike and still counting, the federal government has not done anything tangible over the issues,’’ he said.

    He said that the 30 days working ultimatum given to the federal government had expired.
    Similarly, the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi , Nasarawa State, has also joined the nationwide indefinite strike.

    Mr Achimugu Isaiah, the JOHESU branch Chairman at the centre, disclosed this on Wednesday while declaring the strike during the union meeting in Keffi.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all healthcare workers complied with the strike, except medical doctors providing skeletal services at the centre.

    Achimugu said the strike was in the interest of the public especially the poor.

    The chairman called on the federal government to meet up with the demands of the union in order to improve on the health status of Nigerians.

    However, Dr Luka Samuel, the Acting Medical Director of the centre, appealed to JOHESU members to return to work in the interest of the health sector.

    NAN

     

  • NSCDC destroys 300 illegal refineries in Delta

    The Delta State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has destroyed over 300 illegal refineries in the State in the last 12 months.

    The Corps State Commandant, Mrs. Sam Ego Ezeagbogho made this known  on Monday  in Asaba when Commandant of Naval College, Port Harcourt, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia and participants of Course 2 of the institute visited.

    She said the exercise has enabled the country save billions of naira, adding that the successes were due to collaborative efforts with sister security agencies.

    She said the agency secured the conviction some persons while others are in court.

    Mrs. Ego Ezeagbogho assured Nigerians of the corps resolve to carry out its core mandate and make the nation safer.

    Rear Admiral Udofia said college was established to sharpen the knowledge of officers in finding solution to critical security issues.

    He said ,”We are in the State and after the tour we will come out with reports tha would check security issues particularly in coastal States and the nation in general.”

  • Gov. Wike chairs task force on illegal road trading

    The Rivers State Executive Council has set up a Special Task Force chaired by the State Governor Nyesom Wike to clear illegal traders from major roads and streets  in Port Harcourt and its environs.

    In a press statement issued today after the State Exco meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications Mr Emma Okah said the decision to set up a high powered task force and chaired by the Governor   is to demonstrate the irreversible determination of Govt to rid major roads in the State of the environmental hazards and sanitary embarrassment and nuisance which the activities of illegal traders are inflicting on the State and her people.

    The Government notes with sadness the recalcitrance of these street traders who have continuously dared the efforts of government to keep our roads and environment clean. Sadly, they mess up the environment, litter the roads, cause disorder and contribute nothing by way of tax or otherwise to clean their mess.

    “As a government, we owe a duty to those we serve to protect the environment, enhance sanitation and promote order in our state, Okah said, noting that illegal traders in our major roads are on the wrong side of the law and will face the right music.

    Consequently, from Thursday 12th April, 2018 the Governor of Rivers State will lead members of the Special Task Force,  in the first phase of their mandate, to flush illegal traders from the roads and affected streets and restore nomalcy. The exercise will be a continuing one until the ugly situation is reversed.

    However, it is necessary to warn that in the course of this exercise, traders caught by the special task force may lose their goods, suffer arrest, face prosecution and possible jail term upon conviction.  If this happens the consequences may be unpleasant and unattractive for anyone to test the will of the special task force.

    Major roads and spots to be cleared by the task force in the first phase of this exercise include Bishop Okoye Street in Diobu, Garrison, Nitel near Garrison, GRA 2 junction,  other parts of GRA Phase 2 where illegal tradings are going on, Old GRA, Ikwerre Road, Wimpey Junction, Trans Amadi, etc.