The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Martins Etim Esin, has assured corps members that the National Assembly will continue to champion legislation aimed at expanding economic opportunities for Nigerian youths, with particular emphasis on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Esin gave the assurance on Friday during an oversight visit by members of the committee to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Nonwa-Gbam in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said the House of Representatives remained committed to enacting laws that would strengthen youth development and economic empowerment, expressing optimism that the proposed NYSC Trust Fund Bill, once assented to by the President, would significantly improve the welfare of corps members and staff, while addressing critical infrastructure deficits across NYSC formations.

According to him, the Trust Fund would usher in better welfare packages and facilitate the upgrade of orientation camp facilities nationwide.

Addressing the corps members, Esin urged them to remain focused throughout their service year and take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to become self-reliant after service.

He also charged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity when engaged as ad hoc personnel by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, the Rivers State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe, commended the corps members for their discipline, commitment and hard work, noting that their dedication had contributed immensely to the smooth conduct of activities at the orientation camp.

He described the committee’s visit as historic and appreciated its interest in the welfare and development of the Scheme.

Oleghe also praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his sustained support for the NYSC in the state.

He appealed to the committee chairman to facilitate additional interventions for the scheme, including the construction of a new state secretariat complex, proper drainage infrastructure to curb perennial flooding at the camp during heavy rainfall, twin hostels with a combined capacity of 1,000 male and female corps members, and the provision of 1,000 double bunk beds to improve accommodation.

The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has announced sweeping restrictions on vehicular movement within the institution following the death of a female student, Miss Eno Udoson, in a fatal road accident on campus.

In a statement issued by the Acting Registrar, Dr. Idanyingi I. Daminabo, the university expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and extended condolences to the deceased’s family and loved ones.

The university disclosed that the tragedy resulted from the reckless driving of two students, identified as Darlington Kosi Onuaku of the Department of Development and Communication Studies and Obinna Daniel Ikechi of the Department of Computer Science.

According to the statement, both students have been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
RSU management noted that it had previously introduced measures aimed at regulating vehicular movement on campus, including speed limits, installation of speed breakers and enforcement of sanctions against reckless driving.

However, in response to the latest incident, the university convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday, June 24, and adopted additional measures to strengthen safety and security on campus.
Under the new directives, undergraduate students are prohibited from driving personal vehicles into the campus between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Students who bring private vehicles to the university are now required to park them at the designated car park near the institution’s main entrance and rely on authorised university shuttle services for movement within the campus.

The management also directed that postgraduate and Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) students would only be allowed to drive personal vehicles on campus upon presentation of valid university identity cards.

In addition, any student found engaging in reckless driving will face suspension, disciplinary proceedings and impoundment of the vehicle involved.

The university further announced that visiting hours to student hostels will now end at 6:00 p.m. daily as part of efforts to enhance security.

Management reiterated that the approved speed limit within the campus remains 30 kilometres per hour on major roads and 20 kilometres per hour in residential areas.

The institution said the new measures were necessary to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents and to safeguard the lives of students, staff and visitors.

The Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State has commenced preparations for the coronation of its new monarch, King Charles Douglas Jaja, Jeki VI, with the inauguration of 17 committees to coordinate activities for the historic event scheduled to hold between September 4 and 12, 2026.

The coronation is expected to usher in a new era of traditional leadership in the ancient kingdom following the demise of the former monarch, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, who passed on in April 2026 after years on the throne.

King Charles Douglas Jaja was selected in December 2025 as the successor to the late monarch and is set to formally ascend the revered stool during a week-long programme expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

To ensure a successful and hitch-free coronation, the kingdom has constituted 17 committees covering key aspects of the ceremonies, including traditional rites, protocol, security, fundraising, publicity, cultural displays, entertainment, infrastructure, documentation and thanksgiving services.

Among the committees are the General Coronation Committee, Traditional Rites and Rural Affairs Committee, Protocol and Government Relations Committee, Finance and Sponsorship Committee, Media and Publicity Committee, Security and Emergency Response Committee, Cultural and Regatta Committee, Venue and Decoration Committee, Souvenirs Committee, Church and Thanksgiving Committee, and a Literary, Tourism, Documentation and Digital Archive Committee.

Other committees will oversee entertainment for guests and traditional rulers, customised ceremonial attire, public hospitality, electricity and maintenance, as well as social and classical events.

Sources within the kingdom said preparations have gathered momentum as stakeholders, community leaders and indigenes mobilise resources to deliver a coronation befitting the status of Opobo, one of the most historically significant traditional institutions in the Niger Delta.

The week-long event is expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom through traditional dances, regattas, ceremonial rites and thanksgiving activities, while also drawing government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders and members of the diplomatic community.

The coronation of Jeki VI is widely viewed as a significant moment in the history of the kingdom, marking the continuation of the legacy of the House of Jaja and the preservation of Opobo’s longstanding traditions and influence in the region.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging the vast opportunities in the blue economy as a critical pathway to economic diversification, investment growth and sustainable development.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the governor said the maritime sector holds enormous potential to transform not only Rivers State but also Nigeria’s economy if properly harnessed.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Fubara described the conference theme, “The Gulf of Guinea and Blue Economy: Pathways to Trade, Investment and Security Towards a $1 Trillion Economy,” as timely and strategic, given the growing global focus on ocean-based economic activities.

The governor noted that Rivers State, with its extensive coastline, ports and strategic location in the Niger Delta, stands to benefit significantly from investments in shipping, fisheries, maritime trade, tourism and other blue economy value chains.

According to him, the sector possesses the capacity to generate revenues capable of rivaling and even surpassing earnings from the oil and gas industry if effectively developed and managed.

Fubara said the future prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria depends on deliberate efforts to unlock the economic potential of marine resources while ensuring their protection from exploitation.

He expressed concern over the activities of foreign fishing trawlers operating in Nigerian waters, alleging that many harvest the nation’s seafood resources without making commensurate contributions to the economy.

The governor, therefore, called for stronger surveillance systems, enhanced maritime security and effective regulatory frameworks to safeguard Nigeria’s coastal assets and marine biodiversity.

“We must wake up and hit the ground running. If we do not capitalize on and utilize our blue economy, other nations will utilize it for us,” he said.

Fubara also stressed that developing the blue economy would create jobs, stimulate private sector investments, boost exports and open new streams of revenue for coastal communities, particularly in Rivers State, which remains one of Nigeria’s major economic hubs.

He thanked NACCIMA for drawing national attention to the enormous opportunities within the maritime sector and said the successful hosting of the conference in Port Harcourt underscored Rivers State’s growing reputation as a safe and investor-friendly destination.

Earlier, NACCIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, commended the Rivers State Government for hosting the association’s 66th Annual General Conference, describing the gesture as a strong signal of the state’s readiness for business and investment.

He said the partnership between the state government and the organised private sector had helped restore investor confidence and reinforced Rivers State’s position as a key destination for economic growth.

In her welcome address, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, described the conference as a historic milestone, noting that it was the first time in the chamber’s 66-year history that it was hosting NACCIMA’s national conference.

She pledged the chamber’s continued commitment to promoting private sector development and advancing initiatives that support sustainable economic growth in Rivers State and across Nigeria.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has ordered the immediate closure and complete sealing of the site of the five-storey building that collapsed along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, vowing that the premises will remain shut until government uncovers the root cause of the tragedy.

The building, which was still under construction, collapsed on Wednesday, leaving one person dead and several others injured, while emergency agencies continue search-and-rescue operations for possible victims trapped beneath the rubble.

Visiting the scene on Thursday, Governor Fubara described the incident as both unfortunate and avoidable, saying preliminary findings indicated that the developer repeatedly resisted efforts by state authorities to inspect the project and ensure compliance with approved building regulations.

The governor, accompanied by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amairigha Edward Hart, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Dabite Sokari George, said government would leave no stone unturned in determining the circumstances that led to the collapse.

“We are here to see for ourselves this very unfortunate incident,” Fubara said. “I did not come yesterday because I wanted to receive a formal briefing first. The Commissioner informed me that despite several attempts by government officials to inspect the project and assess compliance levels, the developer consistently maintained that the state had no authority to interfere because the site was under the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Authority.”

The governor stressed that the issue had gone beyond questions of jurisdiction, noting that a life had been lost and families had been thrown into grief as a result of the collapse.

Expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and others affected by the disaster, Fubara insisted that adherence to established engineering and construction standards could have prevented the tragedy.

He lamented that such an incident could occur at a time when advances in engineering, technology and building safety standards have significantly reduced the risks associated with high-rise construction.

“It is regrettable that something like this should happen in the 21st century,” he said. “Engineering has evolved and technology has advanced. One wonders how a project with apparent defects from inception was allowed to continue.”

The governor announced that all activities at the site had been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of investigations.

“Nothing is going to happen on this site anymore. We will ensure that this place remains completely sealed until we get to the root cause of this incident,” he declared.

The collapse has renewed concerns over compliance with building regulations and the enforcement of safety standards in the construction sector, with stakeholders calling for stricter oversight to prevent similar tragedies.

Meanwhile, rescue workers from multiple emergency agencies continued operations at the site as authorities sought to ascertain whether more victims remained trapped beneath the debris.

Fresh concerns over building safety have emerged following the collapse of a three-storey structure in the Alakija area of Lagos State on Thursday, with several persons feared trapped beneath the rubble.

The incident, which occurred at about 11:40 a.m., sent panic through the neighbourhood as residents and passersby gathered at the scene amid uncertainty over the fate of those believed to be trapped.

As of press time, the exact number of victims could not be immediately ascertained, while emergency responders were yet to arrive at the location. Authorities had also not disclosed the cause of the collapse or confirmed any casualties.

The latest incident comes barely 24 hours after a five-storey building under construction collapsed along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, prompting an intensive multi-agency rescue operation.

Unlike the uncertainty that initially surrounded the Lagos collapse, emergency authorities in Rivers have assured that rescue efforts will continue relentlessly until every person trapped beneath the debris is accounted for.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said rescue workers would remain at the Port Harcourt site until all victims are recovered, dead or alive.

Head of NEMA’s Port Harcourt Operations Office, Dr. Chidi Ogundu, disclosed that four persons had so far been pulled from the rubble, including one deceased victim and three survivors who were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Ogundu said the rescue mission was being undertaken through a coordinated effort involving NEMA, other emergency agencies and the Rivers State Government.

“Four people were brought out from the collapsed building — one dead and three alive. The rescue operation will continue until all persons trapped under the rubble are recovered,” he said.

He added that emergency personnel would continue working through Thursday and beyond if necessary to ensure that no victim remained trapped.

The twin incidents in Lagos and Rivers have once again drawn attention to the recurring challenge of building collapses in Nigeria, raising fresh questions about regulatory compliance, construction standards and the enforcement of safety measures across the country’s rapidly expanding urban centres.

While anxious families in Lagos await the commencement of rescue operations, authorities in Rivers say their focus remains on sustaining search-and-recovery efforts until every missing person is found.

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to urgently enact a comprehensive whistleblower protection law that meets international standards, warning that Nigerians who expose corruption and misconduct continue to face severe reprisals, including job loss, harassment, intimidation and physical harm.

The organisation made the call in a statement issued in Lagos to commemorate the 2026 World Whistleblower Day, observed globally by civil society groups, journalists, transparency advocates and accountability institutions to recognise the contributions of whistleblowers to good governance and public accountability.

MRA said despite various policy initiatives introduced over the years to encourage the reporting of corruption and wrongdoing, Nigeria still lacks a robust legal framework capable of providing effective and enforceable protection for whistleblowers.

The group’s Programme Officer, Adesewa Akintokun, said existing measures remain inadequate because they do not sufficiently guarantee confidentiality, protection from retaliation, access to remedies or support for individuals who disclose information in the public interest.

According to her, whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing corruption, fraud, abuse of office, human rights violations, environmental degradation, and threats to public health and safety.

“Whistleblowers often provide the first warning of misconduct that would otherwise remain hidden from public scrutiny. Their courage helps protect the public interest and strengthens democratic governance,” she said.

Akintokun expressed concern that many whistleblowers continue to suffer reprisals ranging from dismissal from employment and discrimination to reputational attacks, legal action and threats to their safety.

She noted that such actions not only violate the rights of whistleblowers but also discourage others from reporting wrongdoing, thereby weakening accountability mechanisms.

The organisation stressed that whistleblower protection is closely linked to the rights to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom, arguing that individuals who expose wrongdoing contribute significantly to informed public debate and institutional accountability.

MRA urged the Federal Government to enact legislation that would establish secure reporting channels, guarantee protection for whistleblowers in both public and private sectors, ensure independent investigations of disclosures, and impose sanctions on individuals or institutions that retaliate against whistleblowers.

The group also called on public institutions, private companies, civil society organisations and professional bodies to adopt internal policies that encourage the reporting of misconduct and protect individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

It further urged journalists and media organisations to continue reporting responsibly on disclosures made in the public interest while safeguarding confidential sources.

“A society that values accountability must also value and protect those who have the courage to expose wrongdoing,” Akintokun said, calling for collective efforts to create an environment where whistleblowers can speak out without fear.

MRA paid tribute to whistleblowers in Nigeria and around the world, describing them as vital actors in the fight against corruption and abuse of power.

According to the organisation, their sacrifices have helped safeguard public resources, strengthen institutions and advance transparency, underscoring the importance of openness and accountability in democratic societies.