The Atlantic Bell

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday challenged the 12 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing purposeful leadership, upholding professionalism and driving efficient service delivery.

Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor described their appointments as a call to selfless service rather than personal advancement, stressing that they now occupy the highest career positions in the civil service with the responsibility of translating government policies into measurable development.

According to him, the appointments were aimed at strengthening the administrative machinery of government and improving the implementation of programmes that would accelerate the development of Rivers State.

Fubara urged the officials to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, fairness and patriotism, reminding them that the effectiveness of any administration depends largely on the quality of leadership provided by senior civil servants.

“My charge to you is to do right to every man and woman, do right to Rivers State, and do right to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor said.

“At this particular point in time, it is my wish that your coming on board will help this administration achieve its goal—not a personal goal, but the goal of moving Rivers State forward.”

The governor warned against complacency, poor supervision and bureaucratic inefficiency, saying ineffective leadership within ministries could undermine government programmes and deny citizens the benefits of good governance.

“Don’t be at the head and make this administration suffer just like some of the ministries. I believe that your coming on board will bring changes and effectiveness to the system,” he said.

Fubara further reminded the new Permanent Secretaries that their appointments came with greater responsibilities and called on them to build enduring institutions capable of sustaining progress beyond the tenure of the present administration.
“When we are done with our own, I believe your good works will help whoever is going to take over from us to continue the good work in our dear State,” he added.

He also urged them to uphold transparency, accountability and discipline while fostering harmonious working relationships with political office holders and members of staff to promote teamwork and enhance public service delivery.

Expressing confidence in their competence and experience, the governor said the new appointees were expected to reposition the Rivers State Civil Service for greater efficiency and improved performance.

The governor congratulated the officials and wished them success in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Freddy Ndigbara, Dr Fortune Akpila, Dr Promise Oguzie, Mrs Ibisoye Lolomari Nwankwo, Mrs Ibiyemiebara Joseph Uzoma, Mrs Mercy Dagogo Iboroma, Dr Wachukwu Vincent Worgu, Ifeanyi Anthony Ogboma, Dr Mina Gogo Jim-Jaja, Henry Uzor, Chimemum Mpi and Dr Mina Ikuru.

The Nigerian Army has announced the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for its newly created divisions following the Federal Government’s approval of a major expansion of the force structure aimed at strengthening security operations across the country.

The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, come on the heels of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s authorisation for the Nigerian Army to expand from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to bolster its operational capacity.

The new formations include the 5 Division, Makurdi; 9 Division, Ilorin; 10 Division, Jalingo; and 83 Division, Benin City, each created to improve command, control and rapid response to emerging security threats in their respective areas of responsibility.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army said the appointments marked the commencement of operations for the new divisions as part of a broad reorganisation designed to expand its operational footprint nationwide.

Under the new deployment, Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been posted from the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central), Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, to head the 9 Division in Ilorin as General Officer Commanding and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife has been redeployed from Headquarters 2 Division/Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to serve as General Officer Commanding of the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo.

Similarly, Major General Moses Gara moves from Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, to assume office as General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Makurdi, while also serving as Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE.

The Army also redeployed Major General Auwalu Mahmuda from the Army Headquarters Directorate of Inspection and Compliance to Headquarters 2 Division, Ibadan, as General Officer Commanding.

To reinforce the expanded command structure, three new brigades have also been activated.

Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi, formerly of the Army Headquarters Operations Centre, has been appointed Commander of the 11 Brigade, Gboko. Brigadier General A.M. Haruna has been posted from the Nigerian Army Armour School to command the 29 Brigade, Kainji, while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu has been redeployed from the National Defence College to head the 10 Brigade, Lafia.

According to the statement, the newly created divisions will begin operations immediately upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with measures already in place to ensure their gradual transition to Full Operational Capability (FOC).

Anele said the phased operationalisation would guarantee seamless transition, operational continuity and improved force projection across the federation.

As part of the restructuring, the Army also reviewed the Areas of Responsibility of its divisions.

Under the new arrangement, 1 Division, Kaduna, will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while 2 Division, Ibadan, will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states. The 3 Division, Jos, will be responsible for Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.

The newly established 5 Division, Makurdi, will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while 6 Division, Port Harcourt, will retain responsibility for Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. The 7 Division, Maiduguri, will continue to cover Borno and Yobe states, and 8 Division, Sokoto, will remain responsible for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

The new 9 Division, Ilorin, will oversee Kwara and Niger states, while the 10 Division, Jalingo, will cover the border areas of Taraba and Adamawa states.

The 81 Division, Lagos, will continue to supervise Lagos and Ogun states, while the 82 Division, Enugu, will retain responsibility for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states. The 83 Division, Benin City, will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states when it becomes fully operational later this year.

Anele said the Chief

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), with a renewed push to tackle the persistently high rate of preventable maternal and newborn deaths across the Niger Delta.

The Commission made the pledge during workshops for traditional birth attendants held in Delta and Bayelsa states, where it stressed the need for stronger collaboration between traditional birth attendants and the orthodox healthcare system to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Speaking at the training, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urged women to embrace modern medical care while leveraging the trusted role of traditional birth attendants in their communities.

Represented by the Principal Manager, Education, Health and Social Services (EHSS), Mrs Dare-Oloko Kuami, Ogbuku described maternal and child mortality as an alarming public health challenge that requires urgent and collective action.

“The rate of death among women and children is alarming and must be eradicated. This training is designed to enlighten our women and should not be taken for granted,” he said.

According to him, the workshop was organised to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of traditional birth attendants in providing safe maternal and newborn care, identifying pregnancy-related complications early, and referring high-risk cases promptly to hospitals and health centres.

Also speaking, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, called on women to take issues relating to childbirth seriously, stressing that improved knowledge and adherence to safe delivery practices would help save lives.

Represented by the Principal Manager, EHSS, Dr Otokolo Fidelis, Ezugu disclosed that more than 300 women from Delta and Bayelsa states participated in the training and were provided with medical equipment as well as cash support to enhance their services.

One of the resource persons, Mrs Gift Akitiri, underscored the vital role traditional birth attendants continue to play in many rural communities, noting that regular capacity building would improve the quality of maternal healthcare delivery.

“Traditional birth attendants are trusted members of many communities. By equipping them with updated knowledge, we are helping to ensure that mothers and newborns receive timely and appropriate care, thereby improving health outcomes,” she said.

A participant, Mrs Franscica Odiakosa, commended the NDDC for organising the workshop, describing it as timely and impactful.

“I have gained valuable knowledge that will improve the quality of healthcare I provide in my community. I have also learnt the importance of referring expectant mothers to health centres and hospitals whenever a case is beyond my capacity,” she said, while urging the Commission to sustain the initiative.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday declared that “there is no sin in politics” as he formally welcomed Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, back into the political family that brought him to power.

Wike said Fubara’s decision to return to the Rainbow Coalition had effectively brought an end to months of political acrimony in Rivers State, describing the move as the only realistic path to restoring unity and advancing the state’s political interests.

Speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects, including the ISEX Road Corridor and the Apo-Karshi Road in Abuja, the former Rivers governor said he had consistently maintained that Fubara’s return to the coalition was inevitable.

“I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him,” he said.

“Our doors are open. Everybody is welcome to work with us. There is no better alternative. We will work together to move Rivers State forward.”

Responding to questions on whether the governor had been forgiven after months of political confrontation, Wike dismissed the notion, insisting that politics should not be viewed through the prism of personal grievances.

“I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics there is no sin. If somebody realises that he made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that.

“Politics is not a sin. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision,” he said.

Wike also expressed optimism that the renewed alliance would consolidate political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general election.

“He has publicly declared that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election,” he added.

The minister’s remarks came weeks after President Tinubu brokered a political truce between Wike and Fubara, ending a prolonged power struggle that had plunged Rivers State into months of political uncertainty, deepened divisions within the State House of Assembly and triggered a series of legal and constitutional disputes.

Fubara’s public declaration of his return to the Rainbow Coalition is widely seen as the clearest indication yet that both camps are committed to rebuilding their political alliance ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and impartial elections, describing his appointment as a call to national service.

Amupitan gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation of the Okun Development Association (ODA), led by its President-General, Akenson Rotimi, on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Rotimi congratulated the INEC chairman on his appointment, describing it as a fitting recognition of his integrity, competence and distinguished record of public service.

He said the appointment had brought honour to the Okun people, whom he described as a community known for producing men and women of character and excellence.

Rotimi assured the INEC chairman of the continued prayers and support of the Okun people as he leads the nation’s electoral management body in deepening Nigeria’s democratic process.

Responding, Amupitan expressed gratitude to the association for the visit and for its steadfast support since his appointment, explaining that the demands of his office had prevented him from receiving the delegation earlier.

He disclosed that he had not returned to his hometown since assuming office, citing the enormous responsibilities associated with managing Nigeria’s electoral process.

Describing his appointment as “a call to service,” the INEC chairman said the task of administering elections requires unwavering commitment, integrity and impartiality.

He thanked the Okun community for its prayers and encouragement, noting that their support had remained a source of strength in the discharge of his national assignment.

Amupitan also acknowledged the growing challenge posed by misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, but assured that the Commission would continue to discharge its constitutional mandate professionally, independently and strictly in accordance with the law.

He reiterated INEC’s resolve to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen public confidence in democratic governance.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to deliver measurable progress in the state’s tourism and creative economy within four months following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Cultural Project.

The governor gave the assurance on Monday in Port Harcourt while receiving the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa, who was in the state for the formal execution of the partnership designed to strengthen tourism, culture and the creative industry in participating states.

Fubara said the agreement aligned with his administration’s vision of diversifying the state’s economy through strategic investments in tourism and hospitality, adding that Rivers had already commenced projects capable of transforming it into a leading destination for leisure and investment.

He disclosed that the first phase of the state’s new tourist beach, being developed in partnership with Landmark, would be inaugurated in December, describing the project as a major milestone in repositioning Rivers on Nigeria’s tourism map.

The governor also highlighted the strategic importance of the Oyorokoto Road project in Andoni Local Government Area, saying the road would open up the coastal community to investors and visitors by unlocking its vast tourism potential.
According to him, Oyorokoto boasts one of the country’s finest beaches and rich wildlife resources, making it a natural destination for eco-tourism and recreation.

Fubara stressed that long-term economic prosperity could not depend solely on investments in roads, schools and healthcare, noting that tourism, entertainment and hospitality had become major drivers of economic growth and employment in many advanced economies.

“If we cannot go to Dubai, let us build our own Dubai in Rivers State. If we cannot go to Qatar or Spain, let us create our own world-class destination in Oyorokoto,” the governor said.

He assured the minister that the partnership with the Federal Government would be driven by concrete implementation rather than ceremonial commitments, inviting her to return in four months to assess the progress achieved.

Fubara also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for selecting Rivers as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope Cultural Project, describing the initiative as a strategic platform for expanding tourism, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, Musawa commended the Rivers State Government for embracing the initiative and demonstrating commitment to developing the tourism and creative sectors.

She explained that the Renewed Hope Cultural Project was conceived to diversify Nigeria’s economy, generate employment and foster stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments.

The minister expressed confidence that Rivers would emerge as one of the leading beneficiaries of the initiative, assuring that her ministry would work closely with the state to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.

The Nigeria chapter of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)-affiliated CIFAL Global Network, in partnership with the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSSD), has launched a Higher Proficiency Professional Certificate Course aimed at strengthening humanitarian leadership, non-governmental organisation (NGO) management and community development capacity across the country.

The organisers said the programme is designed to equip both aspiring and practising humanitarian professionals with the knowledge, leadership skills and practical competencies required to address today’s increasingly complex humanitarian and development challenges.

According to the organisers, the professional certification targets humanitarian workers, NGO practitioners, personnel of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), community development experts, researchers and scholars seeking to deepen their expertise in humanitarian leadership and organisational management.

The course curriculum covers a broad range of thematic areas, including Humanitarian Leadership and Volunteerism, NGO Management, Community Needs Assessment, Community Mobilisation, Advocacy and Policy Influencing, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Fundraising for Organisational Sustainability, as well as Ethics and Values in Humanitarian Leadership.

They explained that the training combines theoretical knowledge with practical approaches that participants can immediately apply within their organisations and communities to promote sustainable development and social impact.

The partnership between UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria and IHSSD, over the years reflects a shared commitment to strengthening institutional and individual capacities, fostering effective leadership and supporting professionals dedicated to humanitarian service and community transformation.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will earn a globally recognised professional certificate and qualify to practise as Certified Professional Humanitarians under the UNITAR-CIFAL Global Network Nigeria and IHSSD collaboration.

The four-day virtual programme will be conducted via Google Meet from July 28 to 31, 2026.

Registration attracts an early bird fee of ₦40,000, while late registration costs ₦60,000. The organisers urged interested participants to register through the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development.

Interested participants are advised to use this link to register htpps://forms.gle/RiWT8yPQzm5meDid8

They described the initiative as an opportunity for professionals committed to humanitarian service to strengthen their leadership capacity and contribute meaningfully to sustainable community development.

The organisers also called on prospective participants to seize the opportunity to become “a force for humanity” by acquiring globally recognised skills that will enhance their effectiveness in humanitarian interventions, community service and NGO management.

https://forms.gle/RiWT8yPQzm5meDid8

Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, has dismissed as fake a memo circulating on social media claiming that the institution had cancelled and postponed its ongoing second semester examinations.

The university, in a statement issued by its management, said the purported memo, dated July 24, 2026, and allegedly signed by the Acting Registrar, did not originate from the Office of the Registrar or any authorised organ of the institution.

The statement was signed by th Registrar of the institution, Dr Idanyingi I. Daminabo.

Describing the document as false, misleading and the handiwork of mischief-makers, the university reassured staff, students and the public that there had been no alteration to the examination timetable approved by the Senate.

According to the statement, all second semester examinations will continue as scheduled, urging students to disregard the fake memo and remain focused on their academic activities.

The management also warned those responsible for originating and circulating the false document to immediately desist from such unlawful acts or face legal consequences.

It advised members of the university community and the general public to rely only on official communications issued by the Office of the Registrar and disseminated through the university’s official notice boards, website and verified social media platforms.

One of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious social clubs, Uyo Club, has inaugurated its full Executive Council to oversee the affairs of the association for the next two years, with a charge to provide purposeful leadership and make meaningful contributions to society.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the club’s headquarters on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, the President of the club, Prof. Sahm Etuk, urged the newly elected executive members to bring their wealth of experience and professionalism to bear in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He said members of the club expected the new leadership not only to strengthen the institution but also to extend its impact beyond the clubhouse through service to the wider community.

“You have voluntarily presented yourselves for service, and we expect that you will make yourselves available at all times to offer the service required of you,” Etuk said.

The inauguration followed the April 2026 bye-election conducted to fill vacant positions in the Executive Council.

Among those inaugurated was renowned broadcast administrator and Executive Managing Consultant of Comfort 95.1 FM, Uyo, Samuel Enoh Akpan, who was elected Public Relations Officer. Akpan is also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

Other members of the Executive Council are Barrister Eno Inyang (Treasurer), Anthony Etim (Social Secretary), Christian Daniel (Welfare Secretary), Barrister (Obong) Friday Ekpa (Legal Adviser), Christian Chukwu (Provost), Mmenye Udofa (Assistant Secretary), Otu Otu (Maintenance Secretary) and Macaulay Udom (Ex-Officio).
Prof. Etuk, a Professor of Strategic Marketing, Director of the School of Continuing Education at the University of Uyo and Chairman of the institution’s Sports Committee, had earlier been inaugurated as President on January 10, 2026, alongside the Vice President, Dr. Nestor Udoh, a retired Permanent Secretary.
Other officials inaugurated at the time include Barrister Ndi Aquaisua (General Secretary), TPL Dr. Emmanuel Etuk (Financial Secretary), Dr. Imbur Terfa (Auditor) and Dr. Anietie Ekong (General Games Captain).

The President also inaugurated the Board of Past Presidents, made up of all living former presidents of the club, urging them to continue providing guidance and institutional support to the Executive Council in line with the club’s constitution.

Former presidents present at the event included Dr. Emem Umoh, Dr. Bassey Etuknwa, Engr. Mbosowo Orok, Prof. Ini Jonah and Akparawa Ikpong Essien-Udom, a member of the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Etuk called on members to unite in pursuit of the club’s founding ideals of recreation, service and development, expressing confidence that the newly constituted organs of the club would strengthen its operations and reposition it for greater relevance.

Founded in 1935, Uyo Club remains one of Nigeria’s foremost recreational associations, with a membership that cuts across diverse professions and sectors of society.