The Atlantic Bell

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.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted legal action against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the state-owned oil firm to account for ₦211 trillion recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements under “Sundry Receivables” and “Accrued Expenses.” In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1427/2026 and filed last week, SERAP contends that the NNPCL failed to provide sufficient explanation or supporting documentation for the transactions, thereby denying Nigerians the opportunity to scrutinise the management of public resources.

The organisation is seeking an order of mandamus directing the NNPCL to disclose all documents relating to the transactions and provide a detailed reconciliation of the entries contained in its audited accounts.

Specifically, SERAP wants the court to compel the company to explain the ₦107.6 trillion recorded as “Sundry Receivables,” including the identities of debtors, amounts owed, the legal basis for the receivables and the status of efforts to recover the funds.

It is also requesting a comprehensive breakdown of the ₦103.4 trillion listed as “Accrued Expenses,” including the identities of creditors and beneficiaries, the nature of the liabilities, their legal basis and supporting documents establishing their legitimacy.

The rights group further urged the court to order the NNPCL to disclose all records used in preparing and approving the disputed entries in the company’s 2023 audited financial statements.

SERAP argued that there is an overriding public interest in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil revenues, insisting that the NNPCL has a legal obligation to demonstrate that the transactions are lawful, accurate and supported by credible documentation.

According to the organisation, the Freedom of Information Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantee citizens access to information held by public institutions, including the NNPCL, to enable effective public oversight.

It maintained that Nigerians have a right to know who owes the ₦107.6 trillion recorded as receivables, who is entitled to the ₦103.4 trillion in accrued expenses, and whether the transactions comply with applicable laws and public accountability standards.

The suit, filed by SERAP’s legal team comprising Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Kehinde Oyewumi, Andrew Nwankwo and Maryam Mumuni, argued that the NNPCL remains subject to the Freedom of Information Act despite its corporate status under the Petroleum Industry Act because it is wholly owned by the Federal Government and manages the nation’s petroleum resources on behalf of the federation.

SERAP further alleged that the company failed to respond to its Freedom of Information request within the period prescribed by law, a development it said amounted to a refusal under the Act and justified judicial intervention.

The organisation maintained that greater transparency in the management of Nigeria’s oil wealth is essential to strengthening public trust, combating corruption and ensuring that petroleum revenues are deployed for the benefit of Nigerians.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate as part of its intensified operations to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo
disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the arrests were made following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to strengthen the ongoing crackdown on one-chance operators and other violent criminals.

The suspects were identified as Uche Samuel, 45, from Omunato in Imo State, and Nkechi Amadi, 42, of Nekede, Imo State.

According to the police, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal activities during interrogation, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large.

“The Rivers State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on one-chance syndicates with the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious gang operating within the state,” the statement said.

The Command noted that the arrests underscored its commitment to tackling the growing menace of one-chance robberies through intelligence-led policing and proactive security operations.

Reaffirming the Command’s resolve, Adepoju declared that there would be no respite for one-chance operators and other violent criminals in the state.

“The Rivers State Police Command has declared an onslaught against one-chance operators and all violent criminals.

There will be no hiding place and no room for one-chance syndicates or other criminal elements in Rivers State,” he said.

The Commissioner assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute criminal elements, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to assist security agencies in preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and professional development of civil servants, describing the public service as the engine room of effective governance and national development.

Fubara gave the assurance on Thursday at a state banquet held in honour of delegates attending the 48th National Council on Establishments at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor said his administration would continue to prioritise policies that strengthen the Civil Service, noting that its role remains indispensable to sustainable development.

He said Rivers was honoured to host the national gathering, adding that the event was particularly significant as it was expected to be the final National Council on Establishments to be presided over by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, before the end of her tenure.

Paying tribute to Walson-Jack, Fubara described her as an accomplished administrator whose visionary leadership and reforms have made lasting contributions to Nigeria’s public service.
“We are proud of you as our daughter and as a Nigerian woman. Your innovative ideas, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, will leave an enduring legacy for the nation’s Civil Service,” he said.

The governor also said the successful hosting of the council underscored Rivers State’s peaceful and secure environment, dismissing perceptions that could discourage national events in the state.

Drawing from his experience as a former Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General of Rivers State, Fubara said he understood the challenges confronting civil servants. He noted that his Deputy, Prof. Odu, also rose through the Civil Service as a Permanent Secretary, giving the administration a unique appreciation of the needs of public servants.

He described the Civil Service as the largest employer of labour and the backbone of government, stressing that no nation could achieve sustainable development without a motivated, efficient and professional workforce.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended Governor Fubara for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants and for creating an enabling environment for the successful hosting of the council.

She said the governor’s support reflected his recognition of the Civil Service as a critical institution for good governance and thanked the Rivers State Government for its hospitality throughout the week-long event.
Walson-Jack also praised the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi Brown, for her effective coordination of Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries from across the federation, which contributed to the success of the council.

In her remarks, Brown expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for his support and visionary leadership, describing the banquet as a fitting conclusion to a productive week of policy discussions.

She said the technical sessions of the council provided valuable opportunities for the exchange of ideas and best practices that would enhance policy formulation, institutional efficiency and public service delivery across the country.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has honoured 78 members of staff with Long Service Awards in recognition of their dedication, loyalty and invaluable contributions to the growth of the intervention agency and the development of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the award ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed that staff welfare remains a central priority of the Board and Management, describing employees as the institutional memory and driving force of the Commission.

Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku congratulated the recipients for their years of meritorious service and commended them for their commitment, which he said had contributed significantly to the Commission’s achievements over the years.

He noted that the awards were not only a celebration of longevity in service but also a recognition of the dedication, professionalism and mentorship demonstrated by the recipients in helping to strengthen the Commission.

“The awardees have devoted decades of their lives to the NDDC, mentoring younger colleagues and playing vital roles in addressing the challenges confronting the Commission. Today, we celebrate your dedication, loyalty and commitment to service,” he said.

Ogbuku added: “We are proud of your achievements and grateful for your immense contributions. Each of you has helped shape our processes and our success story. We thank you for investing your talents and time in advancing the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.”

Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, praised the award recipients for serving the Commission and the Niger Delta with distinction, noting that the recognition reflected years of exemplary service, unwavering commitment and professional excellence.

Responding on behalf of the honourees, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Awele Chukwudifu, expressed appreciation to the Executive Management for the recognition, describing the award as a source of motivation and encouragement.

She said the honour would inspire staff to remain committed to the Commission’s mandate of driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta region while sustaining excellence in service delivery.