Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Port Harcourt

  • ‘Dara’ Makes History as Sole African Selection for DC Independent Film Festival

    ‘Dara’ Makes History as Sole African Selection for DC Independent Film Festival

    A TikTok video by @naija_film_hub highlights the growing international buzz for Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story, which has achieved a major milestone in global cinema. According to Punch Newspapers, the feature film is the only African production selected to showcase at the prestigious 2026 DC Independent Film Festival. This selection places Port Harcourt’s unique cultural landscape on a major global stage.

    The film, which explores the complexities of romance against the backdrop of one of Nigeria’s most vibrant yet volatile cities, has been praised for its authentic storytelling and high production value. Its inclusion in the DC festival is seen as a win not just for the director, but for the entire “Pitakwa” (Port Harcourt) creative ecosystem, which often plays second fiddle to the Lagos-centric Nollywood industry.

    Validating the report, NewsNow confirmed the selection: “The Nigerian feature, ‘Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story,’ is the only African film selected for the 2026 DC Independent Film Festival.” The Nation also celebrated the feat, quoting the producers: “This is a victory for grassroots storytelling and shows that African narratives are globally competitive.”

    Echotitbits Take:

    While Lagos dominates the headlines, Port Harcourt is quietly becoming a hub for “prestige” Nollywood. Dara’s success at an independent festival suggests a shift toward more localized, gritty narratives that resonate with Western critics. Expect this film to lead the charge for a new wave of regional Nigerian cinema that bypasses traditional distributors for the global festival circuit.

    Source: Punch Newspapers — https://punchng.com/dara-to-represent-africa-at-dc-independent-film-festival/ February 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

  • Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis

    Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis

    In an update published by The Punch on February 1st, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he remains the dominant political force in Rivers State. Speaking at a civic reception in his honor, Wike assured his supporters that they could “sleep with both eyes closed” because his camp remains firmly in control of the state’s political structure despite his role in Abuja.

    According to Vanguard News, Wike’s comments have reignited the cold war between his loyalists and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The report highlights that Wike used the event to showcase his influence, including his role in recommending top officials for federal appointments. “I have always said that appreciation is the currency of loyalty, and we will continue to reward those who stand with us,” Wike reportedly told the crowd.

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the political atmosphere in Port Harcourt remains tense following the Minister’s pronouncements. The outlet quoted a local activist who warned: “The continued power struggle between the FCT Minister and the Governor is distracting from governance and could lead to further instability in the Niger Delta region.”

    Echotitbits take: The Rivers crisis is no longer just a state matter; it is a significant government policy and security headache for the presidency. Wike’s “I am in charge” stance suggests that no reconciliation is in sight, which could impact the 2027 presidential calculations for the South-South region.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-crisis-were-in-charge-says-wike/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • Rivers Assembly Re-ignites Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara

    Rivers Assembly Re-ignites Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara

    In a report by The Punch, the political crisis in Rivers State intensified as the State House of Assembly reportedly commenced a third attempt at impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. The development follows months of fragile calm that appears to have broken down.

    Lawmakers divided into rival factions cited alleged “gross misconduct” as the basis for the move. Security personnel were reported around the assembly complex as members met to consider formal notices.

    Legal observers have raised questions about constitutionality given earlier court actions, while pro-Fubara supporters described the effort as a political vendetta meant to destabilize governance and disrupt projects.

    Channels TV and The Sun also reported heightened tension in Port Harcourt and security presence around the assembly.

    Echotitbits take: Rivers remains a flashpoint for Nigerian political volatility. Expect prolonged litigation and political brinkmanship, potentially escalating to higher courts in 2026.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/breaking-rivers-assembly-begins-impeachment-proceedings-against-fubara/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Rivers State Council Proposes N1.8 Trillion Budget Amidst Continued Political Tension

    Rivers State Council Proposes N1.8 Trillion Budget Amidst Continued Political Tension

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Rivers State Executive Council has approved a N1.8 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget is intended to facilitate the completion of major infrastructure projects and advance social development across the state’s 23 local government areas.

    The announcement comes at a time of heightened political friction between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Despite the administrative progress, the political environment remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations regarding the leadership of the state.

    Premium Times reported on the ‘sounds of war’ following recent threats, highlighting that the political divide is affecting governance. Meanwhile, The Cable quoted former Governor Orji Kalu, who stated that ‘Governors, not Tinubu, are responsible for tackling insecurity,’ placing the onus of regional stability back on state leadership.

    Echotitbits take: Rivers State’s massive budget reflects its status as an economic powerhouse, but political instability could deter the very investors the state needs. Watch for whether the House of Assembly, currently split by loyalty, provides a smooth passage for this appropriation bill.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-executive-council-approves-n1-8tn-2026-budget/
    The Punch January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Odumodu Blvck, Jeriq and Duncan Mighty Power Life Lager’s Port Harcourt Xmas Concert

    Odumodu Blvck, Jeriq and Duncan Mighty Power Life Lager’s Port Harcourt Xmas Concert

    Photo Credit: Pulse Nigeria

    2025-12-24 12:00:00

    In an update published by Pulse Nigeria, Life Lager’s Xmas Concert in Port Harcourt delivered high-energy sets from Odumodu Blvck and Jeriq, with Duncan Mighty adding hometown heat that had the crowd buzzing.

    The event is part of a bigger December touring play—turning what used to be single-city shows into multi-stop cultural moments backed by brands.

    • TheCable (website): “Life Beer delivers high-energy performances …”
    • ThisDay (website): “Port Harcourt recently came alive at the Life Xmas Concert…”

    Echotitbits take: Beyond entertainment, this is brand warfare: beer companies competing for December mindshare via concerts and city-to-city identity campaigns. Watch the next tour stops, TikTok/IG crowd clips, and whether the artists’ momentum converts to bigger endorsements in 2026.

    Source: Pulse Nigeria — Dec 24, 2025 — https://www.pulse.ng/story/life-beer-delivers-high-energy-performances-with-odumodu-blvck-jeriq-the-hussla-and-duncan-mighty-2025122416075189947

    Pulse Nigeria
    2025-12-24

  • Owerri Airport: Cessna 172 Crash Leaves Four Hospitalised, NSIB Opens Investigation

    Owerri Airport: Cessna 172 Crash Leaves Four Hospitalised, NSIB Opens Investigation

    PhotoCredit: Premium Times

    2025-12-17

    Reporting the incident, *Premium Times* says a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express crashed at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, with four people hospitalised and no fatalities reported.

    Authorities said emergency services responded quickly and flight operations continued because the runway remained active, while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) activated investigation protocols.

    The report notes the flight was en route from Kaduna to Port Harcourt when the crew declared an in‑flight emergency and diverted to Owerri, where the crash occurred.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – The Nation: “Officials confirmed no post-crash fire and that investigations have commenced.”
    – Channels TV: “Aviation authorities say a detailed wreckage examination will follow recovery from the crash site.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s aviation safety story is increasingly about rapid response and transparent reporting. Watch for the NSIB preliminary statement, recovered flight data/records, and whether maintenance or weather factors emerge as causal themes.

    Source: Premium Times — December 17, 2025 (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/843653-four-hospitalised-as-aircraft-crashes-at-imo-airport.html)

     

  • NLC Suspends Planned Protest in Port Harcourt

    NLC Suspends Planned Protest in Port Harcourt

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday suspended its planned protest in Port Harcourt, over a lingering industrial dispute, which led to sealing of the group’s secretariat in the state.

    After a six-hour dialogue, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba told journalists that the organised labour agreed to resolve contending issues after signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Rivers government.

    In its reaction to the planned protest last Sunday, Rivers government had said it would be illegal for the NLC to hold a protest, alleging Wabba threatened that workers would rally in the state against unfair labour treatment.

    According to the communique signed by both parties and read by Wabba, labour has agreed to suspend the planned protest.

    ”At the meeting between the organised labour and Rivers government, the parties agreed to sign the agreement on the implementation of the national minimum wage and consequential adjustment.

    ”The NLC secretariat sealed for correction of the structural deficit will immediately be unsealed, while the government continues with correctional work.

    ”Government shall restore the remittance of check-off dues and pay outstanding arrears to the respective labour union,” he said.

    On salaries withheld from health workers because of their involvement in a 2017 strike action, the NLC president said that the state government has agreed to commence payment.

    ”Both parties agreed to set up a tripartite committee to discuss and resolve other outstanding issues.

    ”This include adjustment of pension in line with the constitution and payment of all pensions and gratuities.

    ”Parties shall take steps to discontinue all ongoing litigation in relation to the disputed matter,” Wabba said.

    He added that the parties agreed that no worker would be victimised as a result of the planned rally.

    Confirming the resolutions reached by the government and the organised labour, especially on suspending the planned protest, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, urged workers in the state to go about their normal businesses without fear.