RSU VC COMMENDS FACULTY OF LAW AS PROF. GRACE AKOLOKWU EMERGES WINNER OF 2026 DEANSHIP ELECTION

RSU VC COMMENDS FACULTY OF LAW AS PROF. GRACE AKOLOKWU EMERGES WINNER OF 2026 DEANSHIP ELECTION

The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has commended the Faculty of Law for the spirit of unity and cooperation displayed during the 2026 Deanship Election.

Speaking before the commencement of the voting process, the Vice-Chancellor praised members of the faculty for their support and peaceful disposition, and urged all contestants to uphold transparency and fairness in the conduct of the election. He further appealed to the candidates and their supporters not to allow the exercise to create division within the faculty, but rather to see it as a collective step towards strengthening the institution.

The Rivers State University Faculty of Law Deanship Election 2026 was held today, with three professors contesting for the position.

At the end of the exercise, the results were announced as follows:

Professor Chukwucheta ThankGod Emejuru polled 9 votes.

Professor Samuel C. Dike received 29 votes.

Professor Grace Ogonda Akolokwu emerged winner with 58 votes.

With this decisive victory, Professor Grace Ogonda Akolokwu has been elected as the new Dean of the Faculty of Law, Rivers State University.

The university community has congratulated the new Dean and expressed optimism that her leadership will further promote academic excellence, unity, and progress within the faculty.

Friday 23rd Jan. 2026

The 17th Annual Three-Day Fasting and Prayer Summit of Ogu Community,

The 17th Annual Three-Day Fasting and Prayer Summit of Ogu Community, themed “OWABELEMASAM” (God Has Blessed Us) — Psalm 115:12–15 — comes to a glorious conclusion today, Sunday, 4th January 2026.

The grand finale will take place live at Ogu Town Square, featuring the Guest Minister, Apostle David Silly Aggrey, who will minister under a strong prophetic and apostolic atmosphere.

Members of the community and the body of Christ are warmly invited to come together in unity, seek the face of God, and receive divine blessings as one family in Christ.

Come expectant and remain blessed. 

Sunday 4th January 2026

CLEAN RIVERS INITIATIVE

 CLEAN RIVERS INITIATIVE

A Cleaner & Greener Rivers State Begins with You

The Clean Rivers Initiative is a collective call to action for all residents of Rivers State to take responsibility for their environment. By refusing to litter, disposing of waste properly, and embracing waste-to-wealth practices, we can protect our environment and secure our health.

A clean environment promotes healthy living, sustainable development, and economic opportunities for our people. Every action counts—trash right, protect nature, and safeguard the future of Rivers State.

Together, let us keep our rivers, streets, and communities clean and green.

Do Not Litter.

Trash Right.

Turn Waste Into Wealth.

Protect Your Environment.

Secure Your Health.

A REMINISCENCE ON UNCLE IBARABOKA SYDNEY ORABERE EXIT OF HERITAGE OF WISDOM FROM OGU KINGDOM BY CHIEF SENATOR DR GEORGE THOMPSON SEKIBO, CON, DSSRS, JP (ETEM IV)

 A REMINISCENCE ON UNCLE IBARABOKA SYDNEY ORABERE

EXIT OF HERITAGE OF WISDOM FROM OGU KINGDOM BY CHIEF SENATOR DR GEORGE THOMPSON SEKIBO, CON, DSSRS, JP (ETEM IV)

Great men who make extraordinary contributions do not merely walk through history—they become woven into its very fabric. Their influence endures long after they have passed on, echoing through generations yet unborn. Such men build institutions with their lives, reshape societies through their character, and become the bedrock upon which families, lineages, and entire communities stand.

Uncle Ibaraboka Orabere, a distinguished pillar of wisdom in the Etem Dynasty and a noble descendant of our patriarch Onumodu, was undeniably one of such men. His name is etched in the chronicles of our history and engraved in the hearts of his children, relatives, fellow men and women in Ogu Kingdom, and all who journeyed through life in his path.

My earliest memory of Uncle dates back to 1964. I was only a child when he hurried into my mother’s little hut in Abaji Polo, excitement written across his face. He came to announce joyfully that his wife, Beretorukun-ari, had been delivered of a baby boy. He urged my mother to accompany him immediately to Igio Polo to see the mother and newborn, both of whom were in excellent condition. That was the birth of Godknows. After the celebration—marked with native gin, laughter, and even the traditional dusting of powder on our necks—we began our journey back home. It was on that walk that curiosity overtook me, and I asked my mother who the man was. She explained that he was originally known as Iwo, but, due to a natural phonetic shift over time, he had come to be called Iyo.

He was her cousin, the first son of her aunt, Duaro. Aunty Duaro, Bessie, and my grandmother Tamunoiweri were sisters, daughters of Onumodu, and great-great-great-granddaughters of Etem. I tried to follow the genealogy, but my young mind struggled to grasp the web of relationships, though I nodded as if I fully understood.

In those days, Uncle was one of the greatest fishermen of his time. As a result, he was rarely in Ogu town; he lived mostly in the fishing settlements, navigating the waterways with skill and mastery. Because of this, I seldom saw him during my early years. It was only after the Nigerian Civil War that our paths began to cross more often. My mother had started living in Uncle Jumbobaraye’s house along the Mission Road, making us neighbours to Uncle Ibaraboka. This proximity rekindled a relationship that would become central in my life.

Our personal bond deepened in January 1970 when he gifted me materials to sew my very first pair of school shorts. I still remember the pride I felt wearing them. Later, he would again bless me with materials for my secondary school uniforms. Beyond these physical gifts, he gave something far more valuable—encouragement. He consistently motivated me to pursue my education with diligence and purpose, understanding the importance of education to a fatherless child navigating his path.

Our closeness grew deeper when fate brought us under the same roof. His sons, Chief Bapakaye Ibaraboka Okwuodu, and Singer, Sunday Orumie, our cousin, and I lived together in a single room in his house. Uncle treated me not just as a cousin, but as one of his sons. His care was genuine, and his concern sincere. I vividly recall our every New Year’s Eve tradition. As midnight approached, he would call us together, ensuring that none of us missed the solemn moment of prayer. With humility and conviction, he would commit the coming year into God’s hands, praying for guidance, strength, and protection. Even as he grew older, his understanding of what a fatherless child like me needed never faded. He continued to counsel me well into my adulthood, offering wisdom at critical moments of my life.

Although Uncle did not acquire a formal education, he possessed a natural eloquence that set him apart. He was a gifted orator with the rare insight of King Solomon. Men and women brought their disputes to him, confident that his counsel would be fair, balanced, and rooted in truth. His judgments were so sound that they often became reference points for years afterward. Although born into a lineage of skilled fishermen, he nonetheless carved a life for himself beyond the waters. His creative wisdom flowed into the world of petty trade, and from 1969 until his passing in 2025, he stood as a dedicated local trader. Through this modest vocation, he educated all his children, supported relatives, and upheld the dignity of both the Etem and Onumodu kindreds. His generosity was quiet but far-reaching.

Yet, as it is with all mortals, Uncle has now returned to his Maker, leaving behind the earthly shell that came from the dust. The Scriptures remind us in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 that, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die...” Uncle lived fully within these seasons, fulfilling the purpose ordained for him. And as required by divine order, he has obeyed the heavenly call, transitioning from this earthly realm to eternal rest.

To my brothers and sisters, his biological children, I extend my deepest condolences. To the members of the Etem, the Onumodu, and the Nemieboka families, I say take heart. This is a loss of great magnitude, a void that words alone cannot fill. But we are strengthened by the assurance in Romans 14:8: “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” Uncle embraced and practiced the Christian faith with sincerity. He lived its values and walked in its light until his final days.

He was among the great men of the Ogu Kingdom whose legacies have been firmly engraved in our collective memory. His wisdom—expressed through proverbs, idioms, and sound counsel—continues to enrich the vocabulary and cultural expressions of our people. His sayings have become guiding principles, shaping thought and fostering unity within the kingdom.

Big Uncle, you came into this world, played your roles with dignity and strength, lived a life that earned the admiration of many, and have now returned fulfilled to your Creator. Your journey on earth may have ended, but the impact of your life will continue to inspire generations.

Adieu, great son of Etem and Onumodu.

May your soul find eternal peace in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.

Proudly Ijaw Footbal skill

Ancient Ogoloma Kingdom Museum

EXPERTS, LEADERS, AND STAKEHOLDERS UNITE FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AT THE 2ND EDITION WASTE TO WEALTH, PACKAGING, AND SAFETY SUMMIT 2025

 EXPERTS, LEADERS, AND STAKEHOLDERS UNITE FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AT THE 2ND EDITION WASTE TO WEALTH, PACKAGING, AND SAFETY SUMMIT 2025

The 2nd Edition of the Waste to Wealth, Packaging, and Safety Summit 2025 took place from Tuesday, 7th to Thursday, 9th October 2025, at Golden Tulip Hotels, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Themed “Beyond Waste: Value, Sustainability, Circularity, and Safety,” the three-day event brought together policymakers, environmental experts, business leaders, students, and sustainability advocates to discuss strategies for transforming waste into economic value while protecting the environment.

The opening remarks were delivered by Professor Babatunde Barnerd Bolaji, who chaired the occasion. He commended the organizers for sustaining the initiative and emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt sustainable waste management practices that align with global environmental standards.

The Convener of the Summit, Mr. Amos Atuboyedia, in his address, highlighted the importance of integrating innovation, education, and collaboration in tackling the challenges of waste and packaging safety. He reaffirmed the summit’s vision to create platforms where ideas and actions converge to promote sustainability and circularity within the waste management ecosystem.

The event also had in attendance the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty, King Air Commodore Tamuno-omisiki E. Opuiyo Ogube (Rtd.), the Amanyanabo of Kirike Kingdom, who blessed the gathering and commended the initiative for contributing to environmental awareness and youth empowerment in Rivers State and beyond.

A major highlight of the summit was the participation of resource persons from leading institutions, including CIFAL UNITAR, NESREA, HYPREP, and the Bank of Industry (BOI). These experts shared their wealth of experience on waste management challenges and sustainable solutions. Representatives from CIFAL UNITAR, NESREA, and HYPREP emphasized the need for stronger policies, community engagement, and corporate accountability in managing waste sustainably. The BOI representative enlightened participants on accessing financial support and loans for sustainability projects, encouraging entrepreneurs to explore funding opportunities for recycling and eco-friendly businesses.

Another significant moment was the book launch by Health, Environment and You (HEY), titled “Waste and Waste Management.” The publication, already approved by the government for educational use, aims to promote environmental education among students. Some professionals purchased copies of the book for distribution to secondary schools, supporting efforts to build a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

The summit also featured keynote and technical presentations, panel discussions, cultural displays, exhibitions, starter pack training, and networking sessions. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation among stakeholders committed to turning waste into wealth while ensuring environmental safety.

Organized in collaboration with the Rivers State Government, the summit once again reaffirmed the collective commitment of public and private institutions toward achieving a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment.

Registration for the event was free, with an optional ₦10,000 fee for certificates and materials. For partnership, exhibition, and sponsorship inquiries, interested individuals can contact the organizers via wastesummit2025@gmail.com or 0816 139 3654.

The summit concluded with renewed enthusiasm as participants pledged to continue promoting sustainability, circularity, and community awareness in waste management across Nigeria.

 

 

 

Tinubu Ends State of Emergency in Rivers State, Orders Return to Democratic Rule

Tinubu Ends State of Emergency in Rivers State, Orders Return to Democratic Rule

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, September 17, 2025.

He recalled that the emergency was declared on March 18, 2025, due to a constitutional and governance breakdown—marked by conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, vandalism of economic assets, and inability to pass an appropriation bill. The National Assembly approved the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers to restore order.

Tinubu thanked traditional rulers, Rivers people, and other stakeholders for their support, noting that while some legal challenges were filed, the measure was constitutionally necessary to prevent anarchy.

Citing renewed commitment to peace and cooperation among stakeholders, Tinubu directed Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule with Assembly members to resume office from September 18, 2025.

He urged all states to foster harmony between the executive and legislature, stressing that only peace and good governance can deliver the dividends of democracy.

#Tinubu #RiversState #RiversFirst #PortHarcourt #Wike #Simfubara

TRIBUTE TO HIS MAJESTY, NICHOLAS DICKSON IBIEBELE-NIMENIBO, KSC, JP BY S...

Burial arrangement of His Majesty, Nicholas Dickson Ibiebele-Nimenibo KS...