News
UNIPORT Wins World Bank Grant

Mrs Daniel-Kalio Blessing, GM Business Development RSSDA (left) chating with Mr Kalada Apiaf during the 29th annual general meeting of Manufacturer Association of Nigeria in Port Harcourt, recently
Following evaluation of two major proposals on oilfield submitted to the World Bank, the University of Port Harcourt has won the Banks grant to set up oil field chemicals, through the institution’s Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS).
The African centre of excellence (ACE) project Secretary Committee, (PSC) met in Dakar, Senegal on October 28th this year, following the final selection and presentation of the outcome of what is described as rigorous desk evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes that applied for the competitive grant.
The grant implemented under the auspices of Association of African Universities (AAU) would be the highest outside intervention fund to universities.
The Tide gathered that 53 proposals were submitted for evaluation by West African and Central African Universities while Uniport submitted two proposals pursuant to the establishment of centres of excellence in Agriculture and oil field chemicals out of which 15 tertiary institutions were chosen for the grant worth millions of Dollars.
UNIPORT was awarded the grant in the category of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
A statement signed by the coordinator, communications and Information Technology Department of (AAU), Abigail Nyamson, revealed that seven universities in Nigeria were lucky recipients in health, agriculture, science and engineering. The successful Nigerian Universities are Redeemer’s University, Ogun State University for Health, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja for STEM, Federal University of Agric, Abuokuta, University of Jos, for health, Uniben for health and Uniport for STEM.
The ACE project co-ordinator, Prof. Jonathan Mba led a high powered delegation comprising the managing director of Botho University Botswana, Prof. Sheela Raja Ram, President, European Universities Assocation (EUA), Prof. Maria Helina Nazars and Prof. of Maths of the University of Michigan, USA, Nkem Khumbah to assess the preparedness of the universities on the programme.
Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof Joseph Ajienka expressed gratitude to the project steering committee and AAU for extending the grant to his university.
Prof. Ajienka said the purpose for which it was made would be realized to attract more grants to Uniport.
“I am very enthused to receive the news of such vital grant to this University (Uniport) for which we remain eternally grateful to Almighty God for His abundant grace in seeing our proposal through”, he said, noting that the grant confirms Uniport as African Centre of Excellence in oilfield chemical studies and IPS as an African Centre of Excellence in Petroleum Studies.
“it is a very fitting development as we prepare to celebrate this institute at ten years of uninterrupted academic activities”, the VC said.
The VC who dedicated the grant to Total Exximobil P Limited for the company’s novel innovative thinking in higher education in Nigeria and also dedicated it to the 5th VC emeritus Prof. Nemi Briggs for his foresight, wisdom and resilience in establishing IPS in 2003.
The Uniport VC commended all the line officers who worked had to make the grant possible in view of the stiff competitions with other institutions.
He also thanked the debut Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) Prof Bene Willis Abbey and the director of the Centre of Research Management, Prof. Onyewuchi Akaranta and the Faculties of Engineering and Agriculture for working hard to make the grant possible.
Chris Oluoh
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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