Former Councillor of the Oyigbo Legislative Assembly, High Chief (Hon.) Godson Chukwudi Oyegorom, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Haggai International School of Divinity, an affiliate of Open University, USA.
Oyegorom was among the graduands honoured during an epoch-making graduation and empowerment ceremony held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Oyigbo, Rivers State, where more than 200 beneficiaries also received training and empowerment in various skills.
The ceremony attracted friends, relatives, in-laws, community leaders and other well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students.
Speaking during the presentation of certificates to the graduands, the Director-General of Haggai International School of Divinity, Prof. Kotoye, said the programme, which commenced two years ago, had successfully produced graduates in different areas of academic and skills development.
According to him, the programme was structured in two phases, with participants graduating with Doctor of Philosophy degrees as well as acquiring practical skills in various fields.
Prof. Kotoye urged the graduating students to focus on personal growth, capacity building and contributing meaningfully to the development of society.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of graduates produced by the institution, noting that they had been properly tested, groomed and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to make positive contributions to society.
The Director-General said the establishment of Haggai International School of Divinity in the Garden City had contributed to educational advancement in Rivers State while empowering youths to excel in various areas of human endeavour.
He expressed confidence that the graduands would live up to expectations by applying the knowledge and skills acquired towards achieving their personal aspirations and contributing to the development of society.
Prof. Kotoye also commended the member representing Oyigbo Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Prince Gerald Oforji, for his support towards the success of the programme.
He disclosed that the lawmaker contributed more than 60 per cent of the resources deployed for the empowerment and skills acquisition component of the programme, describing his contribution as worthy of commendation.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Dr. Godson Oyegorom expressed gratitude to God for enabling him and his colleagues to successfully complete the programme.
Oyegorom described the attainment of the PhD as a major milestone for him and his family, attributing the achievement to the grace of God, dedication, hard work and passion.
He noted that the accomplishment had brought immense joy to the Oyegorom family, particularly as he had followed in the footsteps of his elder sister, who he said was the first PhD holder in their kindred.
“I am happy that the academic journey which started two years ago has finally come to fruition. This was achieved through dedication, hard work and passion,” he said.
He encouraged youths to remain dedicated and committed to their education, personal development, God and the service of humanity.
The former councillor also thanked members of the Oyigbo Ex-Councillors Forum, friends, family members and other well-wishers for their support and solidarity throughout his academic journey.

The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Rivers State Council, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for commissioning several landmark projects initiated by his administration, despite the political challenges that have confronted the state in recent times.
The union also called on members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill earlier presented by the governor.
Chairman of the NCSU, Rivers State Council, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, made the position known during an interview in Port Harcourt.
Osumah said the union was pleased that the Fubara administration had continued to deliver and commission projects across the state despite the political challenges it had encountered.
He described the development as “soothing, heart-warming and commendable,” noting that the completion and commissioning of the projects demonstrated the governor’s commitment to delivering on his promises to the people of Rivers State.
According to him, it is worthy of celebration that Governor Fubara has remained focused on governance and ensured the completion of several major projects that are now being commissioned across the State.
He assured the governor of the support and solidarity of civil servants, saying members of the NCSU would continue to attend commissioning ceremonies across the State to identify with the administration and celebrate its achievements.
Osumah, who also doubles as Secretary of the Joint National Public Negotiating Council (JNC), Rivers State Council, said such support was equally a demonstration of the workers’ appreciation for what he described as the administration’s positive interventions in the welfare of civil servants over the past three years.
“We want to tell him boldly, clearly and in unequivocal terms that we are solidly behind him. Wherever he goes and wherever he pitches his political tent, that is where we will go. The civil servants are truly happy with him,” he said.
The NCSU chairman also commended Governor Fubara for what he described as his peaceful disposition and commitment to the welfare of workers in the State.
On the prevailing political situation in Rivers State, Osumah expressed satisfaction with the relative peace and political stability in the State, stressing that a peaceful environment was essential for meaningful development.
He therefore appealed to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to take advantage of the current peaceful atmosphere to expedite the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, and applauded them for coming to terms with the Governor.
He noted that the passage of the budget would ultimately facilitate the overall development of the State.
According to him, the passage of the budget would also provide the necessary financial framework for the governor to complete and commission other ongoing projects initiated by his administration before the end of his tenure in 2027.
While appreciating the lawmakers for accepting and receiving the Appropriation Bill for consideration, Osumah urged them to reciprocate Governor Fubara’s stated willingness to work with the Assembly and the Rainbow Coalition by giving the bill speedy consideration and passage.
He maintained that a harmonious working relationship among the executive, legislature and other stakeholders would further strengthen peace and create the right atmosphere for the continued development of Rivers State.
The NCSU chairman reiterated the union’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote workers’ welfare, peace, stability and sustainable development in the State.

The Rivers State chapter of the National APC Christian Leaders Forum of Nigeria has pledged to mobilise at least 50 votes from each polling unit across the state for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the Renewed Hope Candidates Mandate Dedication Service and Campaign Cake Cutting ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
The dedication service, which had the theme, “The Fingers of God,” brought together members of the forum, APC support groups and party stakeholders.
Aroh said the pledge was in line with a directive from the national headquarters of the forum, stressing that the organisation has a strong presence across polling units in the state.
He said the forum was mobilising Christians across the various polling units to ensure a massive victory for APC candidates in the state.
According to him, “God is with all APC candidates in Rivers State,” expressing confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the elections.
Aroh also dismissed the notion of ethnic politics in Rivers State, saying that every individual has the right to support any political group or candidate of their choice.
He urged politicians and their supporters to avoid campaign of calumny, stressing the need for peaceful political activities ahead of the elections.
Also speaking, the National President of the National APC Christian Leaders Forum of Nigeria, Dr. Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for its sustained mobilisation of Christians in support of APC candidates.
Abraham, who was represented by the South-South Deputy Zonal Coordinator, Archbishop Prince Gideon, said the forum was determined to deliver massive votes for APC candidates across Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of APC Support Groups in Rivers State, Rev. Christian Ahiakwo, disclosed that more than 177 support groups had so far been registered in the state.
Ahiakwo said more groups had indicated interest in joining the campaign for APC candidates, expressing optimism that Rivers State would witness peaceful campaigns and elections.
He described the emergence of Rt. Hon. Ogundu Chinda as the APC gubernatorial candidate, alongside other candidates of the party, as an act of God.
The State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, also commended the Christian leaders forum for its sustained efforts in mobilising Christians for the party.
Amadi said the party was aware of the group’s efforts and would reward its members for their commitment and support.

She urged the forum not to relent in its mobilisation efforts and assured its members of the party’s continued support.

John Bibor