News

Honours, Well-Deserved

Published

14 years ago

November 14, 2011

Honours will be made today as Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, leads other eminent Rivers people awarded various categories of the coveted National Honours in Abuja.

In this first of a two-part appraisal, we bring you abridged profile of the honourees to help underscore some of the individual’s attainments that informed the honours, in the first place.

Happy reading.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was born on May 27, 1965 in Umuordu, Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He had his primary and secondary education at St. Theresa’s Primary School, Ubima (1976) and Okolobiri School (1982), respectively. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Studies from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987.

In 1988, Amaechi served as the Public Relations Officer of Pamo Clinic and Hospitals Limited, Port Harcourt. He was also a Special Assistant to Dr Peter Odili in 1992 when he (Odili) was the Deputy Governor of the state during the administration of Chief Rufus Ada George. A military coup in November 1993 cut short that administration.

When democracy was restored in the country on May 29, 1999, Amaechi was elected the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, a position he held for eight years. During this period, he served as Chairman of Conference of Speakers in the Federation, and distinguished himself as a dependable leader.

On December 9, 2006, Amaechi won the governorship primaries of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became the flagbearer of the party for the 2007 governorship election. In February 2007, he was substituted as a candidate of the party for the election in questionable circumstances.

Amaechi challenged the decision in the Supreme Court and on October 25, 2007 the apex court ruled in his favour and was sworn in as the Executive Governor of the state on October 26, 2007.

On April 26, 2011, the governor won a second term mandate and his administration has continued to transform the state particularly in the education, health, transport and power sectors, among others including the provision of road networks.

He is currently the Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum.

The award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) conferred on him today by President Goodluck Jonathan is indeed a recognition of the value he has brought to bear in the lives of Rivers people and residents of the state. It is a salute to good governance, courage and hardwork.

Chief Rufus Ada-George

Chief Rufus Ada George is a former Executive Governor of Rivers State from January 1992 to November, 1993 when the late General Sani Abacha took over the reigns of power in a military putsch.

He had earlier diligently served the government of Rivers State as Secretary to the State Government from September, 1981 to December, 1983. He was also Director-General, Works Directorate from December 1979 to September, 1981.

This astute politician was an Accountant with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) from April, 1972 to December 1979, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief Accountant, Lagos Division before he joined the state government on secondment.

Ada George was also the Deputy Managing Director of a thriving investment outfit, Dangil Holdings Limited and equally became a part-time member of Board of Directors of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), African Continental Bank (ACB) and many other companies.

He was chairman, Board of Directors of Port Harcourt Floor Mills Ltd, NTX Nigeria Ltd, a computer and information services company, Ada Consults and others.

HRM, Prof. J. T. J. Princewill

Prof. J. T. J. Princewill is the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom and the current chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Atedo Peterside

Mr. Atedo N. A. Peterside (OON) is the founder of Stanbic IBTC and served the bank in various capacities from February, 1989 to October, 2007. He was also an honorary Special Adviser to Rivers state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Vice Chairman and Director of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

He has been an independent Director of Presco Plc since April, 2008, and a Director of CR Services Limited and Unilever Nigeria Plc.

This ebullient business guru equally served as a member of the Private Sector Advisory Board set up by the World Bank to assist in establishing a Country Assistant Strategy (CAS) for Nigeria.

Most importantly, Peterside gave Stantic IBTC Bank Plc a unique image when he served as its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.

Until his retirement, he was the Managing Director of IBTC Chartered Bank Plc and had overseen the affairs of the bank since inception in 1989 and midwifed the bank’s growth from a fledging institution into one of the most respected, efficient and innovative banks in Nigeria today.

An Economist by profession, Peterside is a commentator on the Nigerian economy and the domestic financial system. He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the City University, London and a Master’s Degree in the same discipline from the London School of Economics and Political Scinece.

This fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria hails from Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State. He is also a member of the Council for the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the award of the Order of the Niger (OON) conferred on him today, by President Goodluck Jonathan is no doubt a befitting recognition of his contributions to the country.

Joseph Jobo

Joseph Yobo is a Nigerian international footballer and the Captain of Super Eagles. He was also a centre back for Everton Football Club of England before he moved to Fernabeche FC of Turkey where he is currently plying his trade.

He has 79 caps for the Nigerian National team.

Yobo was born on September 6, 1980 in Kono in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State but grew up in Port Harcourt.

In 1998, he left Nigeria and joined Standard Liege and made his first team debut in 2000. He donned the team’s colours 46 times before he moved to Marseille in 2001.

He set up the Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation in 2007 to help under-priviledged children in Nigeria and handed over 300 scholarship awards on July 18, 2007 from primary to university levels. Yobo equally started a Football Academy in the Ogoni region of Nigeria and runs a football camp.

HRM, G. N. K. Gininwa

G. N. K. Giniwa is the Paramount ruler of Tai, the Tua-Tua Tai and the chairman of Ogoni Council of Traditional Rulers.

News

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

News

Rivers Boundary Commission Steps In to Resolve Okoloma–Ban-Ogoi Land Dispute

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

As part of deliberate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent communal conflict, the Rivers State Boundary Commission has intervened in the long-standing boundary dispute between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area of the state.

The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commission at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, January 16, 2026. The meeting was aimed at setting up a technical committee that will work towards an amicable and lasting resolution of the land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, stressed the importance of peace, dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving boundary-related disagreements. She urged all parties to approach the process with sincerity and restraint, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through constructive engagement.

Prof. Odu advised the communities to emulate the peaceful disposition and leadership style of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by presenting their grievances and petitions without bitterness or rancour, assuring them of the Commission’s commitment to fairness and justice.

She also expressed satisfaction with the presence of the Chairmen of Tai and Oyigbo Local Government Areas at the meeting, describing it as a clear demonstration of their resolve to maintain peace and harmony between the affected communities.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Dr. Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, and his Tai Local Government Area counterpart, Hon. Mbakpone Okpe, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peaceful coexistence among their people. They emphasized that peace is critical to attracting development and investment to the area.

Both council chairmen commended the Rivers State Boundary Commission for its proactive intervention, expressing optimism that the establishment of a technical committee would pave the way for a fair and enduring resolution of the dispute.

News

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.