Rivers
Group Pledges To Sustain Peace In Egi
The Egi Youth Federation (EYF) held its National Congress at the weekend after many months of being in limbo as a result of the internal crises and ban placed on its activities by the local government council.
The lifting of the ban paved the way for the congress to hold at Obite Civic Centre and was massively attended by representatives of youths from the 17 communities that make up the Egi clan.
Addressing the congress, the new President, Comrade Umejuru Odioku who emerged victorious in an election held after recent court judgement declared: “after rain, comes sunshine. This is the glorious moment for our great organisation”. “ We have lost a lot because of rancour, disunity, previous court actions and petty jealousy.
We need to rebuild, reconstruct, reconcile and forgive one another to forge ahead as a united youth body.
“ There is need to salvage what is remaining, without which, the right path courted by our founding fathers would be missing”, Odioku, said.
He urged the youths to embrace the peace initiatives of the council so that “Egi land which had been polluted and desecrated by strange elements would regain its lost glory”.
Odioku pledged to work and cooperate with all other organisations in the area.
He, however, thanked the local government chairman, Mr Osi Olisah for his wisdom and administrative acumen that brought about peace in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, assuring that Egi youths would support all his programmes and policies.
Among the new executives are Comrade Ngborogu Adieme, vice president , Eleberi Bestman, general secretary, Tom Gospel, assistant auditor. and Orikoha Jasper, PRO.
Others are Ngozi Raphael, financial secretary, Azuma Bello, treasurer, Okwu Anthony, Director of Sports, Ewe Magnus, Director of Culture and Community Development, Nna Clement, auditor, Eke Kingsley, provost one and Ite Kingsley, provost two.
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PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
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