Rivers
Ekpeye Group Lauds Monarch Over Focus On Youth Dev

A group under the aegis of Ekpeye Oil and Gas (EOG), has identified with Eze Igbu Akoh II, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidhi as a dependable traditional ruler who champions the course of youths in Ekpeye land.
EOG stated this at a solidarity visit to Eze Ikegbidhi at his palace in Ihugbogo Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, recently.
Addressing newsmen, shortly after the presentation, Ikegbidhi who expressed gratitude at the all important visit said, he was much delighted at any venture that could fetch job opportunity to the unemployed youths.
The two-time former Ahoada East council boss decried the backwardness in Ekpeye nation, attributing it to the lack of love among themselves.
Ikegbidhi admitted the fact that people twisted the formation of EOG for selfish reason said: “but what I can see and hear today is far from what they rumoured, I am not the type of Eze that will go to company to drink tea, but company will find me at my palace.”
The monarch, while advising the group to show maximum support to the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike, warned against pipeline vandalism in their operation in Ekpeyeland.
He urged the executive officers not only to carry everybody along in the scheme of things, also to include non oil and gas producing communities; noting that the name EOG cut across the towns and villages in Ekpeye kingdom.
The highly elated monarch donated one goat, five tubers of yam, one bunch of plantain and assorted cartons of drinks among other edibles.
Earlier in his solidarity speech, National Chairman of EOG, Hon Chidi Dogini congratulated Eze Ikegbidhi on his court victory.
Dogini thanked the Ekpeye first class chief for his contribution to his present status, noting that Eze Ikegbidhi has touched the lives of many people, especially when he was council chairman.
“As Ikegbidhi ascends to the throne of Eze Igbu Akoh, Ekpeye kingdom will be better,” Dogini stated.
The chairman told the mammoth crowd that the idea to form the EOG association stemmed from when he was special assistant to Ikegbidhi when he (Ikegbidhi) was the Ahoada East Local Government chairman.
He maintained that EOG was constituted to enable member communities press home their rights from the several multinational oil companies in Ekpeyeland, adding that the body was duly registered; promising that its functions would not overlap with that of the landlords.
Also speaking, EOG Public Relations Officer (PRO), Amb. Ijeoma Austin Okpara said, the visit was predicated on showing support to the revered monarch; noting that all the villages that bear oil and gas were present.
However, in a vote of thanks, Chief Moses Justice thanked EOG for their wisdom, and prayed God for divine guidance.
By: Emenike Benson Agimo
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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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