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Wike Seeks Approval For Law School In PH
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has requested approval for the establishment of a campus of the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt.
The governor said the request is made in view of the fact that the existing six campuses of the Nigerian Law School across the country can only admit 6,000 out of the over 10,000 applicants that seek legal education every year.
Wike made the request during the flag-off of two hostel blocks (450-bed spaces each) and a 1,500 capacity auditorium, being constructed by the Rivers State Government, at the Yenagoa Campus of the Nigerian Law School, last Friday.
According to Wike, Rivers State Government is willing to provide the basic infrastructure required in establishing another law school within six months in order to accommodate more students desirous for legal education.
“Let me throw a challenge to the chairman of Council of Legal Education, to the permanent secretary of Ministry of Justice, and to the Director General of Nigeria Law School. How do we accommodate these extra 4,000 people that are left out since the only capacity the law school can take is 6,000?”
The governor expressed the readiness of states to support the Council of Legal Education and the Federal Government, if they are given opportunity to provide requisite infrastructure for the establishment of more law schools to accommodate eligible aspirants to the legal profession.
“Nobody should play politics with this. As a state government, I am ready to within the next six months give you everything that is required to establish a law school in Port Harcourt. What are the facilities you need? Four hostels; two for men, two for women, an auditorium, multipurpose hall, law clinic, two moot court rooms, vehicles and residences for staff, then, Port Harcourt can host a campus of law school.”
Wike said no person should be surprised that Rivers State Government was intervening in Yenagoa campus of Nigerian Law School because the institution is meant for South-South region.
“So, one of these days, I came here with the DG, and what I saw was not befitting of a law school for legal education. For a school in the South-South, this is where our children come to, we should be able to give support. What Rivers State Government is spending is not less than N5billion to build 900 bed space hostels for boys and girls and then 1,500 capacity auditorium.”
In his remarks, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, described such intervention of the Rivers State Government in improving facility for legal education as a worthy complimentary effort.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of the Federation, Dayo Apata, the Attorney General of the Federation, said the request for a campus in Port Harcourt can be favourably considered when a formal proposal is received.
“I see clarity of thought about how Nigeria can be better off. I see a man with passion, very passionate about development. Everything you spoke about discussed is about Nigeria to be better off. You are touching life. We see you doing projects. You have written your name in the sands of time.”
The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, described the intervention of Wike as remarkable.
According to him, since the Bayelsa State Government donated the land and the few structures, the Federal Government has not made any contribution since 2011 when it was established.
“This project here you’re initiating, today, ought to be a Federal Government project. And since this campus was donated by Bayelsa State Government, we have not seen anything done by the federal government.
“At this point, it is now the duty of those of us in the South-South region to nurture this campus, so, that it will become a reputation. And so, we are very happy for this hand of cooperation and fellowship you have extended to this campus.”
On his part, Director-General of Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, said facilities at the campuses of Nigeria Law School have become insufficient to cater for the needs of legal education.
This is so, he said, because of the increased number of students’ enrolment to study law in Nigeria and in Diaspora.
“Hence the urgent need for interventions and assistance in these critical areas. It is, therefore, instructive, a welcome development and the reason for this happy gathering in our Yenagoa
The Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, said the central idea behind these constructions by the Rivers State Government was to address the infrastructural deficits of lecture and accommodation spaces for the ever increasing number of students seeking to acquire vocational legal training in Nigeria.
“It is no secret that since the establishment of the Yenagoa and Yola campuses of the Nigerian Law School in 2011 little or no attention has been made by government or concerned stakeholders to build more hostels and lecture halls to effectively accommodate students adequately.”
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo