Niger Delta

INC Unveils NRC, Mulls Cartography For Ijaw Land

Published

4 years ago

April 29, 2022

The leadership of the apex Ijaw social cultural group, the Ijaw national congress(INC) has inaugurated its National Representative Council (NRC).
The Tide learnt that the INC’s national representative council was one of the organs provided for institutionalisation by its constitution.
In his opening speech at the ceremony which was held at the secretariat of the INC in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa state, President of the INC, Prof. Benjamin Ogelekeme Okaba, described the Ijaws as an ethnic group naturally endowed with both natural and human resources.
He noted that it was high time Ijaws started taking their destinies in their hands.
Following recent agitations by other ethnic nationalities in the country towards charting a new course, he Ijaws can not be left out, hence, the inauguration of the representative council.
According to him, the council would together with the National Executive Council (NEC) and other organs of the body fast track the processes of better unification and rapid socioeconomic transformation, development and self-determination of Ijaw land.
The national representative council (NRC) of the Ijaw national congress functions as its legislative arm, this is even as there were indications that it would also carry out functions pertaining to the approval of the appropriations of the INC as well as perform oversights on the national executive council of the body, respectively.
The INC President, who also stated that plans have reached advanced stages for the body under his leadership to provide Ijaws with a scientific map of all Ijaw Communities, noted that his leadership has since engaged the services of cartography consultants towards achieving this feat in the nearest possible future, maintaining that the INC would continue to partner other sister ethnic groups in and around the Niger Delta region and beyond to salvage the people of the area out of oppression and all forms of socioeconomic and political deprivations.
“I’m indeed so delighted to warmly welcome you all to this unique occasion which marks a significant milestone in our corporate efforts to reposition, recalibrate and strengthen congress in its entirety, to deliver on our core mandate to defend, promote and protect the Ijaw identity, Ijaw unity, unification and solidarity freedom from political, economic and social injustices and pursue the Ijaw cause of self-determination to its logical conclusion.
“While, I, on behalf of NEC humbly and profusely apologise for the delay in setting up this all important organ of congress for reasons that were clearly beyond our control, I wish to congratulate you on your well-deserved nomination either as statutory members or representatives of your respective clans and chapters, as bonafide members of the NRC. We’re optimistic that you all possess the requisite content, character, experience and commitment to offer sacrificial services to our father land and by due diligence live up to the expectations of our people, who are in dire need of positive change in our existential realities.
“It may interest you to note that the present national executive council under my leadership has made substantive progress in addressing the need for a composite Ijaw territory, preparation of a scientifically distilled cartographic map and the launch of the all Ijaw online App fixed for 14th, May,2022 as one of the events to mark our one year anniversary”, he said.
Giving an overview of the functions of the national representative council, the national secretary of the INC, Eng. Epipamowei Wodu stated that the council would amongst others provide fora for deliberations on all matters of interest to the Ijaw nation, approve annual budget of Congress, monitor and appraise the implementation of the annual budget by the national executive council of the INC, as well as summon any officer of the national organ of congress to explain any matter connected with his/ her efficiency or loyalty in the performance of duties.
Other functions of the NRC, Wodu mentioned were, the removal of any member of the executive arm of the congress in accordance with the INC constitution, the recommendation of worthy Ijaw Sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in various fields for Ijaw national honours, the approval of the programme of activities of the national convention each year, discussion and adoption of the resolutions on any matter of urgent interest to the Ijaw nation, as well as initiate issues and mandate any organ of congress to tackle such issues in the interest of all Ijaws with anybody or group of persons, governments, parastatals and companies within or outside Nigeria.
The Tide reports that the newly inaugurated national representative council (NRC) of the INC which has membership drawn from all the three zones of the INC, its clans and chapters saw a Rivers-Ijaw born and Eastern zonal member of the INC, Prince (Dr) Anyanate Kio emerging as leader, while Princess Adesola Ebiseni of the Western zone was sworn-in as Deputy leader, whereas Mr Gabriel Pinasidor Benamaisia of the Central zone clinched the position of the NRC Clerk, respectively.
Meanwhile, in his inaugural speech, the newly sworn-in Leader of the national representative Council (NRC) of the Ijaw national congress(INC), Prince (Dr) Kio has commended the body for finding him worthy to serve as a leader in his present position, pledging his continuous desire to partner the national executive council (NEC) of the INC and other well-meaning Sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation in moving the ethnic nationality forward.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

24 Nigerian Universities Make 2026 THE Rankings … 4 S’South Versitieis Pull Through

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria has recorded its strongest-ever outing in global university rankings, with 24 institutions earning places in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings.

However, only four universities from the South-South geopolitical zone made the prestigious list.

The South-South institutions that secured places in the rankings are Delta State University, Abraka (12th), University of Benin (22nd), University of Calabar (23rd), and University of Port Harcourt (24th).

The rankings, which represent Nigeria’s highest-ever participation, reinforces the country’s growing influence in higher education across Sub-Saharan Africa, with 24 universities listed, up from 21 in both the 2024 and 2025 editions.

The University of Ibadan retained its position as Nigeria’s highest-ranked institution, followed by the University of Lagos, while Bayero University, Kano, emerged as the third-best performing university in the country.

Of the 24 institutions, 17 are federal universities, four are state-owned, and three are private universities, reflecting broad improvements in teaching, research, and institutional performance across the country’s tertiary education sector.

The rankings also underscore the growing global recognition of Nigeria’s specialised universities of technology and agriculture, while state-owned institutions continue to improve their academic profiles through enhanced research output and governance reforms.

The full list of Nigeria’s universities in the 2026 THE rankings are: University of Ibadan; University of Lagos; Bayero University, Kano; Covenant University; Landmark University; Ahmadu Bello University; Federal University of Technology, Minna; University of Ilorin; University of Jos; University of Nigeria; Babcock University; and Delta State University, Abraka.

Others are: Ekiti State University; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Federal University of Technology, Akure; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology; Lagos State University; Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Obafemi Awolowo University; University of Benin; University of Calabar; and University of Port Harcourt.

The rankings highlight both Nigeria’s expanding presence on the global academic stage and the need for greater investment in higher education across regions, particularly in the South-South, where only four universities made the country’s top 24 list.

Niger Delta

‘Ogbolo ’26’: Bayelsa Community Revives Heritage, Strengthens Unity

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The Ogu Community in Otubo-Atissa, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has stated its commitment to preserving its culture, peace and community development through the celebration of the annual “Uge Adiafa” New Yam Festival, tagged “Ogbolo ’26.”

Held at St. John’s Primary School Field, Ogu, the colourful festival served not only as the traditional commencement of the yam harvest season, but also as a tribute to the community’s illustrious son and founder of the Uge Adiafa Festival, His Majesty, Late King Fedrick Aduku Simangi Ogbotom-Edede IV.

The celebration brought together sons and daughters of the community, traditional rulers, academics, youths and other guests in a display of thanksgiving, cultural performances and renewed communal solidarity.

Addressing the gathering, the traditional head of the community, HRH Bishop Akuegbe Paul, expressed delight at the massive turnout, describing the festival as a symbol of thanksgiving to God, cultural identity and unity among the people.

He noted that beyond celebrating a successful farming season, the festival honours the enduring legacy of the late monarch, whose vision established the Uge Adiafa Festival as a platform for preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Guest of Honour, Professor Nedie Patience Akani, of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, commended the community for embracing reconciliation and unity.

Professor Akani, who is of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, of the university and a daughter of the soil, said, “This is my first time attending this New Yam Festival. I came because of the good things happening in this community.

“Before now, there were quarrels in the community, with court cases here and there, brother fighting against brother. But today, God has united us. It is a wonderful thing to be united because where there is no unity, there can be no progress in the home, family or community.

“I thank the head of Ogu Community, HRH, Bishop Akuege Paul, for making today’s celebration a reality”, she stated.

The event also featured inter-compound cultural competitions, with Yenikabu II Compound emerging overall winner, while Bongata Compound and Abrima Compound finished first d second runners-up respectively.

Also, eleven Compound Chiefs alongside their respective Head Compound Women Chiefs were coronated. The Woman Chief of Ogu Community, HH, Dare Tiebiri and her Deputy, Chief Stella Jordan Mark, were also coronated.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion included the Ebenanawei of Akamabubu Kingdom, Southern Ijaw LGA, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, HRM, King J. Olotu Erepamo; the Paramount Ruler, Ikibiri Community, Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, HRH, Barrister Morris Lagos; and the Ebeni-Isisibo of Atissa Kingdom, HRH, God’swill Arab Simeon.

Other are: the Ebeni-Otubo, Atissa Kingdom, HRH, Sir Anderson J. Olumo, and his wife, Mrs. Tarila Anderson Olumo; the Deputy Head of Ogu Community, HH, Mission Obugu, and wife of the Ebeni-Ibe of Atissa Kingdom, Mrs. Diemeze Victor Awala.

For the people of Ogu, the festival was more than a celebration of the first harvest, it underscored the importance of preserving cultural traditions, strengthening communal bonds, promoting reconciliation and passing cherished values from one generation to another, while also ensuring that the legacy of their forebears continue to inspire future generations.

Niger Delta

SEEPCO Collaborates Delta, Others In Voluntary Blood Donation Campaign

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has partnered the Delta State Government, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society to promote voluntary blood donation as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s blood supply and save lives.

The initiative, which forms part of SEEPCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for its host communities, aligns with activities marking the 2026 World Blood Donor Day with the theme, “One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives.”

The campaign was conducted across Delta State’s three senatorial districts — Asaba, Ughelli and Warri — where stakeholders sensitised residents on the importance of voluntary, regular and unpaid blood donation as the most sustainable means of ensuring adequate blood supply for healthcare facilities.

The exercise followed a similar campaign in Lagos State, where SEEPCO, in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, mobilised about 550 pints of blood within two days.

VCDF also highlighted the steady growth of its annual blood donation drive, with the number of donors increasing from 98 in 2022 to 147 in 2023, 268 in 2024 and 341 in 2025.

Before the Delta campaign, the foundation had recorded a cumulative total of 1,404 voluntary donors, a feat that earned it the Blood Donation Champion Award from the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service.

At the Central Hospital, Ughelli, the hospital’s management and Blood Transfusion Committee commended SEEPCO, VCDF, the Delta State Ministry of Health and other partners for supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to safe blood for patients.

Speaking during the campaign, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, described voluntary blood donation as critical to responding to public health emergencies and saving lives during accidents, childbirth and other medical emergencies.

He said: “Voluntary blood donation is important for public health emergencies and to save lives during accidents and childbirth. We are deeply grateful to VCDF and its partners for their commitment to promoting voluntary blood donation and supporting life-saving healthcare initiatives.”

Participants said the awareness campaign had increased public understanding of the importance of blood donation, with many first-time donors expressing willingness to become regular donors after learning about the safety, benefits and life-saving impact of donating blood.

Stakeholders also stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment, noting that a single blood donation could save multiple lives, as the campaign recorded impressive community participation across the three senatorial districts.