The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has assured of massive attendance at the 217th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University of Port Harcourt, scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Chairman of the Council, Comrade Paul Bazia, gave the assurance when members of the Media Sub-Committee of the Planning Committee for the lecture, led by Prof. Udoudo, accompanied by Dr. Chris Konkwo, visited the NUJ Secretariat to formally present an invitation to the event.

Bazia said the Council would mobilise journalists across its chapels to participate in the inaugural lecture, describing the engagement as an important platform for strengthening the relationship between the media and the academic community.

He commended Prof. Udoudo for personally visiting the Council to present the invitation, despite having earlier extended one, noting that the gesture demonstrated his respect for the NUJ and practising journalists.

The NUJ Chairman said journalists in Rivers State remained appreciative of intellectual engagements initiated by their former lecturers, mentors and colleagues in the academia, stressing that such programmes were vital to bridging the gap between the town and the gown.

He explained that journalists played a critical role in connecting academic research with society by providing feedback through which theories and hypotheses developed in the university could be tested against practical realities.

“We are happy about your visit and will be delighted to attend the lecture in our numbers. We do not take for granted such invitations and programmes from our former lecturers, mentors and colleagues in the academia.

“I assure you that the information will be circulated across all our platforms for the necessary publicity, while we will also mobilise our members to be in attendance”, he  said.

He described the topic of the lecture, “Newshound: A Watchdog or an African Hunter’s Dog?”, as timely and relevant, adding that it would offer journalists an opportunity to reflect on their professional responsibilities and relationship with other institutions.

Earlier, Prof. Udoudo said journalists and law enforcement agencies were key stakeholders in the discourse, which would examine the often-strained relationship between the two institutions, particularly allegations of unfavourable treatment of journalists by security agencies.

The university don explained that, despite his transition into the academia, he remained committed to the journalism profession and the need to ensure that journalists, as watchdogs of society, were accorded the respect and recognition they deserved.

He assured that the inaugural lecture would be comprehensive, engaging and memorable, while urging practising journalists across Rivers State to attend the event.

Prof. Udoudo added that the lecture would also provide an opportunity for journalists to interact directly with security personnel expected at the occasion.

King Onunwor

The Chairman of Etche Area Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, His Majesty, King S. N. Amaechi, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for his genuine reconciliation efforts aimed at uniting all warring groups in Rivers State.

King Amaechi, who is the Onye Ishi Ala  of Igbo Kingdom, gave the commendation in his reaction to the reappointment of His Majesty, Eze Sir Sergeant Chidi Awuse, as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs by the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

The monarch advised all political actors in the state to embrace peace genuinely for the overall interest, peace and development of Rivers State, noting that reconciliation remains the only path to stability.

Speaking further on the reappointment, he described the decision of the Governor to return Eze Awuse to the leadership of the apex traditional council as well-deserved and timely.

He said the reappointment represents a path to genuine reconciliation and will help in repositioning the traditional institution for effective service delivery.

The Etche monarch described Awuse as a man endowed with traditional sagacity who has paid his dues in the service of Rivers State.

He expressed confidence that Awuse would bring his wealth of experience, rich political background and fatherly leadership to bear in reorganizing the council to achieve its desired goals.

“HRM Sergeant Chidi Awuse is a man with traditional sagacity. He has paid his dues to the state. I am confident he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs of Rivers State”, Amaechi stated.

The monarch called on all traditional rulers in the state to rally round the new leadership and give it total support to succeed.

He stated that unity among traditional rulers is critical to complementing government’s efforts at fostering peace and development across Rivers State.

Akujobi Amadi

The Obiga Mathematics and Leadership Foundation has called for increased investment in the mentorship of young people and leadership training with a view to  prepare them  for future responsibilities.

Founder of the foundation, Mr. David Obiga, said this during the maiden edition of “Champion Connect” programming, which brought together outstanding young people from about six schools across Rivers State and beyond for mentorship and personal development.

Obiga said the initiative was established to equip young people with the necessary leadership skills, values and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to society.

According to him, Nigeria is experiencing a leadership gap partly because of the negative values and role models promoted in some sections of society.

He explained that the foundation seeks to instil values such as integrity, hard work and selfless service in young people to prepare them for leadership positions in their communities and the country at large.

He disclosed that participants were carefully selected from s and Second Class Upper results, but added that academic excellence alone was not enough, noting that young people also needed continuous mentorship and guidance to achieve their full potential different schools based on their academic performance, including students who had achieved First Class and Second Class Upper results, but added that academic excellence alone was not enough, noting that young people also needed continuous mentorship and guidance to achieve their full potential

“We felt that hard work itself, and the fact that they made First Class or Second Class Upper, is not where it stops. You need to nurture them and mentor them to ensure that they continue to grow”, he said.

The foundation’s founder also called on government agencies, ng that the responsibility of building future leaders should not be left to one organisation. private organisations and well-meaning individuals to support youth development initiatives, stressing that the responsibility of building future leaders should not be left to one organisation.

He urged Nigerians to exert positive influences in their immediate environments, saying, “Let everyone shine their light within their space and pass on that light to someone else. It is when we light up other candles that eventually the entire society becomes illuminated.”

Also speaking at the programme, a financial expert, Toba Ololeye, encouraged young people to develop healthy financial habits early in life rather than waiting until they begin earning substantial incomes.

Ololeye, who addressed participants on financial planning and wealth creation, advised them to cultivate the habit of saving and investing, regardless of how little they currently have.

She noted that although inflation remains a challenge in the economy, young people can still make informed financial decisions by learning from experienced entrepreneurs and developing effective money-management skills.

Ololoye  expressed appreciation to the foundation for providing the platform, describing the initiative as an opportunity capable of shaping the financial future of its participants.

Another speaker, Toba Ishola, emphasised the importance of resilience in overcoming life’s challenges, declaring that champions are not born but built through determination, experience and continuous personal development.

He explained that setbacks and difficulties are part of life’s journey, adding that individuals must learn to reflect, make necessary adjustments and continue pursuing their goals.

Anuji Success, Charles Joy, Amesi Rejoice & Fruitful Wodi