Rivers

RSG, CJ Task Young Lawyers On Professionalism …As Wike Laments Poor Maintenance Of Law School

Published

2 years ago

October 25, 2023

The Rivers State Government has called on young up-coming lawyers to imbibe the virtue of integrity, hard work, excellence and perseverance which, he said, are the hallmarks of the legal profession.
The State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, made the call while delivering his goodwill message and declaring open the two-day 2023 Annual Summit organised by the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum with the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Creating Future Leaders in Nigeria from the Present and next Generation of Young Lawyers”, held at the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute in Port Harcourt, weekend.
Governor Fubara, who was represented on the occasion by the State Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zaccheaus Adangor, said the theme of the summit has a lofty idea and aspiration that are essential in providing leadership, not only in Nigeria, but also across the globe.
The State Chief Executive told the gathering that as young lawyers, they must strive for hard work, perseverance and confine themselves to the ethical standards of integrity, honesty, and transparency, stressing that it was on such virtues that lawyers are trained to provide leadership in the society .
He expressed worry that most lawyers, especially the young once, are more concerned about get rich syndrome instead of striving for hard work and integrity.
“I am not against making money, but you have to strive for excellence first as a leader and perseverance, then money will come”, he stated
Governor Fubara assured that the state government would continue to play its supporting roles to the legal profession, especially in the development of the young lawyers, adding, that was what informed the past administration to assist the various branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the State with N50 million each.
“Lawyers are the only professionals trained in the administration of rule of law and protection of human rights in the society, so you must strive for integrity and excellence in the pursuit of your professional responsibilities”, he urged,
Also speaking, the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, described the young lawyers as pivotal and essential strength in the practice of the law profession.
Among other things, he urged them to strive in developing their educational careers, and be involved in leadership and mentoring, such as building bridges among their seniors and colleagues, adding that in doing so, they will be able to break barriers in the legal practice.
Earlier, Chairman, NBA, Young Lawyers Forum, Port Harcourt Branch, Shedrack Enebeli, said, as young lawyers, they needed to harness the abundant potentials of the country and appealed for the platform to excel in the profession.
Enebeli stated that members of the forum were willing to use their potentials to contribute to the development of the legal profession and the nation at large.
“It is important to note that this summit is not merely an event but a call to action. Nigerians, especially the youths, have expressed joy over the appointment of young Nigerians of diverse expertise into sensitive positions of authority and trust by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to foster inclusivity in the leadership of the country”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has lamented what he called the poor maintenance culture in the Nigeria Legal Education, particularly at the Port Harcourt Campus of the Nigerian Law School.
Wike expressed his dissatisfaction while delivering his keynote address at the 2023 Annual Summit, saying that his administration initiated, built and equipped the Nigerian Law School, Port Harcourt Campus, stressing that with the huge resources invested in the magnificent structures, the present state of the law school was an embarrassment.
He, however, expressed optimism that the future leaders of the country would emerge among them, stating that it was one of the reasons the Rivers State Government, under his administration, took up the project and ensured its actualisation.
He said he had told the Director General of the Law School that he was highly disappointed at the condition of the Law School, considering the huge investment made by his administration to forestall the present rot.
“Go to that school, you will see that grass has taken over the place. We even went further to build stores and shops so that they can rent them out to maintain the school. It is easy to criticise those in authority, but when you are given (authority), you can’t perform”, he stated.
The Minister noted several challenges impeding the growth of young lawyers and urged government, prominent private legal practitioners, and firms to encourage the forum for professional advancement and fulfilment.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Rivers

Microbiologists Inaugurates New Exco, Chart New Course In Dev

Published

15 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.

At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.

The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).

In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.

He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.

Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.

They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.

Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.

In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.

Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.

According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.

She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.

“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.

With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Rivers

IAUE VC Warns Against High Price In Textbook Sales

Published

15 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.

This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.

Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.

The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.

He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.

According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.

He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.

The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.

He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.

Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.

His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.

Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.

The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Hon Worlu Expresses Concern Over Tragic Incidents In PHALGA … Assures On Safety, Security

Published

15 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.

A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.

The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.

He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.

He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.

The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.

By: King Onunwor