Nation
NIMECHE Tasks Govt On Science, Technology Education Dev
Rivers State Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMECHE) has urged for more investment in science and technological education in the country.
State Chairman of the NIMECHE, Engr. Promise Jumbo, said this is necessary to fast track development in the country.
He stated this at the maiden edition of the Mechanical Engineering Students Competition at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University (RSU) in Port Harcourt.
The competition was organised by NIMECHE in conjunction with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University.
Jumbo, who attributed the backwardness of the country to poor investment in Science and technological education, said time has come for Governments to invest massively in the development of the sector.
He said the competition was organized to enable the students showcase their talent and encourage the spirit of excellence among them.
Jumbo described Mechanical Engineering as a vast field of engineering discipline and urged the students to put in their best to enable them excel.
He also urged the students not to allow any distractions, adding that it beholves on them to ensure that they put in their best by taking their studies seriously.
Noting that the participants were selected based on their CGPA, he said, “the programm is a maiden competition for final year students of Mechanical Engineering, Rivers State University.
“It is worthy to note that, the students were selected based on their CGPAS but, they have over 70 of them and these ones were selected based on their CGPAS.
“So, we are going to administer a questionnaire to them and to get the best three out of them, and prizes will be awarded accordingly”, he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Goodluck Ikenyiri, commended the Institution for the programme, adding that it will instill the spirit of competition among students of not only Engineering Department, but of all departments in the University.
He commended the State Chairman of NIMECHE for what he called the excellent idea, and urged other societies to emulate it.
Ikenyiri also called for more students to be involved in subsequent editions, urging students to keep themselves abreast of event to enable them participate in subsequent editions of the competitions.
“We are starting it here and with Mechanical Department in RSU. If you miss it here, we will go to the next school”, he stated, describing it as a surprise package for students.
“It is a surprise package. You may not have known that there is an award to it, but you will soon know, even if it’s a token. But, for a student, it’s tangible.
“So, we want to encourage you. This first one, you are the luckiest because you’ll simple questions, and we will take the best three.
“Secondly, you will be subjected to discussions: the first phase is what the department has done.
“The second is what we want to do, which are simple questions. The timing was supposed to be 30 mins, but we will reduce it to 15mins, 3o questions in 15mins.
“You would have been 10 and out of it we selected 5, but now you are 5 and we will narrow it down. We need 3 to get the awards. So, you are a lucky group, but we must do it diligently and we will mark it right here, then finish up the whole thing today”, he explained.
Ikenyiri used the occasion to encourage the students, saying the programme is their own and not for the organizers.
“The prizes will be given to you on a plater of gold. Therefore, you have to be serious as everything necessary will be done right”, he advised.
He thanked the Head of Engineering Department of the University for encouraging the students to participate in the competition.
Ikenyiri charged the students to always comport themselves well anytime they are called upon, whether in Mechanical or Engineering programmes, adding that they should “dress well because that is the first criteria”.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of cash prizes to winners of the competitions.
Promise Kelvin Iray, who emerged the overall winner, went home with a cash prize of #70,000, while Moi Jessse got #50,000 and Obele Elera Benson cashed home #30,000, after emerging first and second runners-up respectively.
Meanwhile all participants got #10,000 consolation prizes and certificates.
Speaking after his emergence, the winner of the competition, Promise Kelvin Irayi, a final year student of Mechanical Engineering, said the competition was not a popular one and that he searched for it online but didn’t see any link.
He said, the HoD required them to be present and he decided to try, and, “to the glory of God, I emerged as the winner of the competition”.
He encouraged his fellow students to put in their best to enable them win in subsequent editions.
John Bibor & Eunice Ubelejit
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, 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.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.
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