Rivers

Govt’s Inaction, Bane Of Corruption In Nigeria – Prof

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2024

The inability of Government at all levels to impose appropriate sanction against citizens found culpable has contributed to widespread corruption in Nigeria.

This is the opinion of Professor Ozioma Bennett Orluweni, while delivering the 53rd inaugural lecture of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) recently at the university’s auditorium.

The Professor of Public Administration said corruption is now seen as the norm in both private and public spheres.

Nigerians, according to Professor Orluweni, are counted among the richest in the world, but their economy is underdeveloped with majority of the population wallowing in abject poverty and misery.

The country, he stated, is ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world, hence it is tagged the poverty capital of the world and among the most corrupt people on earth.

The inaugural Lecturer noted that the so-called religiosity of Nigerians has not in any way stopped those in position of power from exploiting the privilege they have been given by the people to serve at both the Local, State and National levels from abusing those positions through corrupt practices.

He informed that the Nigerian society tend to over emphasise individual goal attainment at the expense of the legitimate means of achieving these set goals.

He observed that “material acquisition has virtually become the ultimate goal, and that the society does not appear to be concerned with how one makes it. All that is important is that one has arrived”.

This, he continued, marked discrepancy between the goals and means in the society, adding that “it has invariably led to various forms of corruption, such as embezzlement of public fund, offering and acceptance of bribe, electoral rigging, examination malpractice, etc., making it difficult to have a corruption free society, especially as the Principal often times not only aid and abet corruption, but also connives in the spreading of corruption”.

Orluweni, who is the Director of the University printing press and Bookshop, hinted that the economic condition of a society induces corruption and called for egalitarian distribution of wealth to reduce corruption to the barest minimum.

He stressed the need for the establishment or reform of the existing public service to the one that is built on rules and procedures, stating that such procedures must be based on “integrity, merit, professionalism and patriotism imbued with the commitment to model against corruption”.

The Professor of Public Administration advocated for stiffer sanctions for corrupt public officials or individuals to serve as deterrence against the institutionalisation of corrupt behaviour and anti-democratic value system.

“A vibrant anti-graft agency devoid of political interest, and dependence on any powerful political class”, Professor Orluweni continued, “should be instituted in the general fight against corruption.

“Such institutions should not only be constitutionally empowered to be independent, they should also be autonomously funded with appropriate legislation.

“The rule of law and constitutionalism should be strengthened to serve as deterrence against corruption”.

The Director concluded by advising politicians to avoid the temptation to play God in politics and to be God-fearing and loving, saying “this will enable them eschew the Nigerian politician’s characteristics of shamelessness, deceitfulness and selfishness”.

These, he said, would improve democracy, strengthen institutions and good governance.

In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, commended the 53rd inaugural Lecturer for a job well done and welcomed him to the medal class.

He called for caution and moderation in the manipulation of societal resources and described unemployment and poverty as a bane of corruption, which has retarded economic growth and development in the country.

While lauding the Lecturer for doing justice to the topic of discourse, he urged those who amass wealth to reinvest the resources through building of factories, enhancement of massive industrialisation programme, and provision of other facilities where they can at least create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.

In a vote of thanks, Professor Godwin Chukwuemeka Nwaeke expressed gratitude to all who came to identify with the university and the inaugural lecture and expressed the hope that they would take the lessons learnt to better their lot and that of the country.

Rivers

Delta CP Seeks More Support From Traditional Institutions

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Delta State Command, Mr. Yemi Oyeniyi, has urged traditional institutions to continue to support law enforcement in the country.

Oyeniyi gave the advice on Tuesday at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner, who was on a familiarisation tour of police formations across the state, including the Effurun area command, solicited continued partnership of the Uvwie domain in strengthening intelligence gathering and promoting peaceful co-existence.

He commended the Ovie of Uvwie for his unwavering commitment to peace, security, and community development.

“I acknowledge the invaluable role of traditional institutions in supporting law enforcement in the country.

“I equally solicit continuous partnership of the Uvwie domain in strengthening intelligence gathering and promoting peaceful co-existence among the people”, he said.

In his remarks, the Ovie of Uvwie, welcomed the Commissioner and his entourage to the domain.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the people to supporting the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.

The royal father urged his subjects to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by way of providing timely and credible information.

The Commissioner, thereafter, proceeded to perform the groundbreaking of the Effurun area command at the instance of the Insp.-Gen. of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu.

Rivers

IAUE Senate Approves Leadership, Language Center Establishment

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The Senate of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, has approved the establishment of a University Leadership Assessment Centre as proposed by Professor Veronica Okogbaa of the Department of Educational Management.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Dr. Ngozi Okiridu, said the centre will, among other things, identify and develop high potential skilled leaders and talents.

It will also evaluate participants through multi dimensional approach rather than rely on subjective perceptions, indulge in leadership trainings, and generate income from services with succession planning.

Similarly, Senate also approved the establishment of a centre for languages, digital Humanities and intercultural studies as proposed by the Dean of Faculty of Humanities, Professor Ibiere Ken-Maduako.

The proposed centre, according to he statement, will have seven units namely language teaching unit, where French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, German, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Rivers State indigenous languages will be taught.

It will also have Translation and interpretation unit, indigenous languages documentation unit, Digital Humanities Laboratory, Artificial intelligence and language teaching unit, professional certification unit, as well as Research and Publication unit..

The statement quoted the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Professor Ken-Maduako, the centre will offer certificate in language proficiency for beginners, intermediate, advanced Diploma programme, translation and interpretation courses, Digital Humanities certification programme, Artificial intelligence and language technology workshops, online and Hybrid learning programmes, weekend and evening public classes, indigenous languages documentation training and Business and professional communication courses.

Professor Ken-Maduako firther said the center “will increase visibility of the University nationally and internationally, generate sustainable internally generated revenue, increase opportunities for grants and donor funded projects, enhance interdisciplinary research output, promote cultural preservation and community engagement, strengthen the University”s profile in innovation and digital transformation, attract research collaboration and international partnerships, and improve graduate employability and digital competence.”

In his speech, the Chairman of Senate and Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, encouraged sponsors of the centre to source for funds for the take off of the centre.

He explained that Directors will be appointed for the self-sponsored centres and reiterated that his administration will continue to support all proposals geared towards the growth of the University as long as they are consistent with the academic brief of the Ivory Tower.

Earlier, Professor Samuel Otamiri commended Professor Veronica Okogbaa for the proposed centre which, he said, is a remarkable development, amd described it as a robust programme that would attract the necessary patronage .

In another development, the Senate welcomed a suggestion by Professor Priye Iyalla-Amadi that Valedictory Senate sessions be introduced and held for retired Professors.

Results from the Postgraduate School as presented by the Dean of the School, Professor Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, was approved by Senate.

Senate also approved that presented by the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), Professor Goddey Wilson, and that of the Graduate School of Business by Dr. Florence Ironawusi.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Group Tasks School Proprietors, Parents On Early Preparation

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The National President, Forum of Inclusive Educators and Readers (FIER), Mr. Onyeka Innocent, has admonished school owners and parents alike to learn how to prepare their children/wards ahead time in order to beat challenges irrespective of the angle they may spring up from.

Innocent made this known at the Forum’s meeting held partly in honour of the Spelling B, 2025 winners, in Port Harcourt.

“Soldiers are not trained during war, rather, they are trained and kept in the Barracks, waiting for war”, he said.

He said students must be provided with the necessary educational tools capable of boosting their academic pursuit.

According to him, proprietors of schools must conform with the Government’s authorities and guidance if they are determined to succeed in the project.

Another solution to educational management, he said, is the availability of Education Committees in schools, saying that it will improve the quality of its learning process.

Though he did not rule out decay in the society, he said there are few that still hold fast to determination and sincerity.

The FIER leader said his association was one of the bodies with the zeal to right wrongs in the society, especially in the Education sector.

He noted that his group was also prepared to reduce the number of out-of-school children by ensuring that education was taken to all parts of the Country.

On registration of private schools as directed by the State Government, he said his members are in compliance and assured of a cordial relationship between the Government and his Association.

Meanwhile, the winners of the Competition were Master Fredrick Jeffrey of Daisy Dan School, who emerged first; Badubulachi Maryan of Fertile Vineyard Academy, 2nd; and Itode Samuel of Baridoo Sam Joel School, 3rd.

They winners where rewarded with cash prices of N100,000, N50,000 and N30, 000 respectively.

King Onunwor