Niger Delta

Group Celebrates Ikwerre Cultural Day In PH

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2024

The Ikwerre Day celebration organised by Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide last Saturday, at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, was successfully held and was declared open with a short prayer by Bishop Boms Chuks, the President of Ikwerre Gospel Ministers Fellowship.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Eze Mike Elechi, the Chief Executive Officer of Vintage Farms and Products Limited, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Head of Organised Private Sector in Rivers State, ably represented by Prince Charles Beke, appreciated members of Ogbakor Ikwerre for continuing the dreams of their fore-fathers in keeping their heritage intact.
He thanked everybody for maintaining the identity which speaks about the character of Ikwerre people, and urged the body to focus more on the economic visibility of the people and encourage entrepreneurship development by turning it into an economic hub where people can be trained to be economically viable. Eze Elechi advised Ogbakor Ikwerre to continue to be neutral in politics and that they will assist the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre to build another befitting Obiri Ikwerre.
The President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, Eze Godspower Onuekwa, in his welcome address, described Ikwerre Day as “a bi-annual institutionalised cultural fiesta” and “a period of home-coming, cultural reflection and renewal among others, essentially designed to sustain and showcase our rich cultural heritage, identity and core values.” He also said that “it is intended to tell the world who we are, what we do, where we are, etc to ensure that we are relevant in the comity of ethnic nationalities.” He welcomed everyone to the epoch-making occasion, especially the “Ochi Ohnas” and other prominent sons of Ikwerre present.
In recognition of his contributions in Ikwerre land, Eze Onuekwa adopted one of the awardees, Prof. Allswell Osini Muzan, as an Ikwerre son.
The immediate past President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, Prof. Emenike Wami was honoured with the position of Ochi Ohna Ikwerre XIV. In his acceptance speech, he promised to be a good ambassador of Iwhuruohna people and urged everybody to work harmoniously and support the current PG, Eze Godspower Onuekwa.
Among those honoured with awards were Rt Rev Blessing Enyindah; Barrister Emmanuel Mark; Miss Mary Kekwaru; Queen Immaculate Chimzi Osai; Amb. Goodnews Igali; and Prof Allswell Osini Muzan.
There was march past by the branches of Ogbakor Ikwerre and their cultural groups, except Esila branch that was very few in number and they did not come with any cultural group.
The occasion was also garnished with a wrestling competition. Idris Assor Kelachi, Ndubuisi Ogbonda and Godpower Dimkpa took the first, second and third positions respectively during the wrestling competition among the four branches of Ogbakor Ikwerre.
The Guest of Honour, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who was represented by Engr. Emeka Woke, thanked Ikwerre people for their support when he was the Governor of Rivers State. He also appreciated them for their support during the 2023 general elections and promised to have a heart-to-heart discussion with members of Ogbakor Ikwerre very soon.
The President and members of Tiv community in Rivers State also sent their warmest greeting to Iwhuruohna people, expressing gratitude for the relationship between Tiv people of Benue State and the Ikwerre people of Rivers State which started many years ago. They maintained that they will continue to be peace-loving people and also sustain the relationship between them and Ikwerre people. As their name implies (the food basket of the nation), they donated 100 big yams to the occasion and thanked God for the success of the occasion.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Senator Andrew Uchendu, the Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Port Harcourt; Prof. Aaron Ojule, former Chief Medical Director of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH); Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner of Education; CP Peter Wagbara (rtd), Nye Nwe Ali Elele-Alimini; Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Eze Ohna Apara IV; the Chairman, Supreme Council of Government recognised Ikwerre Traditional Rulers; Emeritus Prof. Otonti Nduka, Ochi Ohna Ikwerre XI; Prof. Augustine Onyeozu, Ochi Ohna Ikwerre XIII, and others.
In his closing remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Prince Charles Beke condemned the absence of prominent Ikwerre sons and daughters at the Ikwerre Day celebration. He advised Iwhuruohna people not to put all their eggs in one basket and that they should not bring their brothers down in the name of politics.
The memorable event ended with several cultural displays from different groups.

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.