Nation
‘Education, Powerful Tool For Equipping Visionary Leaders’
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Deltasafe, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah has emphasised that education remains a powerful tool for equipping visionary leaders, and must be looked at critically.
He made this known, while declaring open the maiden edition of the Chairperson, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 6 Division Chapter Inter – Command Secondary Schools Quiz, Debate and Essay Writing Competition, at Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya Badminton Court, Port Harcourt Barracks.
He reiterated that the theme for the competition, “Empowering Future Leaders Through Knowledge and Critical Thinking” was carefully selected, aimed at instilling the values of discipline, research and constructive argument skills that would equip the students for their future endeavours, giving the present reality of a fast-changing world, which demands the ability to think critically, analyse information and communicate effectively.
The GOC commended the efforts of the NAOWA, 6 Division Chapter under the leadership of Mrs Manfon Ejim Emekah for keying into the vision of the President, NAOWA, Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, among which is to promote academic excellence across Army Barracks nationwide.
He added that such programmes will go a long way in inspiring excellence among younger generations.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson, NAOWA, 6 Division Chapter, Mrs Manfon Ejim Emekah thanked the organisers and further said the theme of the competition was a reminder of the critical role education plays in shaping future generations.
She further stated that the contemporary world is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about the application of the knowledge acquired.
Thus, critical thinking and solving real-world problems is the benefit of such competition, which she maintained provides unique opportunities for the students to develop the requisite skills, that will prepare them adequately for future endeavours.
She commended the GOC for his unwavering support towards educational development in Command schools, adding that his leadership has been instrumental in creating the enabling environment for academic excellence to thrive in the Division.
She encouraged the competitors to embrace the challenge with confidence, determination, and most importantly spirit of healthy competition.
Earlier, the Acting Director, 6 Division Education Services, Lt Col Prince Agbai, while delivering his welcome address, stressed that the theme of the competition underscored the crucial role education plays in shaping future leaders, particularly in a rapidly evolving world, where knowledge is not just enough but the ability to reason, analyse , communicate and relay information effectively remains critical.
The competition he said, has created a platform for the students to develop their skills, nurture teamwork, intellectual excellence and leadership qualities. He called on the contestants to approach the event with enthusiasm, sportsmanship and a determination to excel.
The event had goodwill messages delivered by dignitaries. The Chairperson, OB Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr (Mrs) Seinye Lulu-Briggs, who was represented commended the initiative and said it was a welcome development. She added that the role of education in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders cannot be overemphasised, restating the commitment of her Foundation in supporting learning.
This she maintained, is the only way to honour the selfless sacrifices of our fallen heroes, whose wards are in various Barracks under 6 Division. She urged the contestants to seize the opportunity to learn and compete, stressing that winning is important but the real victory lies in the knowledge gained.
She declared scholarship awards to each member of the three winning teams to further their education in any Nigerian public university of their choice.Relatedly, President, Victor Tulutu Briggs Foundation, Hon. (Dr) Victor Briggs, while supporting the initiative, donated the sum of Three Million (3,000,000.00) Naira at the event.
He had also undertaken to partner with NAOWA in providing some scholarships to the students that are doing perfectly well in the different schools. Similarly, Honorable Sokari Goodboy Sokari who was represented by Mr Warmann Onisokumen Easter felicitated with the organisers and the contestants.
He said as a leader, he believes that education is the bedrock of the society, as such he encouraged the students to embrace the opportunity in showcasing their talents and learn from each other.
The quiz, debate and essay writing competition which was organised in honour of the Chairperson, NAOWA, 6 Division Chapter, had four Command Secondary Schools under 6 Division, participating.
They include, Command Science Secondary School, Eta-Etinan, Akwa Ibom State, Command Science Secondary School, Ebedebiri, Bayelsa State, Command Secondary School, Mbiri, Delta State and Command Science Secondary School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.
Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.
“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.
“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.
Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.
He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.
While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.
“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.
He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.
“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.
Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.
“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.
The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.
Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.
Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.
The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.
The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.
Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.
Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.
Nation
2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), in Bayelsa State and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Dr Jackson Ebi Suokiri has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure landslide win in the 2027 Presidential polls.
The Governor’s Aide stated this in Yenagoa, the state capital on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen against the backdrop of Tuesday’s pioneer Stakeholders meeting of the party convened by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as leader of the Party in the State upon his recent defection late last year.
He averred that Party stakeholders in the state were prepared to give the President the massive support needed to return elected, come 2027 following his sterling trajectory of performance and qualitative leadership prowess.
Dr Suokiri stressed that the reason for the governor’s swapping of party was in the best interest of the state, while also noting that the governor took the right decision as there was no need continuing with opposition politics even as the state has to align with the national government for rapid socioeconomic and political advantages for the state and its people.
“Governor Diri’s defection like you’ve personally heard him saying was for the best interest of our state, Bayelsa. When you’ve a President performing well at the national level and being very supportive to your state as a governor, I don’t think you’ve to be in an opposition party anymore, but rather align with the centre.
“Diri is a bridge builder. He is at peace with everybody and willing to work with all, irrespective of party affiliations or political differences for the interest of the state.
“As Stakeholders we’ve resolved to collectively work to return President Tinubu elected for second term in 2027. And you can see the Governor is not pressuring anybody or the structure of his former party, the PDP to defect like he has done.
“The PDP structure in the state is still intact, and for the APC, his new Party even as current leader in the State, he has been working with the structure and everybody he met on ground, hence you can see that the APC Caretaker Committee led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio has been maintained at the pioneer Stakeholders meeting convened by the Governor.
“But you must also know like you’ve seen and I’ve previously said that Governor Diri has outperformed expectations of Bayelsans in all sectors, be it economy, infrastructure, health, education, etc.”, he said.
Meanwhile, as against insinuations that some political parties were not working with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations, the Governor’s Aide has revealed that as it were currently, all the 19 registered political parties with presence in the state are working in unity with his office as members of the Inter-party advisory council (IPAC).
“IPAC is working in unity with my office. Before the Governor’s defection the only party that wasn’t working with my office was the APC. But since after his formal defection, the APC and even those other parties that were either sympathetic to the APC, the governor’s new party or the PDP, his former Party are all now working together with my office as members of IPAC”, Suokiri added.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
