Rivers

Don Urges Govt To Be Impartial In Tackling Crisis

Published

10 months ago

April 21, 2025

Alecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Prof Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, has called on government to be impartial and objective in tackling issues that precipitate crisis in the region.
Nwobueze, a Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, made the call recently while delivering the 64th inaugural lecture of the university titled, “Live and Let Live: A Framework for Sustainable Peace and Development in the Niger Delta, Nigeria” at the university auditorium.
The Associate Dean, Postgraduate School, said government should ensure that developmental agencies are well supervised, monitored and funded to pursue their objectives to reality.
He also called for an upward review of the fines paid for oil spillages and gas flaring in Nigeria, saying that it would go a long way in discouraging these activities.
Government, Professor Nwobueze added, “should embrace collaboration and joint problem-solving frameworks in the area of artisanal refining and ensure that the venture provides employment to the locals”.
According to him, “the fact that they can design those makeshift refineries means that with the right training and support, people involved in the illegal venture can do it professionally and at a larger and regulated scale.
“The entrepreneurial prowess demonstrated in artisanal refining by the Niger Delta youths can be transformed for huge economic gains, not only for the youth of the region, but also for the Nigerian economy”.
Nwobueze noted that discouraging and putting an end to artisanal refining in the Niger Delta requires a comprehensive approach that will consider the root causes of the tradition, promote alternative livelihood options, strengthen law enforcement and regulations, promote community engagement and participation, and also address the negative impacts of artisanal refining on the environment, public Health and socio-economic development.
For the country to succeed in protecting the society from crime, the 64th inaugural Lecturer stressed that much creative efforts and programmes have to be put in place.
“By implementing these strategies, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders can contribute to sustainable development and peace in the Niger Delta”, he said further.
The peace expert noted that “the Niger Delta region has high population of uneducated, unemployed and idle youths who are highly prone to violence.
“The frustration resulting from that weak political, structural and social peace building frameworks forced many members of the community into revolutionary violence”.
He continued that “violence will change nothing. Only a joint problem-solving strategy characterised by collaboration and consensus building will do.
“This approach leads to different forms of fence mending, acknowledgement of wrong doing, forgiveness, expression of mercy, reconciliation, trust, confidence building and peace.”
Professor Nwobueze remarked that there can be no development in a place where there is no peace.
He defined peace as “non-violence and constructive management of disputes, good governance, respecting the rights and dignity of others, sound business environment, high level of human capital, low level of corruption, efficient and effective communication system, freedom from want and fear, sustainable human security and good neighbourliness”.
According to the peace expert, the environmental problems currently being faced by Nigerians can no longer be solved by individual nations or by using military, bureaucratic or autocratic methods as these only increases opposition and delays remedial efforts.
“What is demanded”, he opined, “is the collective actions of everyone. To implement sustainable solutions to global environmental problems, all stakeholders need to learn to work together.”
Prof Nwobueze, therefore, advocated for “greater prioritisation of youth needs in all situations since they are the main actors in security and development issues”, hinting that neglecting their basic needs has knock-on effects on society.
He emphasised that an approach which prioritises youth welfare requirements would have positive knock-on effects on society in times of peace building.
Nwobueze encouraged Nigerians to remain selfless in service, patriotic in action and focused on nation building, no matter the challenges faced today.
He also advised that no matter the grievance against, or expectations from the Government and Oil Companies, Niger Deltans must understand the peace building value of being good to one another.
For the Peace Expert, there is no justification whatsoever for criminality, and lawlessness should also not be tolerated.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, charged all to maintain peace, stressing that one who invokes the storm on his people cannot prevent his house from destruction.
He advised agitators against inventing crisis, emphasising that they may not have control over the outcomes.
Professor Onuchuku appealed to the Federal Government to provide modern and adequate infrastructures to the people of the region, especially since that is where the resources sustaining the country is coming from.
While calling for alternative dispute resolution, he stressed the need for peaceful coexistence for growth, progress and sustainable development, “the kind that will not jeopardise the future of unborn generations”.
He also called for peace building to be included in the school curriculum.
In a vote of thanks, Professor Anthony Adele Orlu expressed gratitude to all who graced the event and urged them to sustain the peace for the country to move forward.

By: Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Microbiologists Inaugurates New Exco, Chart New Course In Dev

Published

9 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

9 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

9 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