Rivers

RSU Hosts NIP 46th Annual Conference Port Harcourt

Published

7 months ago

May 12, 2025

The Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP), has held its 46th Annual Conference in the Rivers State University, with the theme “Physics in the Quadruple Helix Model for Innovative Research and Economic Development.”

Speaking during the opening ceremony held at the Auditorium of Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, the venue of the conference yesterday, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, congratulated the Nigerian Institute of Physics for choosing the State University as the host Institution.

The Vice-Chancellor, reiterated the importance of physics in National Development and expressed optimism that the Conference would generate valuable ideas and foster intellectual exchange from participants.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi stated that the Rivers State University Management, looks forward to receiving the Conference Communiqué, which he said will be of immense benefit to the University and the Nation at large.

In his address, the National President and Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Physics, Professor J. O. Coker emphasized the centrality of Physics to all aspects of human existence, describing it as the “bedrock of Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Technology.” He added that Physics is the foundational science that explains natural phenomena and supports other disciplines like Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, and the Applied Sciences.

Prof. Coker called on both the State and Federal Governments to support the Nigerian Institute of Physics in enhancing the study of Physics at all levels of education in Nigeria, stressing that empowering the Institute will enable it to play a more impactful role in National Development.

He expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, for his responsiveness to the Institute’s needs and support in facilitating the Conference.

Delivering the Keynote Address, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stated the significance of the Quadruple Helix Model – comprising the Academia, Industry, Government, and Civil Society – as a powerful framework to drive innovation and economic development.

Mr. Halilu noted that the integration of physics-based research into sectors such as renewable Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence is crucial for Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-driven Economy.

He emphasized that synergy between Academia and Industry is essential to transform research into real-world solutions, noting that NASENI is leading in this direction towards the funding of Physics-driven Research, Establishing Centers of Excellence, and creating innovation hubs tailored to industry needs. He cited NASENI’s inclusive approach such as community-based research initiatives and support for women in Engineering, as examples of Civil Society engagement in innovation.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer highlighted the importance of Government support through Strategic Policies, increased research funding, and incentives for private-sector investment in Science and Technology.

Earlier in his address, the Acting Head, Department of Physics, Dr. A. R. C. Amakiri, welcomed members of the National Executive Council, Fellows and participants to the Annual Conference, stating that the Conference was organized to provide a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among participants and institutions.

Rivers

MCDI Inducts 150 Professionals In PH

Published

1 day ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

The Mentoring and Career Development Institute of Nigeria (MCDI) has inducted about 150 new members into various categories of membership during a special induction ceremony and dinner in Port Harcourt.

Aimed at expanding the institute’s membership base, the event offered new inductees an opportunity to engage with senior members and integrate fully into the organisation’s professional network.

The induction ceremony was part of the 2025 national conference of the institute.

National President of MCDI, Dr. Collins Edebiri, administered the oath, while the new members promised to carry out their duties faithfully, following the institute’s rules and constitution.

Dr. Edebiri emphasised the institute’s core mandate of instilling values that will shape individuals and institutions.

He emphasised the theme of the conference, “Mentoring for Individual and Corporate Leadership”, noting that last year’s focus centred on national development and value reorientation.

Edebiri explained that the induction ceremony is a key feature of the institute’s annual conference, though inductions also occur quarterly.

On the criteria for membership, he said the most important factor is the desire to be mentored or the readiness to mentor others, and urged the new inductees to become ambassadors of value-driven leadership in their respective workplaces.

Guest Speaker at the ceremony, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who was a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), shared her experiences from her early days in journalism, attributing much of her professional growth to strong mentorship.

She encouraged members to embrace mentorship as a catalyst for personal and societal advancement.

Seminitari was later presented an award.

New members, including Wisdom Egberi Woniepiriye, and Mrs. Grace Ajinwanyiekwu, expressed their excitement and hope to be mentored well so they can eventually mentor others.

There were a dinner and networking session, marking another success for MCDI in its efforts to build leadership values nationwide.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Fisherman Gets Thumbs-Up Over Patent Creation

Published

1 day ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has commended a renowned fisherman, Mr. Ricky Brown Owunari, for what it described as a remarkable stride in global engineering content creation.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Association, weekend, the SPE said the patented “Dewaxer Flow Enhancer and Downhole Tool” had secured official endorsement under U.S. Patent No. 12,448,868 B2.

They said the development has been highlighted as a significant indicator of Rivers State’s growing intellectual and technological capacity, with observers noting that such breakthroughs position the state as a rising hub for innovation.

According to those familiar with the innovation, the achievement serves as proof that Niger Deltans have moved beyond the era of militancy and are now producing world-class content, research outputs, and technical solutions.

The SPE officials described the patented technologies as timely tools designed to tackle wax deposition in crude oil wells, a major challenge that frequently disrupts production and increases maintenance costs.

They further stressed that the milestone underscores the need for Rivers State to invest more in supporting innovators whose works demonstrate global potential.

Industry experts revealed that the tool originated from years of field observation, experimentation, and rigorous research aimed at improving flow assurance in challenging well conditions.

They also urged the Federal Government to show greater appreciation for home-grown innovations, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally recognise and encourage technological breakthroughs emerging from the Niger Delta.

Stakeholders at the event warned against piracy, emphasising that unauthorised copying of patented technologies undermines national progress and discourages genuine innovators.

Analysts observed that the breakthrough strengthens the narrative of a new Rivers State built on creativity, content development, and technical excellence rather than conflict.

The session concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between government authorities and industry players to protect intellectual property and position Rivers State as a greenhouse for innovation-driven content.

The content, The Tide gathered, is expected to solve critical challenges in the oil and gas sector, as well as other relevant areas of the national economy.

By; King Onunwor

Rivers

NBA Seeks End To Mass Abductions, Targeted Killings

Published

1 day ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned against mass abductiond and targeted killings in Nigeria.

President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, who gave the warning, noted that Nigeria was faced with a growing wave of violence following fresh attacks in Kebbi and Borno States.

The association issued the warning after terrorists attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga on November 17.

According The Tide’s source, the gunmen killed a teacher and abducted at least twenty-five students during a shootout with security personnel.

The President said the latest attack shows the country has become unsafe for schoolchildren and civilians.

He further noted that Nigeria also lost Brigadier General M. Uba earlier that day in an ISWAP ambush in Borno State.

According to Osigwe, the nation was witnessing a rise in terrorism, kidnapping, and lawlessness that has overwhelmed security agencies, adding that rural communities, travellers, farmers, and security officers are all exposed.

The NBA President also warned that Nigeria was facing a dangerous breakdown of public safety.

Quoting recent reports, he said about 145 people went missing in mass abductions across Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara within four days.

“The country must stop recording deaths while hoping for peace through negotiations with terrorists”, he said.

The NBA further revealed that recent intelligence alerts, including the DSS warning of ISWAP plans to strike in Ondo and Kogi, show a widening threat.

Osigwe questioned why terrorists still control forests and highways without challenge, with criminals levying taxes on communities, displace families, and attack convoys.

The NBA demanded an urgent national security overhaul with transparency and strong political will.

Osigwe, however, praised the teacher who died in Kebbi while protecting students.

By; King Onunwor