Nation
Traditional Rulers Advise Khana Youths To Shun Politics Of Bitterness
The traditional institution of Kologbere, Bua-Zaakpon Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, has advised the Coalition of Khana youths to shun politics of bitterness and unite to attract meaningful development to the local government area.
Gbenemene of Kologbere Bua-Zaakpon Community, King John Suka-Ibakpo, made the advice while playing host to the leadership of the Coalition of Khana Youths at his palace in Kologbere in Zaakpon community.
He thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his commitment to the development of Khana Local Government Area, especially the ongoing link road in Bori and the Yeekunu in Zaakpon link road to Betam community.
Gbenemene Kologbere thanked the Coalition of Khana Youths for visiting him and his council of chiefs, adding that they are ready to partner with the body in the development of Khana LGA.
“Kologbere community is a peace-loving people, and they work with every person or group that wants to work with them. The peace we inherited from our forefathers is the peace we are still maintaining till today, so coming here in peace, you will go in peace.”
“I want to thank the Coalition of Khana youths for choosing us among the pool to visit us today, and it’s because of what we have, but for the love the body has for our community.”
“I want to appeal to the Coalition of Khana youths to shun politics of bitterness and support the ruling government to attract meaningful development in our region,” Gbenemene Kologbere stated.
He appreciated the Coalition of Khana youths for the award of recognition given to him, adding that the award will motivate him to do more in empowering the youths.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Khana Youths, Egere Kpughinaneea, expressed their willingness to work with the Gbenemene of Kologbere, King John Suka-Ibakpo, in the protection of lives and property in his domain.
According to him, the Coalition of Khana youths have identified his palace and want to be part of the new development in Bua-Zaakpon today, saying that in Khana today, they have less than 10 recognized traditional rulers, and it was not like that before.
He used the medium to appeal to the traditional rulers to call on the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to recognize more traditional institutions in Khana LGA.
“For the traditional institution to help the Chairman of the LGA in security, because there are some lapses in the institution.”
“For awarding you today, we are happy because of what you have been doing in Kologbere in Bua-Zaakpon community.”
“The youths of Khana want to be part of your new development and partner with you for more development of the youths in Khana LGA,” Comd Kpughinaneea stated.
In the course of the visit, the youth coalition also visited the ongoing link road from Yeekunu in Bua-Zaakpon to Betam community, thanking the State Governor for the project.
“With what we saw here today, the youths of Khana are satisfied with the project undertaken by Ferotex company Ltd.”
He assured the governor that Khana youths will remain peaceful and that they will continue to embrace every good infrastructure development in Khana LGA.
“We want also to thank one of our great sons who has attracted development to our LGA, Chief Gani Toba.”
Kiadum Edookor
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.