Niger Delta
VP, Others Praise Diri Over Leadership, Contribution To Education … As UNILAG Presents Book On Bayelsa Gov
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, have lauded the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, over his remarkable strides in the education sector through transformative initiatives.
They described the governor’s administration’s reforms and investments in the sector as visionary in driving a knowledge-based economy.
The Vice President and the others gave the commendation at the formal Book Presentation/Launch, Public Lecture and Institution of a Professorial Chair on Leadership and Good Governance in honour of Senator Diri at the University of Lagos on Wednesday.
They said, his book: “Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri” which was edited by Prof. Hope Eghagha and Sola Ojewusi under the UNILAG Consult, and the endowment of a professorial chair in the Department of Political Science were not only tributes to the Bayelsa governor, but also a masterclass in leadership.
Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the book captured the spirit of Diri’s leadership style, which he said was “refreshing, deliberate and deeply attuned to the oaths and aspirations of his people.”
Hamzat, who also spoke on behalf of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that Diri’s stewardship in Bayelsa in about six years had been characterised by a rare blend of compassion and competence and demonstrated that meaningful progress could be achieved through dialogue, inclusiveness and relentless effort.
“l congratulate Governor Douye Diri on this well-earned honour. This celebration is a testament to your unwavering service, examplary character and steadfastness to the principles of good governance.
“Bayelsa and Nigeria stand proud of your achievements and the inspiring values you uphold.
“This book captures the spirit of his leadership, core values and courage that define his path. It reminds us that leadership is not about self- aggrandisement but about the lasting impact we forge through lifting our communities and fostering peace and creating opportunities where none existed.
“It is more than a tribute in leadership transformation that he brings to the lives of his people”, the VP said.
Shettima expressed the hope that the book would serve as a beacon to inspire leadership across the country to lead compassionately and courageously.
The Keynote Speaker and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, described Diri as a great Nigerian, who has demonstrated in spirit and in letter the essence of leadership.
Mutfwang congratulated the Vice Chancellor and UNILAG Consult for documenting Diri’s achievements, which he described as a befitting and prestigious honour.
According to him, the Bayelsa Governor has demonstrated quality leadership in virtually every facet of development, particularly in areas of education, healthcare delivery, security and the ongoing effort to light up the state through its independent power project.
He also stressed the need for Bayelsans, the Ijaw nation and the South-South to unite and foster peace and development in the region.
“Several people have had the opportunity to be in leadership and have been forgotten. But l know that when Governor Diri vacates the scene, the drums will still be beating”, the Plateau Governor said.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the book provided an opportunity to examine ideas, experiences and reflections of a leader serving in one of Nigeria’s most complex and dynamic regions.
She noted that the Bayelsa Governor’s public life offered valuable insights into governance, conflict management and search for peace and development in the Niger Delta.
Ogunsola said the professorial chair in honour of Diri aligned with the institution’s mission to be a global centre of excellence in education, research and innovation.
She commended the Bayelsa Governor for investing in knowledge as it was one of the most enduring contributions any public servant can make to society.
Responding, Governor Diri said the honour would spur him and his team to work harder in service of the state.
He noted that the recognition was not only for him, but was for the entire Bayelsa, and expressed appreciation to the VC, the institution’s management, and the editorial team for acknowledging and compiling his administration’s achievements.
“Those in positions of authority must be accountable to the people and earn their trust without which confidence in governance will inevitably wane. It is in that spirit that l accept this book, which seeks to honour not only me, but the entirety of Bayelsa State.
“I accept to support the professorial chair and encourage scholarship that would be beneficial not only to Bayelsa State, but also to Nigeria”, he said.
The Tide reports that the book was reviewed by veteran journalist and anchor of the programme, Journalists Hangout, on Television Continental (TVC), Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.
More than one billion naira was pledged at the event as donations by national and state assembly members, government agencies, corporate organisations, members of the State Executive Council, local governments, private individuals and youth bodies, among others.
Dignitaries at the well-attended event included serving and former national and state assembly members as well as Senator Sunday Katung, representing Kaduna South, the immediate past Deputy Governor and Chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd).
Also present were the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali; Chairman/CEO of De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Egukawhore, who was the Chief Launcher; CEO of Pelfaco Limited, Chief Gesi Asamaowei; CEO of Century Energy, Mr. Ken Etete; as well as the Managing Director, Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Ebitimi Amgbare; and former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe.
Others were the Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; former All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon; Managing Director, Monimichelle Construction Limited, Mr. Ebi Egbe; the Ijaw Ladies Association; and various Niger Delta and Ijaw groups based in Lagos.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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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.
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.
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.
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