Rivers

Trust Fund Doles Out N3m Grant To 25 Ke Students

Published

5 months ago

January 2, 2026

The King Agolia Education Trust Fund (KAETF), a non-profit making organisation, has awarded a total of N3million education grant to 25 students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, who are indigenes of Ke Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The award, which took place in the Old Town Hall square of the community on boxing day, marked the first of its kind in Ke Kingdom for an individual to give grants to students in tertiary institutions in the country.

Each of the 25 students were awarded a total of N120,000 comprising N100,000 award grant, and N20,000 transport fare from Port Harcourt to the community and back.

At the end of the event, however, 23 of the successful candidates, who were physically present at the ceremony, got the award of N100,000.00 each.

In his address during the award presentation ceremony, the founder and sponsor of the KAETF, HRH (Rt. Hon.), King Agolia Aboko, Omoni, JP, King Omoni XII, Amanyanabo of Ancient Ke Kingdom, briefed awardees and members of the community on the reason for the award.

He said it was first in reaction to the disappointment meted to indigenes of Ke Kingdom, by a company that promised scholarship to students of Ke origin, but later rescinded its decision, after making the applicants undergo rigorous time and money consuming processes.

“My heart bled when this company came and made our children go through such processes, only for the company to go numb about fulfilling their promise to pay the bursary: the embarrassment, not just to the affected students and families, but also to our community was something that became a sour taste in my mouth.

“So, I decide to not just ease the pain warranted by the disappointment, but also to come up with a Trust Fund that can focus on easing the financial burden of education on my people by providing qualified students of Ke Kingdom origin who are in any tertiary institution in Nigeria, with what I can afford.

“I’m, therefore, happy that this maiden edition of the grant has been successfully organised by the committee assigned for it. God willing, we shall hold the second edition next year”, the Amanyanabo stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of the King Agolia Education Trust Fund (KAETF), Dr. Igboye Aboko, had explained the rigorous processes the committee adopted to finally pick the 25 awardees.

He said the applicants went through both written and oral interviews, which were held from October, through November, after which the 25 successful Candidates were each paid N20,000.00 on the 20th of December, to enable them make the trip to their community and go back.

At the end of the awards, 23 of the candidates who were present at the award presentation ceremony, were given dummy checks of N100,000.000 each, and the sum paid into their accounts the same day, in accordance with the mandate of the committee that no one will be paid by proxy.

The 23 awardees were: Marcus, Esther Tamunotonyemiete; Alalibo, Ingiwari-bi I. Max; Alalibo, God’sfavour D. Max; Pennuel, Soibi Halima; ThankGod, Bernard Favour; Agarag, Ibifiri Favour; Sepiribo, Elekima; Duke, Ibiso Grace; Ekine, Soibi-emi; and Aginah-Obu, Ibim Ngoba.

Others are: Anthony, Harry Damiete; Igolima, Tombodia Bright; Pennuel, Osaki Amina; Ibinabo, Ibiso Tracy; Natrebo, Sepiribo Daniel; Natrabo, Luke Favour; Sokari, Favour Boma; Romeo, Idaerefa-a; Cookey, Onengiye-ofori Abigail; and Dokubo, Bethel Tamunomiete.

There were also Aboko, I. Tamunomiete; Joel, Ibiteim Okonte; and Alex, A. Ibiso.

In attendance at the ceremony included the Amanyanabo of Ancient Ke Kingdom, HRH King Agolia Aboko; his wife Queen Aboko; the Ke Council of Chiefs led by its Chairman, Alabo Prof. Togwel Ojuyesunday Aginah-Obu Naye-Benebo VI; elders of the community; and parents of the awardees.

By: Soibi Max-Alalibo

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

5 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

5 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

5 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor