Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), through its Directorate of Research and Development, has trained lecturers and Postgraduate Students on scholarly writing and research commercialisation.

The three-day Training Workshop, themed, “Research Commercialisation and Digital Project Supervision”, which kicked-off on October 13, 2026, provided an opportunity to strengthen lecturers’ research capacity, in addition to embracing innovative approaches to academic practice, according to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Dr. Ngozi Okiridu, which quoted the Director of Research and Development, Professor Nduka Wonu.

The Director noted that the discussions focused on supporting students and lecturers to improve academic writing and publication through effective mentorship and the development of publication-ready research teams.

It also focused on supervising research projects smarter with digital systems by leveraging digital dashboards, cloud collaboration and project tracking tools to improve supervision and feedback.

According to the Director, the discussions further “focused on setting standards for the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence among academics to promote academic integrity and guide the appropriate use of emerging technologies.

“Finally, on writing concept notes and grant proposals, identifying funding opportunities and building partnerships to strengthen research funding, collaboration, commercialisation and societal impact.”

These focus areas, he said, are essential for improving research productivity, strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing the University’s research profile.

Professor Wonu encouraged all to participate actively, share experiences and apply the knowledge gained in teaching, supervision and research activities.

While declaring the workshop open, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, praised the Directorate for the training programme, which he emphasised is very important for research ethics and the growth of academic staff.

He encouraged staff to take advantage of research grants, to partner and collaborate with others, and to go into consultancy as a way of earning additional income and improving society.

He also encouraged those in Environmental Science and Oil and Gas related fields to involve industries in their research or work in conjunction with industries for exposure to modern research techniques.

Also speaking, the Local Organising Committee Chairperson, Dr. Anne Chidinma Williams, said the workshop explored practical ways to improve academic writing, develop grant concept notes and proposals, increase the visibility of publications, use Artificial Intelligence responsibly and strengthen digital research supervision.

She encouraged participants to turn knowledge into solutions that benefit the University and society.

Sogbeba Dokubo

The Rivers State Police Command has rescued a 24-year-old woman who was abducted on her arrival in Port Harcourt to meet a friend she met online.

The police also arrested five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate accused of luring victims through online dating platforms.

Confirming the arrests, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Blessing Agabe, said the suspects had allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation.

The victim, identified as Chinyere, reportedly travelled from Delta State to Port Harcourt on October 3, 2026, to visit the acquaintance, but was allegedly kidnapped along Igwuruta-Etche Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident was reported to the police on October 4, 2026, at about 9 a.m., prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, to direct operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Diobu, to investigate the case and secure the victim’s release.

The police operatives subsequently rescued the woman and arrested five suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping syndicate.

The suspects were identified as Gift Okeregwu, 23, from Okehi Community in Etche Local Government Area; Okeregwu Onyekachi, 27, also from Okehi; Bright Augustine, 27, from Akukabu Community in Etche; Chijoke Nwalozie, 35, from Akukabu; and Obinachi Rita, 26, the only female suspect.

The suspects were reportedly arrested at different locations following intelligence gathering and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the victim’s abduction.

She said information obtained from the suspects had also provided investigators with leads regarding other kidnapping incidents reported around the Igwuruta and Etche axis.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspects allegedly admitted using online dating platforms to establish contact with prospective victims from within and outside Port Harcourt before luring them into physical meetings and abducting them.

The development has raised concerns over the potential misuse of online dating platforms by criminal elements to identify, deceive and target unsuspecting individuals.

The Command advised members of the public to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online, particularly those who request physical meetings without sufficient verification of their identities.

It further urged residents to inform trusted persons of their movements when meeting people encountered online and to choose public locations for initial meetings as a precaution against possible criminal attacks.

The police reiterated their commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in Rivers State, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending criminal suspects.

King Onunwor

Rivers State Government and the Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Hospital (POCCH) have launched a free breast cancer screening initiative to promote early breast cancer detection initiative.

According to available information, the initiative which  targets 10,000 women aims at promoting early breast cancer detection, improving treatment and reducing deaths associated with the disease.

It will also provide up to 10,000 free mammograms, a screening procedure used to detect breast abnormalities before symptoms become apparent, particularly removing the financial barriers that prevent many women from accessing early diagnosis.

The Chief Executive Officer of Peter Odili Cancer and cardiovascular Hospital, Dr. Toni Rahme, disclosed this last Saturday during the hospital’s Pink October event in Port Harcourt, where cancer survivors were celebrated and those who had lost their lives to the disease in Rivers State were honoured.

Rahme said registration for the free mammogram programme had opened, with screening appointments to be scheduled subsequently, urging women across the State to register and take advantage of the opportunity.

He said the initiative was designed to encourage more women to undergo regular breast cancer screening, stressing that early detection and prompt treatment could significantly improve survival outcomes.

The hospital chief executive cited Nigeria’s estimated 44,000 new breast cancer cases and more than 21,000 deaths recorded in 2024, saying the figures underscored the urgent need for expanded screening programmes and improved access to cancer care.

“Behind these figures are women, families and futures. The cases identified at POCCH remind us why early detection matters.

“A mammogram can find changes before symptoms appear, and finding cancer early and treating it promptly can save lives,” he said.

Explaining the decision to target 10,000 free screenings, Rahme said the hospital wanted to ensure that the cost of mammography would not prevent women from knowing their breast cancer status.

“That is why we aim to provide up to 10,000 free mammograms: to remove a cost barrier and help more women get checked. Today, registration opens, and screening appointments will follow,” he said.

He urged women in Rivers State to take advantage of the programme, stressing that identifying breast cancer at an early stage could increase the chances of successful treatment and reduce avoidable deaths.

“To our women community, your health matters to us. Come forward. Hand by hand, let us walk beside you,” Rahme said.

He commended the Rivers State Government for supporting POCCH’s efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare, acknowledging the contributions of the State Ministry of Health and its commissioner, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, to advancing the partnership.

Rahme said the collaboration between the State Government and the hospital reflected a shared commitment to bringing specialised medical services closer to residents and improving healthcare delivery.

“Across Nigeria, Health Invest Africa works with government to strengthen healthcare management and bring specialist care closer to communities.

“Here at Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Hospital, our partnership with the Rivers State Government turns that shared vision into service,” he said.

The POCCH chief executive also praised the hospital’s medical personnel and other workers for their dedication to patient care, describing their efforts as vital to giving cancer patients and their families hope.

He expressed optimism that the 10,000 free mammogram initiative would enable more women to detect breast cancer early, access timely treatment and survive the disease.

“There is a sound we want to hear more often at POCCH: the bell ringing in our oncology department, marking a new beginning, a new hope, a new life.

“Let this campaign give more women the chance to reach that bell, more children the chance to hold their mother’s hand, and more families the hope of many years together. That is the future we are working for. That is why we are here,” Rahme said.

John Bibor, Goodness Emelue & Chioma Wali