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Friends and well-wishers of Onwa Joseph Igwe on Saturday gathered to eulogize him on his 60th birthday anniversary and retirement from the Rivers State Civil Service.
The occasion was the 60th birthday/retirement celebration organised by his children.
Igwe is the Director, Finance and Accounts, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation.
Speaking at the event, which was held at his residence in Atali Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the General Manager of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Chief Ernest Chinwo, said Mr Igwe was an epitome of hardwork.
Chinwo said the life of Igwe was an indication that hardwork and dedication pay.
According to him, people must not give up, adding that challenges are lessons for all.
He said the celebrant turned his misfortune to wealth, adding that people should emulate him by tapping into the blessings of God.
Also speaking , Chairman of the occasion, Sir David Edoho, said Igwe is resilient and hardworking.
“He is a self-made man. Though he has retired, he is not tired”.
He said the celebrant should serve as a challenge to everyone to think of something useful in the society.
Former Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Sir Allen Nma, said his people are very proud of Mr Igwe.
According to him, Mr Igwe is being celebrated because he was not only hardworking, but also focused in Life, and urged the younger generations to emulate him.
For Ibinabo Don Pedro, Chairman, Old Boys Association, Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt, Set 1983, “Igwe is a nice person. He is friendly and sociable and brilliant”.
The celebrant in his speech said he gives God the glory for bringing him out of poverty.
He recounted his ordeal in a poem titled “Parental Poverty”, and attributed his success in life to the handwork of God.
By: John Bibor
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PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor
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