Rivers
20 Make OPM’s Overseas Talent Soccer Sponsorship List
Having made impressive marks in educational scholarships to indigent Nigerian youngsters both at home and overseas, free schools and hospitals, the Omega Power Ministries (OPM) has opened another vista of opportunities to Nigerian youths to engage in meaningful means of earning a living in order to avoid involvement in criminal activities.
The new opening is talent scouting for soccer stars among teeming Nigerian youths through the OPM FC Tournament which featured 82 clubs in the just-concluded edition at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia on Friday, July 5, 2024.
The aim of the tournament, according to the Chief sponsor, and General Overseer of OPM, Apostle Gift Chinyere Chibuzor, is to select the very best in the competition for overseas football career, particularly in Europe where some of them will be contracted to notable football clubs and some loaned or sold to other clubs to earn a good living.
Speaking to journalists after the tournament, Apostole Chibuzor said both registration and scouting is free of charge for all participants, while all the cost is born by the OPM raised through offerings and tithes by the members of the church.
According to the man of God, one special feature of the current edition of the tournament is that the overseas partners, notably Dembava F. K. Luthania, representated by Dambrauskes Saulius and his crew, had to fly down to Nigeria for the selection instead of selecting and sending them overseas where some of them may not be lucky for the final test and have to be flown back home with attendant extra costs.
Apostle Chibuzor also disclosed that there would be another scouting test in September which may include boxing and, perhaps, other sports,## to widen the horizon of taking the youths off criminal activities.
He urge#d energetic and interested youths to take advantage of the OPM tournament to showcase their talents and redeploy the energies used in robbing into something positive and more rewarding through the ring sport (boxing).
“In the spirit of gender friendliness, a agood number of girls were among those selected for the contract. By Monday those that were selected would have received their contract letters, visas, accommodation and travelling tickets, etc, for the onward journey to Europe”, Apostle Chinyere stated.
Also speaking, the leader of the Overseas partners, Dambrauskes Saulius, said it was very significant to come down to Nigeria to source for raw talents.
He, however, expressed regret the inability to take the numerous talents at a go, and having to do with only 10 males and 10 females for a period of two years.
On his part, Coach Stanley Eguma commended the Omega Power Ministries and its General Overseer, HRM, Apostle Chinyere, for giving back to society through football and taking the minds of the youths off social vices.
The captain of OPM FC, Chuks Okechukwu, was also full of thanks and praises to Apostle Chinyere for his love for the youths and humanity generally, wishing him good health and long life.
The OPM FC won the current edition of the trophy to the admiration of the OPM G.O. with a cash prize of N1million, while the first and second runners-up got N500,000.00 and N300,000.00, respectively.
Recall that the OPM FC has won the Super League FC organized by the Rivers State Football Association two times back to back, Zion Club, two times in addition to the present victory.
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The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.
At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.
The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).
In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.
He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.
Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.
They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.
Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.
He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.
In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.
Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.
According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.
She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.
“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.
With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.
This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.
Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.
The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.
He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.
According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.
He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.
The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.
He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.
Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.
His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.
Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.
The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.
By: King Onunwor
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.
A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.
The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.
He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.
He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.
The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.
By: King Onunwor
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