Rivers

Don Sues For Leadership Assessment Centre In IAUE

Published

3 months ago

July 11, 2025

A Professor of Educational Management and Leadership in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Professor Veronica Emem Okogbaa, has recommended the building of a Leadership Assessment Centre (LAC) in the University.

She made the recommendation recently while delivering the 67th inaugural lecture of the institution at the university’s auditorium.

Speaking on the topic, “Leadership in Education”, the 67th Inaugural Lecturer stated that if built, the Centre will provide opportunities for the assessment of an individual’s leadership capacity based on set criteria and customised procedures.

She further stated that the Centre will develop and offer general and specialised leadership training and a support system for the development of leaders.

Okogbaa called on organisers of seminars, workshops and conferences to desist from presenting certificates of participation to participants who actually do not partake but wander in and out of the venues without actually devoting time to be involved in the activities lined up for capacity building and development.

While calling for more funding for the system because educational leaders cannot function without adequate funds at their disposal, she enjoined Government and Proprietors at all levels not to simply support appointing teachers with long years of experience into school leadership positions.

Educational leaders, according to her, “should have a specific training for their roles based on which appointments should be made”.

The former Dean of Students Affairs Unit urged the educational leadership to be passionate, intentional and mindful of their actions as they play their roles each day, stressing that their positive examples can inspire, persuade and influence subordinates to perform tasks more willingly to assure goal attainment.

Professor Okogbaa also affirmed that professional development should be seen as a must for all levels of staff, the leader inclusive, noting that when everyone’s capacity is built, confidence level will increase and resourcefulness will be the order of the day to enhance social attainment.

The University Don stated that effective school leadership must place emphasis on clarifying educational goals and in engaging in corporate collaboration and comprehensive management to achieve them.

She called on stakeholders to join in the clarification of the statement of their goals and also agree on the strategies to achieve them for effectiveness.

School-based strategized leadership, she explained, is essential for effective goal attention and that all hands must be on deck to actualize this.

She highlighted the need to promote school improvement with the necessary steps outlined to harmonize the sometimes differing expectations of teachers, students, boards and parents.

School goals and plans, she hinted, are for school effectiveness and to firmly direct all efforts towards meeting current and anticipated needs of all.

While calling on leaders to manage educational institutions optimally, she noted that the goals and paths to goals should serve as the basis for work in the whole school progress and development.

The educational leader, she also suggested, “should take the reins as it is expected, be intentional and mindful to lead the system to success”.

Speaking, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, lauded the 67th Inaugural Lecturer for professing what she has been doing over the years that led to her elevation to the rank of a Professor.

While commending her for doing the needful, he agreed that leaders must possess skills or specialised abilities required for their roles in addition to taking training seriously.

Professor Onuchuku in substantiating the need for educational leadership to have special skills, training and knowledge as recommended by the inaugural lecturer, explained how the University’s Management recently looked at the number of candidates that subscribed to the institution before deciding on the cut off Mark for the University.

He added that if the University Management did not have the data or requisite information, it would have been difficult to effectively arrive at the decision that they took regarding the matter.

He praised her for highlighting the importance of specialised skills and trainings for educational leaders.

In a vote of thanks, Professor Reginah Nchelem Azuwena expressed gratitude to all attendees who graced the occasion and listened patiently till the end of the lecture.

She expressed optimism that the recommendations proffered by the 67th Inaugural Lecturer would be implemented.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Rivers State University Moves to Establish Directory for Retirees, VC

Published

3 days ago

October 6, 2025

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has announced that the university will establish a directory for its retired staff to maintain regular contact with them.

Obipi said the directory aims to ensure the university continues to relate with retirees, particularly in understanding how they cope with post-service life challenges and providing ongoing support.

He made this disclosure made during the maiden edition of the university’s annual retirees’ send-forth ceremony, held at the Convocation Arena in Port Harcourt , Monday

Prof. Zeb-Obipi stated that the ceremony was premised on four key reasons: to thank God for His mercies on the lives of the retirees throughout their service, to celebrate their contributions to the university, to reassure current staff that their commitment and valuable contributions would not go unrewarded, and to apologize to retirees for any shortcomings.

The Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okogbole, who conceived and initiated the plan during his administration.

” most of the the retirees have contributed immensely to the university,mentored and tutored both academic and non academic, stressing that their various sacrifices put in while in the service needs to be appreciated.
Some of these persons have mentored many of us in this university and as well contributed hugely to the growth of this institution.For those of you who are still in the service,this occasion should rekindle your hope that you will also be rewarded at your own time and for those who had retired before now,let me apologised on behalf of the management,we just started and please bear with us”he added.

Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion and the immediate past vice chancellor of the institution,prof Nlerum Sunday Okogbule commended the current management for building on the past administration’s initiative to ensure that this program was realised.

He advised the retirees to live purposeful lives and engage in positive activities, emphasizing that retirement was not a death sentence.

In a lecture titled “Living and Thriving in Retirement,” Mr. Ebenezer Korede Oladimeji, Area Manager of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in Port Harcourt, urged retirees to be vigilant with their wealth, nurture meaningful relationships, prioritize medical management, and engage in regular exercise and emphasized the importance of reconnecting with God to enjoy a fulfilling life in retirement.

In his welcome address,the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof. Valentine Omubo-Pepple, expressed appreciation to the university management for their unwavering support and encouragement, which contributed to the success of the event.

Our correspondent reports that the
ceremony honored 74 retired staff members, including 11 teaching staff, 51 non-teaching senior staff, and 12 non-teaching junior staff.

Akujobi Amadi

Rivers

Heliconia Park Launches Port Harcourt Hotel & Golf Resort

Published

3 days ago

October 6, 2025

The Tide

Determined to add value and ensure customers satisfaction in the hospitality industry in the country, Heliconia park port Harcourt Hotels Golf & Resort has launched and unveiled one it’s latest new hotels and resort in the siren environment of the Rivers state, the Garden City of Nigeria.

The grand launch, marks a significant milestone for the brand, bringing a new standard of fine hospitality, lifestyle, and leisure to Port Harcourt. Guided by a vision that blends refined elegance with tailored experiences, the resort reaffirms Heliconia Park’s mission to deliver secure, stylish, and welcoming spaces for both business and leisure guests.

Located within the prestigious INTELS Camp, Aba Road Estate, the resort has been designed to be more than a place to stay. With a golf course, and stylish suites the Hotel combines Italian sophistication with African warmth, fine dining restaurants celebrating global and local cuisines, swing pool, Tennis court, squash amidst sumptuous green areas, the Port Harcourt resort is a destination where comfort meets timeless elegance, and every detail has been created to welcome guests with warmth and a sense of belonging.

Heliconia park hotel,resort & golf offers an unmatched comfort of all hospitality and the freedom of home
officially opened the doors of its newest and third destination, the Heliconia Park Port Harcourt Hotel & Golf Resort.

Speaking at the launch and unveiling of the the hotel over the weekend in port Harcourt,the Chief executive officer (CEO) of Heliconia Park, Pasquale Fiore, said: “This is not just another hotel. This is a destination and a home for excellence. Port Harcourt has long been a hub of energy, commerce, and culture, and by investing here we reaffirm our commitment to this city, its people, and its future. Heliconia Park was founded on the belief that true luxury is welcoming, personal, and tailored, and this resort embodies that very spirit.”

We started Heliconia Park in 2022 with the opening of its first hotel in Port Harcourt, followed by the Lagos Luxury Apartments & Suites in 2024, officially inaugurated in February 2025.

According to him,the launch marks a significant milestone in the brand’s growth journey in Nigeria, each chapter reflecting a vision of fine hospitality rooted in excellence, inspired by culture, and crafted with timeless standards of service.

Also speaking at the
event, Mike Epelle, Director at Heliconia Park, remarked: “The arrival of Heliconia Park Hotel & Golf Resort is a welcome addition to Port Harcourt. It reflects the city’s growing appeal as both a business and leisure hub, and we are proud to see such an investment that will not only elevate hospitality standards but also contribute to local tourism and economic growth.”
The launch of the Port Harcourt Hotel & Golf Resort underscores Heliconia Park’s philosophy of “Approachable Luxury,” where prestige meets comfort and every guest feels both valued and at home. It is also a powerful reaffirmation of the brand’s growth journey, from its beginnings in Port Harcourt, to Lagos, and now back to the Garden City with a bold new resort, positioning Heliconia Park as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic luxury hospitality brands.

For more information or to book a stay at Heliconia Park Port Harcourt Hotel & Golf Resort, please visit heliconiaparkhotels.com

Rivers

FTAN Marks Tourism Day With March, Awards

Published

1 week ago

October 1, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Chapter of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) joined the global community to celebrate the 2025 World Tourism Day with a march through the streets of Port Harcourt, recently.
They used the opportunity to welcome the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The celebration themed “Tourism and Peace: Pathway to Sustainable Transformation,” underscored the strategic role of tourism in economic growth and social development.
Speaking at the event, the Rivers State FTAN Coordinator, Mr. Iminabo Princewill, reaffirmed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the State Government to expand the economic impact of tourism in the State.
“This year’s theme highlights how sustainable tourism can transform societies. FTAN is prepared to partner with the Rivers State Government to create long-term, impactful initiatives that will not only attract visitors, but also generate employment and preserve our cultural heritage”, Princewill said.
Highlight of the day’s event included a guided tour of SaveALife Mission Hospital, a world-class medical facility in Port Harcourt recognised for its excellence in medical tourism, which showcases Rivers State as a growing hub for healthcare-driven tourism in Nigeria and West Africa.
FTAN also presented special awards to distinguished individuals and institutions for their contributions to tourism development.
Among those awarded are the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who received the prestigious award of “Most Tourism-Friendly Governor.”
Governor Fubara was applauded for his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, cultural heritage promotion, and investor-friendly policies that enhance the tourism sector in the State.
In their various responses, the awardees expressed gratitude for the recognition accorded them, and pledged their continuous support for tourism-related projects, noting that the sector remains key to diversifying the state’s economy beyond oil and gas.
The event drew stakeholders from the hospitality industry, travel operators, cultural promoters and health tourism promoters, who were all united in showcasing Rivers State’s immense potential as a premier destination for leisure, business, and medical tourism in Nigeria.

By; Soibi Max-Alalibo