Rivers
Royal Father Commends PH Filmmakers … As ‘Dara’ Earns Global Honour
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Leslie N. Eke, has commended Port Harcourt–based filmmakers following the international recognition of the movie “Dara”, a Port Harcourt Love Story, at a global film forum in the United States.
Eze Eke, who is the Eze Gbakagbaka and Chairman, Forum of Ikwerre Government-Recognised Traditional Rulers, gave the commendation during a media parley at his palace in Woji Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The royal father praised the creative team behind the film for projecting the cultural identity and youthful vibrancy of Port Harcourt to the international community through quality storytelling.
Eze Woji noted that the recent award won by the film at the DC Independent Film Forum held in Washington, D.C., where it clinched the Best Feature Film category, was a testament to the enabling environment fostered by good governance and the peaceful disposition of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, which he described as a catalyst for development in the state.
The award-winning coming-of-age romantic drama, directed by Bobby Rak and Executive Producer, Mfon Essiet, tells the story of Idara, a young campus influencer navigating friendship, love, rivalry and loyalty within a Nigerian university environment.
According to organisers of the Washington-based festival, the film stood out among several international entries due to its emotionally engaging narrative and authentic portrayal of contemporary youth culture.
Reacting to the development, the monarch described the achievement as a proud moment for the people of Evo Kingdom, the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality and Rivers State at large.
He noted that the success of the film underscores the growing influence of Nigeria’s creative industry and the capacity of local stories to resonate with global audiences.
King Eke also lauded the producers for choosing Port Harcourt as the primary filming location, stressing that such creative works help promote the culture, environment and socio-economic potential of the Niger Delta city.
The royal father used the opportunity to urge filmmakers and other creative professionals from Rivers State to continue telling authentic stories rooted in their communities, noting that the global recognition of Dara has opened new opportunities for the region’s film industry.
The film, shot largely in Port Harcourt, highlights the culture and experiences of young people in the oil-rich city, while exploring themes of ambition, identity and relationships.
It will be recalled that the DC Independent Film Forum is an annual international platform that showcases independent filmmakers and emerging creative voices from across the world.
King Eke expressed optimism that the success of the film would attract greater investment in the creative arts sector in Rivers State and further position Port Harcourt as a thriving hub for film production in Nigeria.
Before the global rise of stars like Burna Boy and Omah Lay, several pioneering musicians helped establish Port Harcourt as an important centre of Nigerian music.
Artists such as Duncan Mighty, Timaya, Frank D’Nero, Waconzy and M-Trill played key roles in shaping the city’s musical identity by blending indigenous rhythms with Afro-pop, dancehall, hip-hop and R&B.
Through their songs, albums and collaborations, they demonstrated that talent from Port Harcourt could compete on Nigeria’s mainstream stage, inspired younger musicians, and helped lay the cultural foundation that has enabled a new generation of artistes from the city to flourish.
By: King Onunwor
Continue Reading
Rivers
Delta CP Seeks More Support From Traditional Institutions
The Commissioner of Police (CP) Delta State Command, Mr. Yemi Oyeniyi, has urged traditional institutions to continue to support law enforcement in the country.
Oyeniyi gave the advice on Tuesday at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner, who was on a familiarisation tour of police formations across the state, including the Effurun area command, solicited continued partnership of the Uvwie domain in strengthening intelligence gathering and promoting peaceful co-existence.
He commended the Ovie of Uvwie for his unwavering commitment to peace, security, and community development.
“I acknowledge the invaluable role of traditional institutions in supporting law enforcement in the country.
“I equally solicit continuous partnership of the Uvwie domain in strengthening intelligence gathering and promoting peaceful co-existence among the people”, he said.
In his remarks, the Ovie of Uvwie, welcomed the Commissioner and his entourage to the domain.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the people to supporting the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.
The royal father urged his subjects to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by way of providing timely and credible information.
The Commissioner, thereafter, proceeded to perform the groundbreaking of the Effurun area command at the instance of the Insp.-Gen. of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu.
Rivers
IAUE Senate Approves Leadership, Language Center Establishment
The Senate of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, has approved the establishment of a University Leadership Assessment Centre as proposed by Professor Veronica Okogbaa of the Department of Educational Management.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Dr. Ngozi Okiridu, said the centre will, among other things, identify and develop high potential skilled leaders and talents.
It will also evaluate participants through multi dimensional approach rather than rely on subjective perceptions, indulge in leadership trainings, and generate income from services with succession planning.
Similarly, Senate also approved the establishment of a centre for languages, digital Humanities and intercultural studies as proposed by the Dean of Faculty of Humanities, Professor Ibiere Ken-Maduako.
The proposed centre, according to he statement, will have seven units namely language teaching unit, where French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, German, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Rivers State indigenous languages will be taught.
It will also have Translation and interpretation unit, indigenous languages documentation unit, Digital Humanities Laboratory, Artificial intelligence and language teaching unit, professional certification unit, as well as Research and Publication unit..
The statement quoted the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Professor Ken-Maduako, the centre will offer certificate in language proficiency for beginners, intermediate, advanced Diploma programme, translation and interpretation courses, Digital Humanities certification programme, Artificial intelligence and language technology workshops, online and Hybrid learning programmes, weekend and evening public classes, indigenous languages documentation training and Business and professional communication courses.
Professor Ken-Maduako firther said the center “will increase visibility of the University nationally and internationally, generate sustainable internally generated revenue, increase opportunities for grants and donor funded projects, enhance interdisciplinary research output, promote cultural preservation and community engagement, strengthen the University”s profile in innovation and digital transformation, attract research collaboration and international partnerships, and improve graduate employability and digital competence.”
In his speech, the Chairman of Senate and Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, encouraged sponsors of the centre to source for funds for the take off of the centre.
He explained that Directors will be appointed for the self-sponsored centres and reiterated that his administration will continue to support all proposals geared towards the growth of the University as long as they are consistent with the academic brief of the Ivory Tower.
Earlier, Professor Samuel Otamiri commended Professor Veronica Okogbaa for the proposed centre which, he said, is a remarkable development, amd described it as a robust programme that would attract the necessary patronage .
In another development, the Senate welcomed a suggestion by Professor Priye Iyalla-Amadi that Valedictory Senate sessions be introduced and held for retired Professors.
Results from the Postgraduate School as presented by the Dean of the School, Professor Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, was approved by Senate.
Senate also approved that presented by the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), Professor Goddey Wilson, and that of the Graduate School of Business by Dr. Florence Ironawusi.
Sogbeba Dokubo
Rivers
Group Tasks School Proprietors, Parents On Early Preparation
The National President, Forum of Inclusive Educators and Readers (FIER), Mr. Onyeka Innocent, has admonished school owners and parents alike to learn how to prepare their children/wards ahead time in order to beat challenges irrespective of the angle they may spring up from.
Innocent made this known at the Forum’s meeting held partly in honour of the Spelling B, 2025 winners, in Port Harcourt.
“Soldiers are not trained during war, rather, they are trained and kept in the Barracks, waiting for war”, he said.
He said students must be provided with the necessary educational tools capable of boosting their academic pursuit.
According to him, proprietors of schools must conform with the Government’s authorities and guidance if they are determined to succeed in the project.
Another solution to educational management, he said, is the availability of Education Committees in schools, saying that it will improve the quality of its learning process.
Though he did not rule out decay in the society, he said there are few that still hold fast to determination and sincerity.
The FIER leader said his association was one of the bodies with the zeal to right wrongs in the society, especially in the Education sector.
He noted that his group was also prepared to reduce the number of out-of-school children by ensuring that education was taken to all parts of the Country.
On registration of private schools as directed by the State Government, he said his members are in compliance and assured of a cordial relationship between the Government and his Association.
Meanwhile, the winners of the Competition were Master Fredrick Jeffrey of Daisy Dan School, who emerged first; Badubulachi Maryan of Fertile Vineyard Academy, 2nd; and Itode Samuel of Baridoo Sam Joel School, 3rd.
They winners where rewarded with cash prices of N100,000, N50,000 and N30, 000 respectively.
King Onunwor
-
News3 days ago
Rivers Court Jails Man Seven Years For Defiling Minor …Directs N5 Million Upkeep For Victim
-
News3 days ago
Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Docks Five For Hiding Sylva’s Whereabouts
-
Politics4 days agoAtiku Names Kenneth Okonkwo As Spokesperson
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
24 Nigerian Universities Make 2026 THE Rankings … 4 S’South Versitieis Pull Through
-
News3 days agoFG To Replace NYSC Khaki With Adire
-
News3 days ago
BOI Unveils Maiden Impact Report, Disburses N644.9bn In 2025
-
Women4 days ago
NAWOJ Seeks Partnership With Hotel Presidential On Summit
-
News3 days agoFubara Seeks Full Resolution Of Bille Gas Leakage …Pledges Upgrade Of Community Health Centre
