Rivers

ICA Boss Highlights Regional Hubs Importance

Published

3 years ago

April 10, 2023

The President of the International Communication Association (ICA), Prof. Noshir Contractor, has stressed the importance of regional chapters of the association across the globe, saying the establishment of regional chapters is part of the quest for the internationalisation of the body.
According to him, the association debuted in 1950 as the National Society for the Study of Communication in the United States of America.
Prof. Contractor, who made the remarks during the inauguration of ICA Nigeria Chapter at the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt recently, said the chapter is the first in Africa, stressing that the internationalisation process of the body started with the hosting of annual and regional conferences outside the United States of America some years back.
According to him, since 2020, ICA had hosted over 10 regional hubs, mainly in the global South each year, that convened to coincide with the annual conference of the body.
The formation of the ICA Regional Chapters, considered as the height of the internationalisation of the association, beginning with ICA Indonesia as first, followed by ICA Nigeria as only the second globally, he noted started this year after approval by the Executive Committee of the association.
While commending the organizing skills of the organising team and the enthusiasm of members of the ICA Nigeria, Prof. Contractor said the aim of establishing the chapter is to bolster engagement globally with ICA conference and communication research as well as facilitate development of regional communication research networks and infrastructure, among others.
According to him, the regional chapters are, however, expected to create their own mechanisms by which local and regional communities can have sustained engagement with the goals of ICA to advance scholarly study of communication and facilitate excellence in academic research worldwide.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, in his opening remarks, said the establishment of ICA Nigeria was apt, in the light of the rapidly changing world where global interconnectedness and technological advancements have reshaped the landscape of higher education, adding that the gesture would bolster the responsibility of the university to prepare its students for the ever-changing world by providing them with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed both as individuals and professionals.
He thanked the association for the interest and choice of the university as the host for the ICA Regional Hub in 2022, which, according to him, reflected the institution’s culture of excellence in character and learning, which he said has motivated its continued commitment to creating a vibrant and creative community where different perspectives and ideas are embraced and celebrated.
The Vice Chancellor expressed the hope that ICA Nigeria Chapter would, by holding its kick-off event in the university, build a foundation base with the university community.
On her part, the ICA Nigeria Chair, Ms Ekaete George, commended and thanked ICA for its initiatives in Nigeria, and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in her but with passionate commitment pursue the ideals of the ICA anchored on excellence in communications research and scholarship in Nigeria.
George applauded the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt and the students for their tremendous support which she noted was pivotal to the establishment of the ICA Nigeria, and advised new members of the body to be tenacious in their quest for opportunities that would help them make positive impacts locally while staying globally-oriented.
At the event, the ICA Nigeria Chapter was presented a certificate of establishment while its inaugural Quarterly Seminar Series(QSS) was also held simultaneously with papers presented by ICA President, Prof. Noshir Contractor of the Northwestern University, United States of America; and Prof. Titilayo Osuagwu of the University of Port Harcourt.
Three similar seminars are billed to hold in June, September and December, 2023 at onsite locations across Nigeria.

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

16 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

16 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

16 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor