Rivers
NIPR Seeks Nigeria’s Economic Recovery
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called on the Federal Government to take policy steps that will lead to economic recovery and transformation.
Chairman, NIPR, Rivers State, Rev. Francis Asuk, made the call at a walk to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the institute in Port Harcourt.
The event themed, “Walk for Economic Transformation”, which started from Polo Club, GRA, to the Isaac Boro Park, had members of NIPR Rivers, NIPR Students Association (NIPRESA), security agencies and corporate bodies joining in.
In his speech, the State NIPR boss, Rev. Asuk said the call became imperative as Nigeria is in dire need of economic recovery to improve on the living conditions of her people.
He observed that Nigerians the world over were succeeding in their professions, but a bad reputation was hampering her economic growth. Consequently, the need for Nigeria to rebuild her integrity, for which the NIPR is taking the lead in ensuring that the country regains her reputation among the comity of nations.
“Today, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations is beginning a road walk for economic transformation for our nation.
“In 2023, we attained 60 years. This celebration is to mark that event and accordingly the NIPR Governing Council, which is the body that oversees the regulation and the practise of Public Relations led by the President of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, supported by its members, are taking a road walk across the nation for economic transformation.
“NIPR has taken up the task of ensuring that we rebuild a better reputation for Nigeria”, he said.
Rev. Asuk decried quackery in Public Relations practise and called on organisations to always engage only certified Public Relations practitioners.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, commended NIPR for the laudable initiative.
“These activities of NIPR are geared towards not just marking the institute’s 60th anniversary, but the commitment to it, and sustainable development which we are driving in advancing our Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s health for all for Rivers people.
“The Governor’s health for all project is geared towards empowering the health, well-being and sustainable development for the good of the State”.
The NIPR Diamond Anniversary celebrations also featured a tree planting exercise in line with the Green Nigeria Initiative.
Stakeholders from the Rivers State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; Commissioner for Power, Solomon Eke; Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill; and traditional Rulers, Eze Upata of Upata Kingdom, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo; and Eze Gbaka-Gbaka of Evo Kingdom, King Leslie Eke, were on hand to plant trees of transformation at the NIPR Garden at the Isaac Boro Park.
Others include: the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olatunji Disu; Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Rivers State, Basil Igwebueze; Chairman National Orientation Agency, Young Ayotamuno; Head Corporate Communications, Indorama Petro chemicals, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, and his counterpart at NLNG, Andy Odey; as well as fellows of the institute, who also joined in the tree planting exercise.
The NIPR 60TH Anniversary celebrations continued with a public lecture titled “60 years of Public Relations practice in Nigeria: Milestones, New Trends and Prospects” delivered by Prof. G. B. Okon at POWA Complex, Old GRA, yesterday.
The management of the Rivers State University, (RSU), Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt has admitted eleven thousand and eighty-three students to study in various disciplines and courses for 2024/2025 academic sessions in the university.
The vice chancellor of the university,prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi disclosed this during his address at the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the convocation arena in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Zeb-obipi expressed delight that it was a privilege to welcome everyone to the momentous occasion, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students and described matriculation as an important ceremony organised by institutions, especially universities.
“Though this is the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the university,it is the first under my watch as vice chancellor, and I am highly excited that I am having my tail cut in the conduct of this significant ritual of matriculation.”
“Once again, I give God all the glory and thank the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the 14th Governing council under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mary Odili and the host of others who played one role or the other in my emergence as the vice chancellor. May I also use this opportunity to acknowledge my co-contenstants that made the selection a worthy competition, especially Prof Adolphus J. Toby and prof Nkalo H.Ukoima. There is no doubt that they all mean well for the university and as such i am studying the various vision statements they had submitted for possible inclusion in the efforts to implement what we have, “he stated.
He explained that his vision is to transform the university into a world class, innovative, inclusive institution, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility through the re-engineering of the university’s academic, administrative, and community engagement frameworks to ensure that they are student centric, faculty driven, community oriented responsive to the need of the 21st century.
According to him the university aim to achieve the visions by enhancing academic programmes to meet global standards, strengthening research capacity and promoting innovation and improving infrastructure and facilities to support teaching, learning research, and fostering partnerships with industries, government, and other stakeholders to promote community engagement and entrepreneurship among others.
The VC while giving the statistics of the administration said a total of 29,107 candidates took the university as first choice in the 2024 JAMB Examination, 16,172 qualified the institution 190 cutoff mark, 15,348 registered for the post UTME, while 15,014 participated in university test and out of the number,11,083 was admitted.
The VC while congratulating the matriculants, urged them to shun any forms of social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and indicent dressing, adding that the the school has zero tolerance on indiscipline and other anti social behaviours that are detrimental to societal growth.
Akujobi Amadi
The Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown has joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate end to the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State.
The Opobo chiefs Council’s vice chair who was speaking on the sidelines at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the INC held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa last Wednesday, emphasized the gravity of the suspension of a state governor, deputy and legislators, characterizing it as an unprecedented assault on the democratic process.
He argued that suspending an elected governor and the state legislature not only undermine the mandate given by the electorate but also poses a significant threat to the political stability of the state. Brown further declared the suspension as “an aberration and travesty of the constitution.”
His words, “Even though the Nigerian Constitution grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorize the suspension of democratically elected officials, such as governors or members of the legislature. The proper procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes rather than executive fiat”.
Brown went on, “The unconstitutional suspension of democratically elected government officials is a Slowly but surely dismantling of democratic structures. This will not help our fledgling democracy, but will destroy all the gains so far made in this democratic dispensation”.
“This is not just about Governor Fubara; it is about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in a democratic election,” he stated. He added, “Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution.”
He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions across Nigeria.
He further articulated the historical context of the Ijaw struggle for
representation, highlighting the community’s long-standing grievances
regarding political marginalization.
“For over 24 years, we have fought to regain our rightful place in governance,” Brown remarked. “To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the federal government is not just
frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people.”
Brown called for a united front among Ijaw leaders and communities,
urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices.
He underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as vital
pathways to resolving the ongoing crisis, rather than resorting to forceful measures that could exacerbate tensions. “We must engage with
the federal government, but we will do so on our terms,” he insisted.
In closing, Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of
justice and equity, emphasizing that the Ijaw people would not back down in their quest for recognition and respect.
“We are prepared to stand firm and advocate for our rights. Our
history is rich with leaders who have fought for us, and we will not
allow their sacrifices to be in vain,” he concluded, rallying support
for a peaceful resolution that honors the democratic process and the will of the Rivers people.
The high-profile one-day stakeholders’ meeting brought together
influential Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Governor, Douye
Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Rivers State
Governor and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; and former Bayelsa Deputy
Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta
Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; prominent traditional rulers from
various parts of Ijawland; the President of the Ijaw Youth Council
(IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri and many other notable Ijaw leaders from across the Niger Delta.