₦airaland Forum

Hart Modey has announced that while his professional services in the Maritime and Blue Economy sector are ordinarily paid, he will gladly offer them free of charge to his dear Cross River State. According to him, it is his own way of giving back.

Unlocking Opportunities. Creating Jobs. Building a Stronger Economy.

Cross River State has enormous potential to become one of Nigeria's leading maritime, coastal tourism, fisheries and blue economy destinations.

With its Atlantic coastline, Calabar Port, inland waterways, fishing communities, tourism attractions and strategic proximity to Cameroon, the state possesses natural advantages that, if properly harnessed, could translate into employment, investment, industrial growth and sustainable revenue.

The maritime and blue economy is not just about ships and seaports. It encompasses fisheries, marine transportation, tourism, shipbuilding, international trade, renewable energy, environmental conservation and several other economic activities.

Here are 10 major ways Cross River State can benefit from this sector.

1. REVITALISATION OF CALABAR PORT

Improving navigational access, cargo handling, logistics and port connectivity could attract shipping companies and other maritime businesses. This would create employment in cargo handling, customs services, transportation, warehousing and logistics.

2. COMMERCIAL FISHING AND SEAFOOD PROCESSING

Investing in cold-storage facilities, fish-processing factories, aquaculture centres and modern fish markets could reduce post-harvest losses, increase seafood exports and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities.

3. SHIPBUILDING AND VESSEL MAINTENANCE

Developing small shipyards and vessel repair facilities could support fishing boats, ferries, patrol vessels and commercial watercraft. This would create opportunities for welders, marine engineers, electricians, fabricators and other technical professionals.

4. COASTAL AND MARITIME TOURISM

Developing safe boat cruises, waterfront resorts, cultural festivals, marinas and ecotourism attractions could position Cross River as a major coastal tourism destination. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators and local entrepreneurs would benefit.

5. MARITIME EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

Establishing maritime training partnerships and vocational programmes would prepare young Cross Riverians for careers as seafarers, marine engineers, logistics professionals, port technicians and maritime safety officers.

6. INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND EXPORT DEVELOPMENT

Strengthening the connection between Calabar Port, the Calabar Free Trade Zone and regional markets could facilitate the export of agricultural produce, processed seafood and manufactured goods.

7. INLAND WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION

Developing properly regulated ferry routes, modern jetties and safe passenger terminals could improve transportation to riverine communities, facilitate commercial activities and reduce travel difficulties.

8. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND BLUE-CARBON OPPORTUNITIES

Protecting mangroves, controlling coastal pollution and restoring marine ecosystems would help preserve fisheries, protect shorelines and potentially attract international conservation and climate financing.

9. MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY

Exploring commercially viable coastal wind, floating solar and other marine-energy opportunities could provide alternative energy sources for coastal communities, port operations and waterfront industries.

10. SMALL-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION

Maritime activities can stimulate thousands of small businesses, including boat operations, fish trading, vessel maintenance, catering, hospitality and logistics. With access to affordable financing, women, young people and local entrepreneurs could become active participants in the blue economy.

WHAT SHOULD GOVERNMENT PRIORITISE?

Turning these opportunities into reality requires deliberate planning, investment and a phased implementation strategy.

FIRST 12 MONTHS

- Conduct port-access and cargo-demand assessments.
- Support fishing cooperatives.
- Identify priority cold-storage projects.
- Engage local and international maritime investors.

YEARS 1–2

- Expand maritime education and vocational training.
- Rehabilitate priority jetties.
- Attract seafood-processing investors.
- Strengthen partnerships with private-sector operators.

YEARS 2–3

- Develop ship-repair clusters.
- Invest in marine tourism facilities.
- Improve export logistics and supporting infrastructure.

YEARS 3–5

- Advance commercially viable port infrastructure.
- Strengthen industrial connections.
- Expand regional and international maritime trade.

All projects should be supported by proper feasibility studies, sustainable financing and environmental approvals.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ECONOMIC LESSON

Cross River State must not become merely a passageway through which maritime wealth flows. It must become a place where maritime wealth is CREATED, PROCESSED, INVESTED AND RETAINED.

A functioning seaport without supporting local industries may generate limited economic benefits for surrounding communities.

However, a port connected to manufacturing, fisheries, tourism, vocational training, logistics and export businesses could create sustainable economic opportunities that benefit generations.

The objective should be simple:

Every major maritime investment must translate into opportunities for Cross Riverians.

From Bakassi and Calabar to Ogoja and the northern parts of the state, the benefits can extend through employment, supply chains, skills development, trade and investment.

The blue economy presents an opportunity to diversify Cross River State's economy, empower its people and strengthen its position in Nigeria's maritime future.

The question is not whether Cross River State has the potential. The question is how strategically that potential will be harnessed.

THE FUTURE IS BLUE. THE OPPORTUNITY IS NOW!

Master of the 7 Seas!

ABUJA, August 9, 2026 — The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has called for restraint in public commentary on religion and politics following remarks attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir regarding Nigeria’s religious identity and the prospect of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Convener, Paul James Adama, the forum said public figures should avoid statements capable of aggravating existing religious and political tensions.

The group questioned the characterisation of Nigeria as a Muslim country, pointing to the country’s religious diversity and the presence of political leaders from different faith backgrounds across the federation.

“Elections are not religious censuses. Governors are not population certificates,” the forum stated, while cautioning against using political leadership as a definitive measure of Nigeria’s religious composition.

The CCYF also noted that Nigeria has not conducted an official religious population census since 1963, arguing that figures frequently cited in discussions about the country’s religious demographics are estimates rather than the outcome of a recent official headcount.

The forum said the debate over political representation should be approached within the framework of Nigeria’s constitutional order rather than through claims of religious ownership or superiority.

“Nigeria is not your trophy. It is not a Muslim country. It is a secular, multi-religious state,” the statement said.

The organisation further expressed concern that religiously framed political rhetoric could divert attention from issues affecting citizens across religious communities, including insecurity, economic hardship and institutional challenges.

“You speak the language of conquest while the country burns from insecurity, hunger, and institutional failure,” the statement said.

The forum also appealed to Christians and other religious communities to maintain peaceful coexistence while responding to contentious public statements through lawful and democratic channels.

According to the CCYF, religious leaders have a responsibility to consider the wider consequences of their public statements in a country where Muslims and Christians live and work alongside followers of other faiths.

The forum urged all political and religious actors to place national unity and equal citizenship above religious competition.

“Stop the supremacy talk. The numbers already answer you,” the group said.

The CCYF concluded by reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence and equal citizenship, adding: “God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless every Nigerian, irrespective of faith.”

The statement was signed by Paul James Adama, Convener, Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), Abuja.

Human Postgraduate School: The Sustainability and People-Centred Transformation of the University of Lagos School of Postgraduate Studies

By Prof Abraham Osinubi

Sustainability is no longer merely an environmental aspiration; it is a leadership responsibility. It is about building institutions that are environmentally responsible, technologically intelligent, economically prudent, and, above all, deeply committed to the wellbeing of their people.
At the University of Lagos School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), this philosophy is increasingly becoming a lived reality under the purposeful leadership of the management guru and administrator par excellence, Professor Abraham A. A. Osinubi.

Professor Osinubi’s leadership has demonstrated that institutional transformation does not have to come at the expense of the environment. Indeed, the SPGS is steadily becoming a model of how digital transformation, environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and human-centered leadership can work together to create a smarter and greener institution.

From Paper to Pixels: A Digital Revolution

One of the most visible aspects of this transformation is the dramatic reduction in paper consumption. Processes that traditionally required mountains of forms, photocopies and physical documentation are increasingly being digitised. Meetings are conducted virtually whenever physical presence is unnecessary, significantly reducing travel, paper use and associated environmental costs.

One Stone, Several Birds: Embedding Vision, Mission and Values in Everyday Work

Professor Osinubi's sustainability philosophy is also evident in the way he has transformed seemingly ordinary administrative practices into instruments of institutional culture-building. In what may aptly be described as “using one stone to kill several birds,” the Vision, Mission and Core Values of the University of Lagos and the School of Postgraduate Studies are prominently displayed on the inner front cover of every SPGS file, rather than being produced as separate documents that may easily be overlooked or discarded. This simple yet ingenious innovation simultaneously reduces unnecessary printing and paper consumption, saves institutional resources, communicates the University's and SPGS’s strategic identity, and embeds the institution’s principles into everyday administrative life. More importantly, every staff member encounters these statements repeatedly in the ordinary course of their work, thereby creating continual opportunities for internalisation. The Vision, Mission and Core Values cease to be mere words displayed on walls or contained in policy documents; they become a daily reminder of who we are, what we stand for, why we exist and how we are expected to serve. It is powerful example of how thoughtful leadership can transform an ordinary administrative tool into an instrument for sustainability, organisational learning, culture formation and values-driven performance.


Postgraduate Candidacy Assessment and E-Admission Screening

The Postgraduate Candidacy Assessment, the SPGS’s entrance assessment, is now fully online. Applicants can participate without the environmental and financial burden associated with unnecessary physical movement. Even the admission screening process, which traditionally required applicants to travel to the School with hard-copy credentials, has been transformed. Applicants can now complete the process electronically from the comfort of their homes and locations, demonstrating that excellent service delivery and environmental responsibility can reinforce each other. This is sustainability through innovation; less paper, less movement, less waste and greater convenience.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

The SPGS is also embracing renewable energy as part of its sustainability agenda.
The installation of dozens of solar panels and Lithium battery storage systems represents a significant step towards reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and lowering the environmental footprint of the School. The message is clear: the future of institutional energy must increasingly be cleaner, smarter and more sustainable. But sustainability at the SPGS goes beyond installing solar infrastructure. It includes conscious energy conservation through the use of energy-efficient cooling systems, the responsible use of electrical appliances, and the sharing and common use of equipment where appropriate. Every unit of energy conserved is a contribution to a more sustainable future.

A Website That Brings the SPGS to the World

The SPGS has also invested significantly in developing a robust, dynamic and information-rich website. This is more than a digital brochure. It is increasingly becoming a virtual gateway to the School, enabling prospective students, current students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders to obtain important information without having to physically visit the SPGS. In doing so, technology is being deployed not merely for convenience but as an instrument of sustainability. When information travels digitally instead of people travelling physically to obtain it, an institution saves time, reduces congestion, cuts unnecessary transportation-related emissions and improves the overall user experience. The smartest journey is sometimes the one that does not have to be made.

Greening the SPGS

Sustainability also means reconnecting institutions with nature. Concerted efforts are being made to increase the planting of trees and flowers around the SPGS, creating a more attractive, healthier and environmentally conscious workspace. Trees do more than beautify an environment. They contribute to cleaner air, shade, biodiversity and climate resilience while helping to create spaces in which people can work, learn and thrive.
The vision is therefore not simply to build a functional postgraduate school, but to create an environment that is green, welcoming and inspiring.

Sustainability with a Human Face

Perhaps the most remarkable dimension of the transformation is that Professor Osinubi’s concept of sustainability extends beyond the environment to the human beings who inhabit the institution.
An institution cannot truly be sustainable if its people are unhappy, unheard, unsafe or psychologically overwhelmed. Under his leadership, deliberate efforts are being made to make the SPGS one of the best places to work and learn—an environment where staff and students are treated with dignity, respect and genuine care. The philosophy is simple and powerful: people should not merely come to an institution; they should feel valued when they are there. Freedom of expression is encouraged. Students and visitors are welcomed warmly. Reception and customer service are given serious attention. Enquiries are attended to with dispatch as much as practicable. Staff, students and visitors are expected to experience the SPGS not as a bureaucratic barrier but as an institution that exists to serve. This philosophy is embodied in the School’s “No-Door Policy”—a commitment to making leadership accessible and ensuring that students and stakeholders do not feel shut out from those responsible for their welfare.

Wellbeing Is Part of Sustainability

The SPGS’s sustainability vision also recognises that health, safety and wellbeing are institutional assets. Attention is therefore being given to the health, safety and wellbeing of faculty and staff, including mental and psychological wellbeing. This is an important shift in institutional thinking. A sustainable organisation is not one that merely survives financially or operates efficiently; it is one that creates conditions in which its people can flourish.

Listening to Those We Serve

A further milestone is the introduction of systematic evaluation of faculty, staff and postgraduate programmes by students.
This is a powerful statement about leadership. It says that those who provide services should be prepared to listen to those who receive them. Feedback is not criticism to be feared; it is intelligence to be valued. It provides an opportunity to identify weaknesses, celebrate strengths and continuously improve. For Professor Osinubi, therefore, quality assurance is not simply an administrative exercise—it is a culture of listening, learning and improvement.

Bringing Convocation Services to the Graduands

Another significant service innovation introduced under Professor Osinubi’s leadership over the past two years has transformed the traditional process of obtaining academic gowns and other convocation-related materials. Previously, graduands were required to travel physically to the School of Postgraduate Studies to collect their academic gowns and related materials, often involving additional transportation costs, time and inconvenience. That practice has now changed. Academic gowns and other relevant convocation materials are dispatched directly to the homes and offices of graduands, bringing the service to them rather than requiring them to come to the School. This seemingly simple innovation represents a profound shift in service philosophy: the institution goes the extra mile so that the graduand does not have to. Beyond making the convocation experience significantly more convenient, the initiative eliminates thousands of unnecessary journeys, reduces transportation-related expenditure and associated greenhouse gas emissions, and saves graduands valuable time and resources. It is another practical demonstration that sustainability and excellent customer service can go hand in hand. For the SPGS, therefore, innovation is not technology for its own sake. It is technology and intelligent service redesign deployed to make people's lives easier, reduce waste, save money, conserve energy and create memorable experiences. In this respect, sending gowns to graduands is more than a logistical improvement; it is a powerful expression of a people-centred and environmentally conscious institutional culture.

Keeping the Alumni Connected: Engagement Beyond Graduation

The SPGS also recognises that its responsibility to students does not end on the day they graduate. Under Professor Osinubi’s leadership, deliberate efforts have been made to maintain a meaningful and enduring relationship with the School’s alumni. For more than three years since assuming office as Dean, Professor Osinubi has consistently sent goodwill messages to SPGS alumni at least once every month. Beyond the goodwill itself, these messages provide an important channel for maintaining relationships, celebrating achievements and, importantly, inquiring about the welfare and progress of graduates long after they have left the University. The SPGS has also increasingly served as a bridge between the University and its alumni, facilitating access to documents and other University-related services that alumni may require for their professional, academic and personal development. By helping alumni obtain what they need without unnecessary physical visits, the School is making service delivery more accessible while simultaneously reducing avoidable travel, transportation costs, congestion and the associated environmental footprint. This approach captures an important dimension of sustainability: sometimes the most sustainable service is the one that eliminates the need for a journey altogether.
In this way, the SPGS is building an alumni relationship founded not merely on nostalgia for the institution, but on continued service, connection, care and mutual value. Its relationship with graduates therefore extends beyond the traditional boundaries of postgraduate education—demonstrating that belonging to the SPGS community does not end with graduation.

A New Model of Institutional Leadership

The transformation taking place at the SPGS illustrates an important leadership principle: sustainability is not a project; it is a culture.
It is reflected in how meetings are conducted, how energy is consumed, how information is disseminated, how applicants are screened, how students are received, how staff are treated, how feedback is obtained, and how the physical environment is cared for. Professor Osinubi’s leadership is demonstrating that a postgraduate school can simultaneously pursue academic excellence, digital transformation, environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, exceptional service delivery and human wellbeing. The emerging SPGS is therefore not simply becoming greener. It is becoming smarter, more accessible, more responsive, more compassionate and more sustainable.

And perhaps that is the greatest lesson of all:

The future of higher education belongs to institutions that can care for the planet while caring deeply for their people. At the University of Lagos School of Postgraduate Studies, that future is not merely being discussed. It is being deliberately designed, one innovation, one student, one staff member and one sustainable decision at a time.

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has issued a strong rebuttal to what it describes as a “false, baseless, and malicious” publication currently circulating across various online media platforms regarding an alleged aircraft linked to an incident in Asaba/Ogwashi-Uku and its purported ownership by Dunamis International Gospel Centre.

In a statement released on Thursday, the group clarified that after what it described as “careful inquiry and review,” the claims suggesting that the church owns a private jet are entirely untrue.

“We categorically state that Dunamis International Gospel Centre does not own any private aircraft. Any suggestion linking the church to ownership of the aircraft in question is false and misleading,” the statement read.

The CCYF further noted that the church has consistently maintained its position of not owning a private jet, while acknowledging that it has the capacity to acquire one for ministry and gospel outreach purposes if ever required.

“The narrative being circulated is a fabrication and represents a reckless attempt to misinform the public and damage reputations without basis,” the group added.

The organization warned that the spread of false information could have legal consequences under Nigerian law, citing relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as well as sections of the Criminal Code Act dealing with publication of false news and defamation.

According to the statement:

“The peddling of false information capable of causing fear, alarm, or reputational harm is an offence under Nigerian law, and offenders may be liable to prosecution, fines, or imprisonment depending on the severity of the act.”

It further referenced legal provisions that criminalize cyberstalking, the dissemination of false information intended to cause public disturbance, and defamatory publications made knowingly or recklessly.

The CCYF urged members of the public, bloggers, and media practitioners to always verify sensitive claims through official sources before publishing or sharing information.

“We strongly advise all media actors and individuals to confirm facts before dissemination. Failure to do so not only misleads the public but may also attract legal consequences,” the statement warned.

The group concluded by stating that it reserves the right to pursue all legal remedies against individuals or platforms responsible for knowingly spreading false and damaging information.

For verification, the public is advised to consult the official communication channels of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has expressed deep concern over the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State and the growing wave of abductions, banditry, and terrorism across Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Convener of CCYF, Paul James Adama, described the abduction of the children and other innocent Nigerians as tragic and unacceptable, noting that the worsening security situation poses a serious threat to the country's future.

“We are deeply saddened and gravely concerned by the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State, as well as the persistent wave of abductions, terrorism, and banditry affecting various parts of Nigeria,” Adama said.

He said the forum sympathizes with the families of the abducted children and other kidnapping victims across the country, stressing that no child should be forced to live in fear.

“No child deserves to live in fear, and no family should endure the trauma and agony of not knowing the whereabouts or safety of their loved ones. These heinous acts not only destroy families but also threaten the future of our nation by instilling fear in our schools, communities, and places of worship,” he added.

The group noted that insecurity across the country, including banditry in the North, kidnapping for ransom, and other forms of terrorism, has reached an alarming level, resulting in loss of lives, disruption of livelihoods, and economic hardship.

According to Adama, “Innocent lives are being lost or disrupted daily, economic activities are crippled, and the social fabric of our society is under severe strain. This is unacceptable in a sovereign nation like Nigeria.”

CCYF called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Defence, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at securing the immediate and unconditional release of all kidnapped victims.

The forum also urged authorities to strengthen collaboration among security agencies and state governments, deploy modern technology to protect schools and vulnerable communities, and ensure the swift prosecution of arrested perpetrators.

“We call on the government to treat this national emergency with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. The safety and security of every Nigerian citizen, especially the most vulnerable among us—our children—must be paramount,” Adama stated.

As a Christian youth organisation, the forum pledged continued prayers for the safe return of abducted persons and support for their families while encouraging faith-based organisations and civil society groups to unite against insecurity.

“We stand ready to take decisive action against this persistent insecurity in our nation because Nigeria belongs to all of us. We cannot continue to watch our children and citizens being treated as commodities in the hands of criminals. Enough is enough,” Adama said.

The statement was signed by Paul James Adama, Convener of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), Abuja.

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has expressed deep concern over the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State and the growing wave of abductions, banditry, and terrorism across Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Convener of CCYF, Paul James Adama, described the abduction of the children and other innocent Nigerians as tragic and unacceptable, noting that the worsening security situation poses a serious threat to the country's future.

“We are deeply saddened and gravely concerned by the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State, as well as the persistent wave of abductions, terrorism, and banditry affecting various parts of Nigeria,” Adama said.

He said the forum sympathizes with the families of the abducted children and other kidnapping victims across the country, stressing that no child should be forced to live in fear.

“No child deserves to live in fear, and no family should endure the trauma and agony of not knowing the whereabouts or safety of their loved ones. These heinous acts not only destroy families but also threaten the future of our nation by instilling fear in our schools, communities, and places of worship,” he added.

The group noted that insecurity across the country, including banditry in the North, kidnapping for ransom, and other forms of terrorism, has reached an alarming level, resulting in loss of lives, disruption of livelihoods, and economic hardship.

According to Adama, “Innocent lives are being lost or disrupted daily, economic activities are crippled, and the social fabric of our society is under severe strain. This is unacceptable in a sovereign nation like Nigeria.”

CCYF called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Defence, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at securing the immediate and unconditional release of all kidnapped victims.

The forum also urged authorities to strengthen collaboration among security agencies and state governments, deploy modern technology to protect schools and vulnerable communities, and ensure the swift prosecution of arrested perpetrators.

“We call on the government to treat this national emergency with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. The safety and security of every Nigerian citizen, especially the most vulnerable among us—our children—must be paramount,” Adama stated.

As a Christian youth organisation, the forum pledged continued prayers for the safe return of abducted persons and support for their families while encouraging faith-based organisations and civil society groups to unite against insecurity.

“We stand ready to take decisive action against this persistent insecurity in our nation because Nigeria belongs to all of us. We cannot continue to watch our children and citizens being treated as commodities in the hands of criminals. Enough is enough,” Adama said.

The statement was signed by Paul James Adama, Convener of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), Abuja.

The University of Port Harcourt has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, research commercialization, and academic excellence with the appointment of Professor Friday Eleonu Onuodu as Director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO).

Prof. Onuodu, a seasoned academic and Professor of Computer Science, brings decades of experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology (IT), and data science to the strategic role. His appointment, which took effect from September 2024, marks a significant step in the university’s drive to harness research outputs for national development.

Speaking on his new role, Prof. Onuodu emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual assets within academia.

“Universities are hubs of innovation, but without proper intellectual property frameworks, much of that value is lost. My goal is to ensure that research conducted within the University of Port Harcourt translates into tangible societal and economic benefits,” he said.

With over 18 years of teaching and research experience spanning institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Federal College of Education, Zaria, Prof. Onuodu has built a reputation as a scholar deeply committed to technological advancement and capacity building.

He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt, alongside a Master’s degree in the same field, and a Bachelor of Technology in Mathematics/Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Minna. His academic journey has been marked by extensive research contributions in areas such as data mining, machine learning, cybersecurity, and intelligent systems.

In his remarks, the professor highlighted the growing relevance of intellectual property in the digital age.

“As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to evolve, safeguarding innovation becomes not just necessary but urgent. IPTTO will serve as the bridge between academia and industry, ensuring that our innovations are protected, patented, and properly commercialized,” he stated.

Before his current appointment, Prof. Onuodu served as Deputy Director of the university’s Information and Communication Technology Centre (ICTC), where he contributed to digital transformation initiatives across the institution.

Colleagues describe him as a visionary leader with a strong passion for mentoring students and advancing research. His teaching portfolio includes programming languages such as Python, Java, MATLAB, and database systems, alongside supervision of numerous undergraduate and postgraduate projects.

Industry observers note that his leadership of IPTTO could position the University of Port Harcourt as a key player in Nigeria’s knowledge economy. By strengthening intellectual property policies and promoting technology transfer, the institution aims to attract partnerships, boost innovation, and enhance its global academic standing.

“We are not just producing graduates; we are producing solutions,” Prof. Onuodu added. “And those solutions must be protected and scaled for impact.”

His appointment comes at a time when Nigerian universities are increasingly focusing on research commercialization as a pathway to economic growth and global competitiveness.

A major political development has emerged ahead of the 2027 electoral season as frontline senatorial aspirant, Hon. Prince Chinedu Nsofor (Kpakpando Ndigbo) received the blessings of former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), HE. Senator Seriake Dickson, for the Anambra South Senatorial District race.

The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Abuja residence of the former governor, was described by supporters as strategic and significant, bringing together key stakeholders within the NDC as discussions centered on the political future of Anambra South and the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Hon. Nsofor(Kpakpando Ndigbo), who hails from Oraifite in Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State, was received by the former governor in what insiders described as a confidence-building engagement aimed at strengthening the party’s chances in the senatorial district.

Also present at the meeting was Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu National Secretary of the NDC, alongside Prof. (Dr.) Mrs. Rachael Dickson, wife of the former Bayelsa governor alongside several other national leaders of NDC.

Speaking during the engagement, Hon. Prince Chinedu Nsofor reaffirmed his commitment to representing the people of Anambra South Senatorial District, expressing confidence that the district was entering a new political phase.

According to him, the support and encouragement from the party leadership have further strengthened his resolve to pursue a people-oriented representation anchored on development, inclusion, and effective leadership.

Political observers within the party say the endorsement signals growing momentum around Nsofor’s aspiration and may reshape political alignments within the district as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

Supporters at the gathering described the development as a “Divine Intervention,” insisting that the coast is becoming clearer for the NDC in Anambra South.

The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity within the party and a shared commitment to building a strong political structure capable of delivering victory in the forthcoming senatorial election, ensuring victory for the NDC in Anambra State and victory for Mr. Peter Obi at the Presidential election.

The Senior Pastor of Master’s Place International Church, Korede Komaiya, has unveiled plans for a special early morning prayer programme aimed at tackling poverty and lack.

The programme, a special edition of Capture Your Week, will hold on the 4th of May at 6:30 a.m. and is expected to draw a wide audience seeking spiritual guidance at the start of the week.

Speaking ahead of the event, Komaiya said the session would focus on prayers and declarations centred on financial increase and overall well-being. He described it as an opportunity for participants to align their week with purpose and clarity.

Attendees have been encouraged to join the session with a symbolic representation of their finances, as targeted prayers for growth and stability will be offered.

The event will be streamed live across social media platforms via @KoredeKomaiya. Organisers say the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to provide structured spiritual engagement for individuals looking to begin their week on a strong footing.

A premier bariatric and weight management service is set to transform healthcare in Anambra State as Getslim Bariatric Center announces the launch of its new service center in collaboration with Rose Specialist Hospital, a leading private healthcare institution in the region.

​Located at 14 Njoku Crescent, Oyolu Fighter, Off College Road, 3-3 Onitsha, Rose Specialist Hospital is renowned for its multidisciplinary medical services and 24-hour comprehensive care. The facility offers a wide range of services, including diagnostics, general and specialist surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, pediatrics, dialysis, and emergency ambulance services, all supported by advanced medical equipment.

​The partnership between Getslim Bariatric Center and Rose Specialist Hospital aims to broaden access to medically supervised weight management solutions. For the first time, residents of Onitsha and surrounding areas can access specialist consultations and bariatric care without the need to travel to Lagos, Abuja, or overseas.

​Getslim Bariatric Center’s services at the Onitsha location include:
• ​Comprehensive patient evaluation.
•​Advanced bariatric surgical options.
•​Structured weight-loss support for long-term health.

​"By aligning with an established institution like Rose Specialist Hospital, we are integrating our bariatric expertise within a well-equipped clinical environment that the people of Onitsha already trust," MD, Getslim Bariatric Center.

​This launch marks a significant milestone in the growth of specialized medical services in Southeastern Nigeria, addressing the rising demand for world-class healthcare solutions within the region.

​Members of the public interested in scheduling a consultation can reach the center through the following channels:
​Phone: 07016222580
​Email: frontdesk@getslim.ng

In a dramatic legal move, Prince Laja Adeoye, the CEO of Fendini Group, has filed a ₦20 million lawsuit against Privus Crest Ltd., Sherifdeen Jimoh, Lanre Ogundare, and several others, accusing them of defamation through the spread of false allegations of forgery and document falsification. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Oyo State, was instituted by Afe Babalola & Co (Emmanuel Chambers), led by Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), Maduka, and six other senior lawyers, on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025. An advance copy of the suit was served to the Police Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, June 18th, implicating their complicity in using officers of the IGP Monitoring Unit to whisk the real estate developer to Abuja without prior invitation — in what appeared to be a case of kidnapping.

According to documents made available to the press, Prince Adeoye seeks redress for what he describes as a coordinated attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine the credibility of his brand, Fendini Group. The suit claims that the defendants circulated unfounded allegations suggesting that the Fendini CEO was involved in the forgery of official documents related to corporate dealings. The use of state apparatus to bully, intimidate, and oppress innocent citizens in a relatively civil dispute was strongly condemned by the legal team.

“This is not just about me,” Prince Adeoye stated in an early reaction. “It is about setting a precedent against the reckless misuse of digital platforms to spread falsehood. Integrity remains at the core of everything I stand for.” He further asserted that social media is not a court of law, and unless the accusers are resorting to self-help—which is not encouraged in law—the hiring of bloggers and social media influencers to pronounce guilt is a clear sign of a well-planned and sponsored campaign of calumny. The suit accuses the parties involved of false accusations, demands for his fundamental human rights, a public apology, and compensation, while also calling on the Nigeria Police to respect the rule of law.

Prince Laja Adeoye concluded by emphasizing that social media cannot substitute the courts, and if the accusers truly had any evidence, they should have approached the court with it. “This shenanigans is clearly aimed at denting my image. I understand that when you are aiming at something good, people who cannot stand your success will start to envy and become jealous, motivating them to manufacture accusations by all means,” he added.

Former Anambra Commissioner, Bonaventure Enemali Dumps APGA for APC

By Hassan Ibrahim

Abuja — In a significant political development ahead of the Anambra State governorship election, former Commissioner for Lands and Youth in Anambra State, Hon. Bonaventure Enemali, has officially defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon. Enemali, a well-known youth leader and public service figure in Anambra politics, announced his decision during a political gathering in Nzam his ward, where he pledged full allegiance and support to the APC’s governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, describing him as "a visionary leader capable of transforming Anambra for the better."

Speaking at the event, Enemali noted that his decision was based on a commitment to effective leadership, accountability, and inclusive governance. He expressed confidence that Prince Ukachukwu’s candidacy under the APC banner would deliver lasting development to the state.

"This is not just a political move. It is a decision rooted in deep conviction and the desire to see our state truly prosper. I am fully with Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and I also express my unreserved support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027," Enemali said.

The defection is considered a strategic boost for the APC in Anambra, especially as preparations for the November 2025 governorship election intensify. Enemali's experience in governance and strong grassroots network are expected to strengthen the party’s campaign structure across the state.

Leaders of the APC in Anambra welcomed Enemali into the party, expressing optimism that more key stakeholders will join the movement for a new direction in Anambra politics.