News
Dame Patience Jonathan Awarded Honorary PhD by Ignatius Ajuru University
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – As graduands gets convocated from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Good luck Jonathan, was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, women empowerment, and public service.
The ceremony, which took place at the university’s main campus in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including political leaders, academics, and members of the public. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, lauded Dame Jonathan’s enduring commitment to national development and her tireless efforts in advocating for girl-child education and woman right.
“Dame Patience Jonathan has, over the years, demonstrated a rare passion for service, education, and humanitarian work. Her philanthropic initiatives, especially in empowering underprivileged women, are worthy of emulation; said Professor Onuchuku during his address.
In her acceptance speech, Dame Jonathan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university’s for the honor bestowed upon her. She dedicated the award to Nigerian women and pledge to continue championing causes that promote education and gender equality.
“This recognition is not just for me, but for every Nigerian women striving to make a difference. I remain committed to using my voice and platform to uplift others, difference. I remain committed to using my voice and platform to uplift others, particularly the girl-child,” she stated.
The honorary decorate highlights the former First Lady’s enduring legacy and the impact of her initiatives, including the women for Change Development initiative, which has empowered thousands of women across Nigeria.
The event marked a significant milestone in the university’s history and reaffirmed it’s commitment to recognizing individuals who have contributed meaningfully to societal progress.
By: Divine Perezide
Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, was thrown into tension on Monday following the arrest of a traditional figure amid an ongoing leadership dispute in the Tarakiri Clan.
According to information obtained by Iduwini Ibe Reporters, Ebikabowei Samuel, who is known as the Agadagba of Tarakiri Egbesu, was apprehended by security operatives over allegations of impersonating the throne of the Ibenanaowei of Tarakiri Clan, a position currently occupied by His Royal Majesty, Dr Seiyefa Koroye.
The arrest reportedly took place during a coronation-related ceremony in the community. Eyewitnesses said security personnel fired tear gas to disperse the crowd while effecting the arrest, leading to panic among residents and guests at the venue.
Sources within the community further disclosed that military personnel have allegedly imposed a curfew in Toru-Orua, restricting movement in and out of the town until further notice, as a precautionary measure to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
As at the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the security agencies or the Bayelsa State Government regarding the incident or the reported curfew.
See video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/174WNYZHr4/
The Tarakiri Clan has in recent times been embroiled in leadership disputes, raising concerns among stakeholders over peace and stability in the area. Community leaders have called for calm, urging residents to allow lawful processes to prevail while authorities address the matter.
News
Otuaro, Eradiri, Media & Policy Leaders Unite as Ijaw Media Conference Seek to Defend Niger Delta Resources
By: Favour Bibaikefie
As environmental degradation deepens and community livelihoods face growing threats, the second edition of the Ijaw Media Conference is being positioned as a strategic platform to redefine accountability, policy engagement and responsible reportage in the Niger Delta.
Organised by the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), the conference will hold on December 17, 2025, at the KFT Event Centre, Warri, under the theme “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.” The theme reflects increasing concern over pollution, land loss and the long-term sustainability of the region’s land and waterways.
The appointment of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, as Chairman of the conference signals a deliberate effort to align media advocacy with policy leadership. Organisers say protecting the Niger Delta requires strong collaboration between government institutions, host communities and a proactive, development-focused media.
In a statement signed by the planning committee chairman, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, and secretary, Tare Magbei, the IPF stressed that the media must rise beyond routine reporting to actively shape public discourse, demand accountability and amplify credible voices on environmental governance.
Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali, former Nigerian envoy to Scandinavian countries, will deliver the keynote address, expected to offer global perspectives on sustainable resource management. The lead presentation will be delivered by Engr Udengs Eradiri, former president of the Ijaw Youth Council, who is expected to address governance gaps, environmental justice and the responsibility of leaders and the media.
Legislative backing will be evident with the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, attending as Special Guest of Honour, while leaders from the Ijaw National Congress, Ijaw Youth Council, DESOPADEC, academia, waterways security and the private sector will serve as Guests of Honour.
Traditional institutions will also lend moral authority to the conference, with the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Luke Kalanama VIII, serving as Royal Father of the Day, and Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolowei of the Niger Delta, as Father of the Day.
The IPF said the conference aims to strengthen investigative journalism, promote responsible environmental reporting and galvanise collective action to protect the Niger Delta, warning that inaction today could mortgage the future of generations yet unborn.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
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