The Atlantic Bell

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has accused sections of the media and social media of promoting “sponsored” negative narratives aimed at tarnishing the image of the state and his administration, insisting that the hosting of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 in Port Harcourt is proof that Rivers remains peaceful and secure.

Speaking on Monday at the grand finale of NADCEL 2026 held at the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Fubara said the choice of Rivers State as the venue for the national military event contradicted claims that the state is unsafe.

“The choice of Port Harcourt as host of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration means a lot to me and the good people of Rivers State. It signifies peace. It signifies normalcy in our state, contrary to the numerous negative things we read in newspapers and see on social media, some of which are sponsored to malign the state and my person,” the governor said.

Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies operating in the state, pledging sustained assistance to enable them to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

He said his government would continue to provide logistics, infrastructure and institutional support to security agencies, stressing that the success of the military translates to the success of government in ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The governor commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, operational readiness, technological advancement and manpower development, as demonstrated during the military parade and tactical displays marking the celebration.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for providing the leadership needed to strengthen the military’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Fubara, however, urged the Federal Government and the military high command to prioritise the welfare of officers and soldiers, arguing that improved welfare is critical to boosting morale and enhancing operational effectiveness.

He maintained that Rivers State would remain steadfast in partnering security agencies to sustain peace and stability across the state.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising the Nigerian Army and revitalising Nigeria’s defence industry, saying sustained investment in military capability is critical to tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.

Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026) held at the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to equip the Armed Forces with modern technology and strengthen local defence production to enhance national security.

He said the revitalisation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) remains central to the administration’s strategy of building indigenous military manufacturing capacity, describing local defence production as essential for both national security and economic growth.

The President also welcomed the establishment of the African Armed Forces Forum, describing it as a platform that would strengthen defence diplomacy, deepen military cooperation and promote knowledge sharing among African countries.

According to him, closer collaboration among African militaries is necessary to address emerging threats, including terrorism, cybercrime, border insecurity, climate-related security challenges and the application of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.

Tinubu also commended the partnership between the Nigerian Army and Great Minds Event Management, saying it underscored the growing role of public-private collaboration in advancing defence innovation and indigenous military production.

He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to invest in research, innovation and capacity building to improve the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

Describing the Nigerian Armed Forces as one of Africa’s finest institutions, the President praised officers and soldiers for their professionalism, discipline and sacrifices in protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting international peacekeeping operations.

He said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” reflected the military’s enduring commitment to the nation and its citizens.

Tinubu paid tribute to fallen military personnel, assuring their families that the sacrifices of their loved ones would remain honoured, while also acknowledging the contributions of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to national security.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu, commended President Tinubu for his continued support in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.

He also lauded Governor Fubara for creating a peaceful environment and sustaining collaboration with the military in Rivers State.

Shaibu said the annual Army Day celebration honours the sacrifices and resilience of Nigerian soldiers while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to defending the country against terrorism, insurgency and other emerging security threats.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) will hold the fourth edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture on July 23 in Lagos, with discussions expected to focus on the role of the media, electoral institutions and voters in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

The annual lecture, instituted in 2023 to honour the legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, from 11:00 a.m.

In a statement signed on Monday by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the organisers announced the theme for this year’s lecture as “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”
Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, will deliver the memorial lecture, while former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will chair the event.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is expected as the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Other expected participants include senior members of the Guild, among them former Ogun State Governor and veteran journalist, Chief Segun Osoba, as well as Vanguard publisher, Uncle Sam Amuka. Managing directors, editors of print, broadcast and digital media organisations, government officials and civil society leaders are also expected to attend.

The Guild said students and lecturers of journalism and mass communication from Caleb University, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism have also been invited to expose aspiring journalists to leading media professionals and reinforce the values of excellence, public service and ethical journalism.

According to the statement, the memorial lecture has become a platform for robust national conversations on governance, public policy and the role of the press in democratic development.

“It continues to serve as a platform for thought leadership, policy debate and national introspection, while keeping alive the standard Jakande set in journalism and public service,” the Guild said.

The lecture series honours the enduring legacy of Alhaji Lateef Jakande (1929–2021), one of Nigeria’s most respected journalists and public servants. Jakande served as President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors before becoming the first civilian governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983, where he earned widespread acclaim for his mass housing, education and healthcare programmes. He later served as Minister of Works and Housing and remains one of Nigeria’s most influential figures in journalism and public administration.

The inaugural memorial lecture in 2023 was delivered by NGE Fellow, Chief Felix Adenaike. The 2024 edition featured Chairman of ThisDay and Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, who spoke on “Rapid Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies,” while the 2025 lecture, themed “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” was delivered by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to picket South African businesses operating in Nigeria, issuing a four-day ultimatum for the firms to leave the country over the alleged continued xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The students’ body warned that failure to comply with the ultimatum would trigger coordinated protests and other actions by its members nationwide.

In a statement issued on Monday in Enugu, the National Executive Director for Corporate and Private Sectors Engagement, Bestman Okereafor, said the decision was prompted by what NANS described as the persistent intimidation, assault and displacement of law-abiding Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

According to him, South African businesses should not continue to enjoy a conducive operating environment in Nigeria while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa.

“As the biggest students’ body in Africa, we are giving South African business interests four days to evacuate our beloved country, Nigeria. Immediately after the expiration of the ultimatum, we will consider picketing South African business interests, while further actions will follow,” he said.

Okereafor said the association’s position was a response to what it described as the continued oppression of Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that the situation had become unacceptable.

He also urged the Federal Government and the African Union to take firmer diplomatic measures against South Africa over the recurring xenophobic attacks.

NANS recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, arguing that such sacrifices should not be rewarded with what it described as “disloyalty, disrespect and global embarrassment.”

The association noted that repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa have left many Nigerians and other Africans assaulted, intimidated, displaced and, in some cases, allegedly killed, while businesses owned by Nigerians were reportedly looted or destroyed.

It also referenced reports that perpetrators had earlier issued a June 30 deadline for Nigerians and other foreign nationals to leave South Africa.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has in recent weeks facilitated the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa following the renewed wave of attacks.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to explain how more than ₦1.3 billion was appropriated in the 2026 budget for a presidential council the Presidency has described as non-existent.

In a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated July 4, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the National Assembly leadership to release certified copies of all documents relating to the approval of the ₦1,302,978,784 allocation to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), also referred to as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The organisation also called on both presiding officers to invoke the investigative powers of the National Assembly under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to determine how the allocation was made and identify those responsible for what it described as apparent irregularities.

SERAP requested certified records identifying the committees that considered the allocation, the lawmakers involved, and the public officials or representatives who defended the proposed expenditure during the budget process.

It further sought clarification on whether the allocation originated from the Executive’s Appropriation Bill or was inserted during legislative consideration, and whether any lawmaker questioned the legal status or operational mandate of the council before the budget was passed.

The request follows reports that the PFIPC received over ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 budget, despite a statement by the Presidency on July 1 denying that such a body exists or was ever established by the Federal Government.

Describing the conflicting accounts as a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s budget process, SERAP said the development raised concerns over legislative oversight, public financial management and accountability.

“The National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility not merely to approve budget proposals but to thoroughly scrutinise and authorise public expenditure in accordance with the Constitution,” the organisation said.

It stressed that Nigerians have a right to know whether public funds were appropriated for an entity that lacks legal existence and, if so, how such an allocation was approved.

According to SERAP, disclosure of the requested documents would enable citizens to assess whether the National Assembly fulfilled its constitutional obligations under Sections 80, 81, 88 and 89 of the Constitution during the appropriation process.

The organisation gave the Senate President and the Speaker seven days to provide the requested information, warning that it would commence legal proceedings if they failed to comply.

SERAP argued that releasing the records would strengthen public confidence in the National Assembly, promote transparency in the management of public resources and reinforce accountability in the budget process.

The organisation also cited the Freedom of Information Act, the Nigerian Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Tshwane Principles, all of which, it said, support citizens’ right to access information concerning public expenditure and the conduct of public institutions.

It maintained that public institutions have a duty to disclose information of significant public interest, particularly where there are credible allegations of misuse of public funds or abuse of office.

SERAP insisted that full disclosure would advance transparency, strengthen legislative accountability and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s appropriations process.

Rivers State University (RSU) has declared its ambition to rank among Nigeria’s top three universities, unveiling a comprehensive strategic agenda anchored on innovation, impactful research, digital transformation and stronger industry partnerships to drive global competitiveness.

The vision was articulated during the University’s two-day Faculty Away Day organised by its 15th Governing Council, held from June 30 to July 1 at the University of Port Harcourt’s CBN Centre of Excellence Hall. The retreat was themed: “A New Strategic Direction to Inspire and Reposition Rivers State University for Excellence and Creativity.”

Speaking at the opening of the retreat, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, urged members of the university community to embrace innovation, collaboration and strategic planning as the institution embarks on a renewed drive towards academic excellence and international relevance.

According to him, the retreat was convened to align faculties and other stakeholders with the University’s long-term vision by focusing on technology-driven education, innovation, revenue generation, strategic partnerships, transparency and improved global rankings.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce practical and measurable strategies to accelerate the University’s aspiration of becoming one of the top three universities in Nigeria while positioning it among the leading institutions in Africa and the world.

Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the university, Hon. Okey Wali (SAN), described the University’s Strategic Plan as the blueprint for institutional transformation, explaining that the Governing Council established a Strategic Plan Committee to assess the institution’s current status and develop a roadmap for sustainable growth.

He identified improved national and global rankings, enhanced research output and institutional integrity as key priorities, stressing that faculties would play a central role in implementing the strategic plan.

Wali also declared zero tolerance for corruption and urged academics to undertake research that addresses societal challenges through stronger collaboration with industry, ensuring that research outcomes translate into practical development.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, who welcomed participants, commended the RSU management for organising the retreat, describing it as a commendable initiative towards strengthening academic excellence, institutional development and staff collaboration.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Change the Paradigm from Publish or Perish to Patent, Publish and Produce for Prosperity of School and State,” Prof. Emeritus Joseph Ajienka called for a shift from conventional academic publishing to innovation-driven research that protects intellectual property, promotes technology transfer and creates economic value.

Ajienka, a member of the RSU Governing Council and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, argued that universities must embrace academic entrepreneurship through patents, commercialisation of research, industry collaboration and the establishment of start-up and spin-off companies.

He maintained that research should extend beyond knowledge generation to providing practical solutions to societal challenges, creating employment opportunities and contributing to national economic development.

Other resource persons included Prof. Iyenemi I. Kakulu, who spoke on implementing the University’s Strategic Development Plan through innovative thinking; Mr. Victor Okeugo, who addressed accreditation and university rankings; Prof. Victor Dugga, who spoke on university advancement as a collective responsibility; Prof. Warebi Brisibe, who delivered a paper on grantsmanship for research and development; and Prof. Bourdillion Omijeh, who examined how digital transformation, training and innovation can boost internally generated revenue.

More than 400 participants drawn from the University’s faculties, institutes, centres, directorates and units attended the retreat, alongside members of the Governing Council, principal officers and former vice-chancellors.

The retreat reaffirmed RSU’s determination to reposition itself as a globally competitive institution driven by innovation, research excellence, entrepreneurship, transparency and strategic partnerships, while pursuing its goal of emerging as one of Nigeria’s top three universities.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated relief materials to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Rivers State Command, to support inmates amid the prevailing economic hardship.

The Commission said the intervention forms part of its humanitarian programmes aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable groups across the Niger Delta.

Presenting the items on behalf of the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Commission’s commitment to people-centred development.

He noted that although the Commission could not reach every community and institution simultaneously, it prioritised vulnerable groups requiring urgent support.

According to him, the NDDC has this year provided relief materials to several flood-affected and environmentally impacted communities and would continue extending similar interventions across the region.

“The inmates in our correctional centres are part of our society. They are our brothers and sisters, and many of them will eventually return to their communities. It is important that we support them and contribute to their welfare,” he said.

Oritsejolone also commended the NDDC management for sustaining programmes that positively impact lives across the Niger Delta.

Speaking, the Director of the NDDC Rivers State Office, Engr. Okezie Ule, described the donation as recognition of the vital role played by the Nigerian Correctional Service in maintaining peace, security and law and order.

He said the Commission appreciated the dedication of correctional officers and their contributions to public safety.

Responding, the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Rivers State Command, Richard Moses Williams, described the donation as timely and thoughtful.

He assured the Commission that the relief materials would be distributed fairly across all custodial centres in the state to ensure every inmate benefits.

Williams thanked the NDDC management for what he described as a compassionate intervention targeted at some of the most vulnerable members of society.

Also speaking, the Rivers State Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ambassador Ipalibo Madodoye, said the initiative supports key SDG targets, including peace, justice, strong institutions, inclusion and social welfare.

He pledged continued collaboration between the SDG Office and the NDDC to implement programmes that improve the lives of women, youths, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The Deputy Director of Social Services, Mrs. Chioma Nwakwue, also commended officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service for their commitment to the care and rehabilitation of inmates, expressing hope that the relief materials would reach all beneficiaries.