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Practice Of Law, Not A Tea Party, Ex-NBA President Tells New Lawyers …Cautions Against Societal Stereotypes, Overreliance On AI

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Practice Of Law, Not A Tea Party, Ex-NBA President Tells New Lawyers …Cautions Against Societal Stereotypes, Overreliance On AI

A renowned legal luminary, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN), has advised legal practitioners across the nation against relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and allowing societal stereotypes to dictate their professional judgment.

The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) gave the advice at a send-forth ceremony in honour of the 42nd Set of Externs in Abuja.

The externs are from the Nigerian Law School on attachment with the law firm of JB Daud& CoCo offices in Abuja, Kaduna and Zaria
The JB Daudu & Co Mentorship Development Programme Series is powered by the Rule of Law Development Foundation.

According to Daudu, the practice of law is not a tea party, adding that it may be one of the simplest courses to study in the university, but also the most difficult profession to practise in real life, on the field.
He said practitioners usually underwent scrutiny from their peers and the public and were bound to be disciplined, to the point of disbarment when they veered off.
“As modem day legal practitioners, essentially of the Gen-Z, be careful not to allow societal stereotypes to determine who you are and how you wll practice this age old profession.
“Many generations from the medieval ages have successfully practiced this profession.
”It is not only about issues of mental wellbeing and safe- spaces, whenever you come under- pressure.”
He told them that as a legal practitioner, they carried a great burden on behalf of the society.
”You carry the burden of ensuring even at a risk to your personal comfort and safety, that the society you live in is a just and egalitarian society.
“You are not only a lawyer to the rich elite.
”You must and are expected to fight, for, and defend the rights of the poor, underprivileged, and the downtrodden in your society.
“We are in an era where modern contraptions and inventions such as, Artificial Intelligence, countless software in the IT world, robotics, and many others compete to offer legal solutions to lawyers.”
He gave an instance of a lawyer who boasted how his chat GPT wrote a brief of argument for him within 20 minutes.
”When he submitted the brief, it was discovered to his embarrassment that the App had loaded him with hypothetical and/or fake judicial precedents,” Daudu said.
He further explained that those tools were what in the past, referred to as handmaids of the law.
”They were not and would never be, a substitute for the human intelligent quotient.”
According to him, one can not take out the humanity in law or tar one’s cases with the brush of artificial intelligence, stressing that every case is different and requires a human touch.

“Your personal skills and individual discretions in the execution of your clients instruction, is paramount andares the key to maintaining the equilibrium of a successful legal practice.

“For every professional act you carry out, financial gain is the least important, what is most paramount is the attainment of law, justice and order, in your society,” Daudu said.

He further gave his opinion on the state of the nation, that had to do with electoral act, the proposed amendments, and the exercise of prerogative of mercy by the president, as provided by the constitution.

“While its use has sometimes sparked public debate, the enduring essence of the prerogative of mercy lies in its reminder that justice, though firm, must never be devoid of humanity.

“Legal system is measured not only by its capacity to punish, but also by its ability.

”Ultimately, the true strength of a legal system is measured not only by its capacity to punish, but also by its ability to forgive, when mercy serves the greater good,” Daudu said.

In the same vein former Secretary General NBA, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, called on the externs to comport themselves in their duties and endeavours.
The Fellow Chartered Institute of Arbitrator was represented by Adamson Akinboro.
He reminded them that they were constantly under the watch of their senior colleagues and their professional conduct.
Akinboro called on the externs to be determined to succeed, believe in God and continue to study as the profession was dynamic.
Other dignitaries, at the occasion including the coordinator and the externs, expressed admiration for Daudu and appreciated the law firm for granting them the opportunity to serve.

Persons With Disabilities In FCT, Cry Out Over Lack Of Jobs

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Persons With Disabilities In FCT, Cry Out Over Lack Of Jobs

Festus Yakubu, President of Original Inhabitants with Disabilities of the FCT, has lamented the high unemployment rate among persons with disabilities, in spite of their educational achievements.

Yakubu, who said this at a capacity building workshop by the group in Abuja on Saturday, noted that the community was deprived of its right to contribute to the growth of society.

He, therefore, sought for empowerment programmes, such as skills acquisition and vocational training, to enable persons with disabilities earn a living.

The event was organised in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation on gender sensitive training and mentorship programme that catered to the needs for girls/women and Boys/Men with disability in FCT.

“Original Inhabitants with Disabilities are educated and we have problem of not being given job and now we are crying on to FCT Administration.

“We the Original Inhabitants with Disabilities of the FCT don’t believe in roaming about the streets you know, in terms of begging for help.

“We have many skills like shoemaking, tailoring, bag making, and so on. You can learn something with your hands or with your head so that you can affect your life positively instead of roaming about the streets,” he said.

He emphasised the need for inclusive policies and decision-making processes that involve persons with disabilities in the FCT Administration.

Also, Mube Awala, a Disability Advocate and Executive Director of the Immigrants Foundation for Women and Children with Disabilities, emphasised on the importance of building the capacity of persons with disabilities to know and own their rights.

He said the training aimed to shift their mindset from self-pity and dependence on others to taking responsibility for their lives.

“We are building their capacity to know, to shift them, do a major shift from what they know as self-pity, reliance on people, depending on government, to own and take responsibility of building their own self-capacity as right holders and to earn a living,” he said.

A Participant, Justina Kennett, a visually impaired special educator, who faced the challenge of accessing public spaces and required accommodations like braille materials and accessible computers, emphasised the need for job opportunities for them.

“They said we should go to school and not beg but I have tried my possible best to go through the four walls of school.

“If I am giving a job, I will be able to deliver. Be it teaching, be it in a rehabilitation centre because as a special educator, I can also work even in the hospital as a counsellor for persons with disability,” she said.

Rivers Peace Efforts Yielding Results, Says Gov Fubara …Promises Rehabilitation of Internal Roads, GSS Akabuka

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Rivers Peace Efforts Yielding Results, Says Gov Fubara …Promises Rehabilitation of Internal Roads, GSS Akabuka

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says ongoing peace efforts in the State are gradually yielding the desired results, insisting that genuine development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and stability.

Governor Fubara made the remarks on Saturday at a civic reception in honour of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, held at Government Secondary School by Akabuka community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

The governor said he was encouraged by growing signs of unity and reconciliation across the state and urged citizens to embrace peace fully so that development projects can flourish.

“We can’t develop in an environment of chaos. We can’t attract any project to Akabuka when there is a problem. Our disposition has always been towards maintaining peace because it is the only way we can move forward,” Governor Fubara said.

Reflecting on the political turbulence of the past two years, the governor said the return of normalcy has opened a new chapter for progress. He noted that political actors who once refused to share the same space are now attending events together, describing the development as “evidence that peace has truly returned to Rivers State.”

Governor Fubara announced immediate plans to begin rehabilitation of internal roads and the renovation of Government Secondary School, Akabuka, the venue of the reception.

“As soon as we leave here, the process for assessing the internal roads will commence. The Ministry of Education will also inspect this school, and we will take prompt action,” he assured.

Governor Fubara thanked the Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, for the role he played in his emergence, saying that he does not take it for granted. He also commended traditional rulers, youths, women, and political stakeholders for their peaceful disposition, unity of purpose, and for standing by his deputy.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu said the reception left her overwhelmed and grateful, describing the turnout as a testament to the peace, unity, and love in her community.

She thanked Governor Fubara, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and former Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, for the roles they have played in her public service journey.

Prof Odu highlighted cultural symbols at the event, such as a 21-cannon salute and the rare outing of Ebukele, a traditional performance said to appear only once in a decade, as “proof of Akabuka’s deep appreciation and respect for the Governor.” She praised Governor Fubara as “a man of peace who talks less and acts more.”

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jason Osai, described Odu as “a delightful personality who has brought honour to Akabuka,” while ONELGA Chairman, Shedrack Ogbogu, said the celebration marked the beginning of wider recognition for the Deputy Governor in the LGA.

NDDC Sponsored 650-bed Hostel In Niger Delta University Set For Commissioning

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NDDC Sponsored 650-bed Hostel In Niger Delta University Set For Commissioning

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has assured that its 650-bed hostel complex at the Niger Delta University, in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, will be completed and inaugurated next month.

Speaking during an inspection of the project, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the Commission was committed to enhancing the educational development in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement signed by
Seledi Thompson-Wakama,
Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Ogbuku, who inspected the project in the company of the Vice Chancellor of NDU, Professor Allen Agih, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, and other Directors of the Commission, stated that it was part of the Commission’s efforts to build the capacity of universities in the Niger Delta region.

He observed that the completion of the students’ hostel followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu to ensure that all legacy projects in the Niger Delta were completed and commissioned as quickly as possible.

The NDDC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with NDU in key areas, including infrastructural development, research, and youth empowerment initiatives, to promote sustainable growth and development across the region.

Ogbuku stated that the NDDC had built similar hostels at other universities across the Niger Delta region.

He stated: “We have invested so much in education, not only at the tertiary level but at the primary and secondary school level. Recently, we acquired 45,000 U-Tablets for children at the secondary and primary school levels. This is to help them become acquainted with digital education. It can be used both online and offline so that those who do not have money to pay for private tutors can also use it to learn.”

He said NDDC would assist universities in the region to ensure that their students undertake their studies in comfort, stating: “We are committed to doing whatever has to be done within our capacity to ensure that we add value to the educational system in the Niger Delta.”

Ogbuku observed that the NDDC had donated a 1,000KVA generator and a brand-new 23-seater bus to the university.

He noted that the hostel complex would improve the quality of education, enhance student welfare, and foster a conducive academic environment.

Speaking earlier during a courtesy call at the university’s Senate Building, the NDDC boss urged Nigerian universities to invest more resources and energy in research to ensure their self-sustainability.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Allen Agih, commended the NDDC for its sustained support in advancing education and infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.

He, however, called for more support in the areas of electricity and staff quarters for both academic and non-academic staff of the university.

Prof. Agih remarked that collaboration with the NDDC was imperative, given the university’s limited resources to pursue its objective of positively impacting the Niger Delta region.

The Vice Chancellor thanked the NDDC for donating electricity generators and transformers to the university and appealed for further assistance in addressing the university’s power supply challenges.

He expressed hope that, upon completion, the hostel would address the long-standing accommodation shortage that had affected students at NDU, stating: “The hostel will ease accommodation pressure at the institution. We have about 22,000 students, and only about 10,000 are residents on the university campus.

According to the Vice Chancellor, many undergraduates currently reside off-campus in remote communities, often encountering daily problems with transportation, safety, and limited access to campus facilities.

The NDDC Managing Director and his team also inspected the 50-bed Amassoma hospital, where he pledged to increase capacity to 150 beds and to include a paediatric ward, an Intensive Care Unit, and a laboratory.

Niger Delta Activists Demand Deadline For Gas Flaring, PIA Review

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Niger Delta Activists Demand Deadline For Gas Flaring, PIA Review

Environmental activists, civil society groups, and community representatives across the Niger Delta have demanded an urgent review of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to set a definite deadline for ending gas flaring.

The demand formed part of the resolutions from the Climate Justice Assembly held in Benin City during the launch of “Yasunize and Ogonize the World for Socio-Ecological Wellbeing.”

The assembly was organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF).

The stakeholders described the current provisions as unjust and environmentally destructive.

In a declaration signed by Mr. Stanley Egholo, Cadmus Atake-Enade, and Kome Odhomor, the groups accused the PIA of “failing the region by permitting gas flaring and unfairly blaming communities for pipeline protection.”

They called on the National Assembly to amend the law by removing the power to grant gas-flaring permits from regulatory agencies.

They called for a legislation that fix a date for ending gas flaring, allowing exceptions only for rare and clearly defined emergencies.

“Gas flaring fines should be equal to the market value of the gas and directed to host community funds,” the statement read.

“Remove community responsibility for protecting oil installations. Remove laws criminalizing community protests. Let host communities, not oil companies, control development funds,” the coalition said.

The coalition also demanded a comprehensive audit of the environmental, health, and economic impacts of oil and gas extraction across the Niger Delta.

They referenced the 2011 UNEP Report on Ogoniland, which revealed massive pollution and environmental degradation.

“The destruction across the entire Niger Delta requires immediate clean-up, restoration of damaged ecosystems, and reparations for 64 years of harm,” they said .

They further called for reforms to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), urging the government to release the commission’s forensic audit report and prosecute offenders.

“Projects must be based on community-approved needs assessments. Prioritise completing abandoned projects over starting new ones,” the resolution added.

Speaking at the event, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF, said the campaign aligned with global calls for climate justice and community-centered ecological recovery.

“Continuing extraction while promoting cleaning up is total foolishness.

“The major drivers of the climate crisis are greed and convenience.

“This meeting feeds into frontline communities’ demands ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

“Although we are not expecting much from COP, we must not give up on advocacy and our demands,” Bassey said.

The HOMEF director added that the “Yasunise and Ogonise” social media campaign aims to connect local struggles for environmental justice in Africa with similar movements in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Other speakers included Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Celestine Akpobari of Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative (MEDI), and representatives of the Edo Civil Society Coalition (EDOCSO) and Gelegele community.

Academic perspectives were shared by Dr Ofuani Sokolo of the University of Benin, who spoke on “Gender, Climate Change and Community Mobilisation.”

HOMEF’s Stanley Egholo and Cadmus Atake-Enade, discussed “Understanding NDAC Manifesto and NSAC Charters” and “Centering Community Voices for Climate Justice.”

PDP Convention: 6,000 Delegates Assured Of Free, Comprehensive Healthcare

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PDP Convention: 6,000 Delegates Assured Of Free, Comprehensive Healthcare

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured its members and delegates to its Nov. 15 elective national convention, scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State, of adequate healthcare services.

The acting chairman of the convention Medical Sub-Committee, Sen. Ishaq Salman gave the assurance at the sub-committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja.

Salman said the sub-committee had commenced preparations to provide free medical services and emergency care for the estimated 6,000 participants expected at the convention.

Salman, a medical professional with 45 years of experience, described the sub-committee as a very important and professional committee whose function remained crucial, given the large crowd expected.

“Health is wealth. With that large number, we expect that there could be people with various ailments that are hidden.

“The treatment and even the provisional drugs are going to be free for our members. They don’t need to pay anything,” he said.

Salman said the sub-committee planned to identify and collaborate with at least two hospitals close to the Adamasingba Stadium, venue of the convention.

“Any case that can not be handled on the spot will be referred to hospitals,” he said.

He said the convention would afford many delegates the opportunity to check their health status, potentially leading to early diagnosis of hidden ailments, since “our people are not necessarily keen about finding out their health status.”

He assured members that the sub-committee had more than enough professional expertise to handle all emergencies.

“There are so many professionals. There are doctors, and there are nurses, medical scientists, and so many other professionals. As for the manpower, there is no problem with that,” he assured.

He added that the sub-committee would embark on an assessment trip to Ibadan, shortly, to inspect the existing facilities, including the clinic available at the stadium, and determine necessary modifications to meet their needs and standards.

The Medical Sub-committee Secretary, Jonah Ogbaje, added that the sub-committee is collaborating with external agencies such as the Red Cross, private hospitals, pharmaceutical and large laboratory establishments to ensure a robust referral system for any complex situation.

The Secretary of the Main Convention Committee, Sen. Ben Obi emphasised the importance of the sub-committee to the success of the convention, urging its members to be alert.

“At conventions, because of the large number of delegates that will turn up, there are always incidences of someone having a headache or any form of illness.

“It is your committee that will make sure that nothing goes wrong with any member of the PDP that will assemble in Ibadan for this convention.

“So, you can see that your subcommittee has a duty to be at alert 24-7. You will not have time to even go to sleep because you want to make sure that everybody around you is safe,” Obi said.

Nigeria’s Exit From FATF Grey List, Historic, Commendable – Rep

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Nigeria’s Exit From FATF Grey List, Historic, Commendable – Rep

The Chairman, House Committee on Financial Crimes, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe, has commended the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and relevant institutions on Nigeria’s ‘historic’ exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

Onwusibe gave the commendation in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, a copy of which was made available to reporters.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has officially removed Nigeria from its grey list, acknowledging the country’s strong political will and coordinated efforts to combat financial crimes under Tinubu.

Onwusibe, who described the exit as a “national victory for integrity, resilience and inter-agency collaboration,” commended the Federal Government for its political will to address financial indiscipline in the country.

“I commend the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),

“I also commend the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), other law enforcement/regulatory agencies and the Federal Ministry of Justice for their dedication and cooperation throughout the reform process,” he said.

According to the lawmaker, the feat is a product of years of hard work and synergy among the institutions.

“It restores global confidence in Nigeria’s financial system and demonstrates that our country can meet the highest international standards of transparency and accountability,” he said.

The lawmaker also hailed the National Assembly for passing key reforms, including amendments to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, and others which had strengthened the country’s legal framework to combat money laundering.

Onwusibe, who also commended his committee for the achievement through oversight functions on both NFIU and EFCC, urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum to ensure Nigeria never returned to the list.

He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to continuous legislative oversight and institutional support.

NGX: Market Increases By N733bn To End Week Positive

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NGX: Market Increases By N733bn To End Week Positive

The Nigerian stock market closed the week upbeat, gaining N733 billion or 0.75 per cent, and boosting investor portfolios.

The positive trend was driven by sustained investor interest in heavyweight stocks such as Aso Savings, Ikeja Hotel, Regency Alliance Insurance, Caverton Offshore, Aradel Holdings, and others.

The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) market capitalisation rose from N98.059 trillion at opening to N98.792 trillion at Friday’s close.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 0.75 per cent or 1,155.15 points, closing at 155,645.05 compared to 154,489.90 recorded on Thursday.

Market breadth closed positive with 34 gainers and 25 losers recorded during the session.

Aso Savings led the gainers’ chart by 10 per cent, ending at 66k. Ikeja Hotel rose 7.89 per cent to N20.50, while Regency Alliance Insurance increased 7.44 per cent to N1.30.

Caverton Offshore advanced 7.08 per cent to N6.50, and Aradel Holdings appreciated 6.76 per cent to N790 per share.

Conversely, Union Dicon Salt led the losers’ table by 9.09 per cent, closing at N8. Neimeth Pharmaceutical fell 6.67 per cent to N5.60, while Cornerstone Insurance dropped 5.61 per cent to N6.23.

Halldane McCall declined 4.84 per cent to N4.13, and International Energy Insurance shed 4.48 per cent to N2.77 per share.

Market activity showed growth in turnover and volume, though the number of deals fell slightly.

A total of 1.21 billion shares worth N31.5 billion were traded across 29,989 deals, compared to 926.9 million shares worth N26.9 billion across 30,703 deals.

Fidelity Bank led the activity chart with 820.9 million shares valued at N16.14 billion.

Sovereign Trust Insurance followed with 45.5 million shares worth N176.96 million, while Tantalizer traded 32.7 million shares valued at N72.05 million.

Access Corporation transacted 23.8 million shares worth N593.4 million, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company traded 19.2 million shares valued at N1.78 billion.

PROMAD Foundation Wants South-South States To Embrace Open Government Partnership

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PROMAD Foundation Wants South-South States To Embrace Open Government Partnership

PROMAD Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged the South-South states to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to improve governance and development in their states.
Mr Daisi Omokungbe, PROMAD Founder and Executive Director, made the call at a workshop organised by the foundation for youths across the six states in the South-South region in Port Harcourt.

Omokungbe said that the workshop was co-funded by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund and European Union while OGP Nigeria, Youth Democracy Cohort, and SERDEC were partners.
The workshop was themed, “Strengthening Youth Participation in the OGP Process in Nigeria”
Omokungbe said the workshop was aimed at engaging the youths in the region to air their views and ensure that their aspirations and needs were captured in the National Action Plan (NAP IV).
According to him, the engagement is part of the ongoing process of co-creating Nigeria’s OGP 4th National Action Plan (NAP IV), bringing together government and civil society actors to deepen transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
Omokungbe said that only two states in the South-South region had joined the OGP, stating the importance for other states to key into the global initiative.

The PROMAD Executive Director specifically called on the governments of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states to join the OGP, citing the benefits of improved governance and service delivery.

“Joining the OGP will help our states deliver more services to citizens, build trust, and make government more effective,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Tijani Abduldareem, the Executive Director, Socioeconomic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC), advised young people to engage government constructively to achieve sustainable development and improve their lives.

He presented a paper titled, “Tools and Methods of Civic Engagement by Young People in line with the OGP Principle.”
He noted that the OGP provided an opportunity for co-creation among citizens and government, building trust and promoting transparency and accountability.

According to him, young people’s engagement in the development process is crucial as they occupy a large population of the country and can demand accountability and transparency in the utilisation of public finance.
Abduldareem identified some challenges faced by young people while engaging government as institutional framework and bureaucracy, but emphasised that consistent engagement and inclusion had been keys to overcoming the challenges.
He advised young people to move from active confrontation to constructive confrontation, engaging government in a way that would promote a sense of belonging and ownership.

“As a young person, it is your responsibility to be part of a development process that affects your life, your employment, and your basic livelihood.
“You have to open the door yourself with the way you engage with public office holders,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Uchenna Arisukwu, a facilitator, who spoke on the theme “Understanding the Open Government Partnership, Processes and Commitments,” emphasised the importance of young people inclusion in governance, citing their significant population majority.
Arisukwu explained that young people constituted about 90 per cent of the population, and their participation in decision-making processes was crucial for shaping the country’s future.
He stressed that excluding them from governance would be detrimental to the country’s development, adding that their inputs are essential for creating a more inclusive and responsive government.
Arisukwu also stressed the need for government and citizens to engage with policymakers to promote transparency and accountability in governance.

SWAN @ 60: Fubara, Green, Ogolo To Bag National SWAN Awards

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SWAN @ 60: Fubara, Green, Ogolo To Bag National SWAN Awards

As part of activities marking the 60th anniversary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the National Executive Council of the body has nominated Governor Siminialayi Fubara, of Rivers State to receive Distinguished Service -SWAN Merit Award.

The award is to be presented to him at the SWAN @60 Dinner/Award night scheduled to hold Thursday 30th October 2025, in Abuja.

Chairman SWAN Rivers State Chapter, Hon. Cyril Dum Wite (left) handing over the Veteran Sports Journalist nomination letter to former chairman of SWAN Rivers State Chapter and one time General Manager of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of The TIDE newspaper, Mr. Celestine Ogolo, in Port Harcourt.

This is sequel to his numerous contributions to sports development in the country, most especially in Rivers State.

Others from the State that to also receive different categories of awards are; the Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, Former Chairman of SWAN in the State and one time General Manager of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of The TIDE newspaper, Celestine Ogolo and Veteran sports journalist, China Acheru.

The awardees were carefully selected following their profound contributions towards sports promotion, development and mentorship.

Speaking while receiving the nomination letter on behalf of the Governor, Barrister Green, thanked SWAN for recognising the good works of the Governor and confirmed the governor’s commitment to improve sports infrastructure, athletes welfare and youth empowerment.

“The governor has successfully hosted the first international marathon race in the State, sponsored several athletes to national and international tournaments and championships.

“Apart from that His Excellency has sustained moral and financial motivation of athletes”, Barrister Green said.

The Sports Commissioner who was also nominated to receive SWAN Meritorious Service Award equally used the opportunity to express his appreciation for recognising his contributions towards development of sports in the country.

He further pledged support to the association as sports writing, he said, served one of the catalysts for sports development.

“I thank God I am back to continue where I stopped as Sports Commissioner. My interest is to see Rivers State grow in sporting activities.

“I will not stop to do things that will make the State grow,” Barr. Green added.

Also speaking, Mr. Celestine Ogolo, who is to receive Veteran Sports Journalist Award, expressed joy over his nomination, saying that it would spur him to do more for the association.

“I am honestly very overwhelmed with joy, when I first got this hint. For me this particular award is so dear to me, I cherish it because it is coming from a constituency where I started my life as a journalist.

”Sports reporting was where I carved my niche in journalism. It was sports reporting that took me to various levels so I cannot forget this constituency. I cannot count myself out. I still belong to it.

”On behalf of my wife and family I sincerely thank SWAN , particularly Rivers State Chapter led by Cyril Dum Wite”, Ogolo, who is presently the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of The Atlantic Bell Online news medium said.

Mr. China Acheru, who is also nominated to receive the Veteran Sports Journalist Award, equally thanked SWAN for recognising his contributions on sports development.

Acheru said he enjoyed writing sports because he has the passion.

” I thank SWAN for this recognition. I enjoy writing sports because I have that passion. I mentor people because people mentored me. I want to see other people to grow because people want me to grow”, Acheru said.

Speaking, the Chairman of SWAN Rivers State Chapter, Cyril Dum Wite, shortly after he handed over the nomination letters to the nominees, thanked them for their immense contributions to sports development.

He appealed to them to continue to support the association, in the areas of meaningful ideas and financially so that SWAN Rivers State Chapter will be stronger.

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