The De Gratia Centre for Media Rights and Education based in Rivers State has called for renewed commitment to press freedom, describing it as a fundamental pillar for democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director of the Centre, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, the organisation joined the global community in celebrating the principles of a free press while urging stakeholders to safeguard the independence of the media.

The Centre noted that this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Peace,” highlights the critical role of a responsible and independent media in fostering peaceful societies and strengthening democratic institutions.

It stressed that press freedom remains essential to accountability and informed citizenship, warning that any attempt to silence journalists poses a direct threat to truth, justice, and societal stability.

“Where the media operates without fear or intimidation, truth prevails, accountability is strengthened, and citizens are empowered.

Conversely, suppressing journalists undermines justice and endangers peace,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its position, the organisation declared that press freedom is not a privilege but a right, vital for the protection of all other freedoms. It also described journalists as indispensable partners in nation-building, not adversaries of the state.

The Centre, however, expressed concern over ongoing challenges confronting media practitioners, including harassment, censorship, economic constraints, misinformation, and increasing digital surveillance. According to the statement, these threats not only endanger journalists but also weaken the integrity of information systems.

It called on governments to uphold constitutional guarantees that protect press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists.

Media organisations were urged to strengthen professionalism and adhere strictly to ethical standards, while citizens and civil society groups were encouraged to actively defend media independence.

The organisation further emphasised the responsibility of the media in an era of rapid technological change, urging practitioners to promote dialogue, counter misinformation, and contribute to peacebuilding efforts.

The De Gratia Centre reaffirmed its commitment to advancing media rights through training, advocacy, and research aimed at nurturing a new generation of ethical and courageous media professionals.

“As we mark this important day, all stakeholders must work collaboratively to build a future where press freedom is fully realised, human rights are protected, and peace becomes a shared and sustainable reality,” the statement added.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified efforts to reform its procurement processes, extending a stakeholder sensitisation programme on policy reforms and digitisation to Abia State.

At a stakeholders’ sensitisation and training summit held in Aba, the Commission said the initiative was designed to entrench transparency, efficiency and accountability in its operations, while strengthening institutional capacity across the Niger Delta.

Director of Procurement at the NDDC, Dr. Chuks Osuji—represented by Assistant Director, Engr. Freeman Okwurakpo—said the reform drive was part of broader institutional changes aimed at improving governance and service delivery.

According to him, the programme seeks to equip stakeholders, contractors and service providers with the knowledge required to align with the Commission’s evolving procurement framework.

“The sensitisation reflects our commitment to building capacity, deepening institutional knowledge and adopting innovative solutions that meet global best practices,” he said.

“Empowering stakeholders with the right tools will accelerate development and create lasting value for communities.”

Osuji added that the transition to digital procurement would mark a shift from transactional processes to transformational service delivery, describing the move as a catalyst for economic and social renewal in the region.

Also speaking, the NDDC Director in Abia, Mr. Anderson Ukeh, commended the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for expanding the programme to the state.

He noted that the Commission had made significant progress in automating its systems, describing the reform as “a new chapter” for the agency.

In his presentation, Associate Professor of Procurement Management at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Dr. Rex Ugulu, said the initiative was targeted at government officials, private sector players and civil society groups.

He explained that the reform centres on replacing manual, paper-based systems with a fully digital platform to improve access, reduce delays and curb corruption.

“Digitisation is not just a technological upgrade; it is a critical governance reform,” Ugulu said. “It enhances transparency, strengthens service delivery and ensures more responsible management of public resources.”

Illicit drug use has been described as a direct path to ruined potential, as corps members were urged to steer clear of substance abuse during an awareness rally organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the NYSC orientation camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai, Rivers State.

The State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Rivers State, Mr. Moses Oleghe, delivered the warning through the Camp Director, Mr. Barnax Uloneme, stressing that illicit drugs are “destiny destroyers” that must be avoided at all costs.

He charged corps members to become ambassadors of a drug-free society, urging them to extend the lessons from the three-day NDLEA sensitisation programme to communities across the state. According to him, corps members should take the campaign against drug abuse to “the nooks and crannies” of Rivers, discouraging harmful practices wherever they serve.

Oleghe also lamented cases where young people, including corps members, have become a burden to their families and society due to substance abuse, noting that such choices often derail promising futures.

Earlier, the NDLEA camp head, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, Odot Etukudo, expressed concern over the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths. She cautioned corps members against yielding to peer pressure, warning that experimenting with drugs is “a licence to the destruction of life and dreams.”

The rally forms part of ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to curb substance abuse among Nigerian youths through sustained sensitisation and community engagement.

The Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, has formally welcomed its first cohort of postgraduate students, marking a significant expansion of its academic offerings and ambitions within Nigeria’s legal education landscape.

At a maiden orientation programme held on Thursday at the Faculty Auditorium, the Dean, Professor Edward T. Bristol-Alagbariya, described the moment as both historic and strategic, as the Faculty deepens its commitment to advanced legal scholarship through the introduction of Master of Laws (LL.M) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes.

Addressing the new students, the Dean underscored the Faculty’s rapid evolution since its establishment. He recalled that following a successful verification visit by the Council of Legal Education in March 2017, the Faculty admitted its pioneer Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) students later that year.

He noted that the Faculty reached a defining milestone in 2023 when its pioneer graduates recorded three First Class Honours in their degree examinations and replicated the same feat at the Nigerian Law School’s Bar Part II examinations for the 2023/2024 session.

“Currently, the third set of our LL.B students have graduated and are undergoing their Bar Part II programme,” he said, adding that the postgraduate programmes were approved by the University Senate as part of efforts to broaden the scope of legal education.

According to him, the newly introduced LL.M and PhD programmes are designed to equip students with the tools to interrogate complex legal issues using modern, interdisciplinary approaches suited to the demands of 21st-century legal practice.

He explained that the programmes will focus on specialised areas of both national and global importance, including Environmental Law, Energy Law, Sustainable Development Law, Commercial and Corporate Law, as well as Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.

Bristol-Alagbariya who is also a Professor of Sustainable Development Law and Mutidisciplinary Sustainable Development-Oriented Practices, also highlighted the strength of the Faculty’s academic and professional personnel, noting that it is staffed by experienced scholars, supported by eminent legal practitioners, jurists and guest lecturers who bring practical insight to teaching and research.

He assured students of robust administrative support, describing the Faculty as well-positioned to deliver high-quality postgraduate training.

The Dean further drew attention to the unique environment of Port Harcourt, often referred to as both the Oil City and the Garden City, describing it as a vibrant, multicultural setting that would enrich the students’ academic experience.

He extended a warm welcome to the students and host communities of Choba and Aluu, expressing confidence that their time at the institution would be both intellectually rewarding and memorable.
“We promise you very exciting and memorable moments here,” he said. “Enjoy your studies and your time at the University of Port Harcourt Faculty of Law.”

The maiden orientation programme for postgraduate students of the Faculty of Law, University of Port Harcourt also featured a series of presentations aimed at equipping students with essential academic and research guidance.

Chairman of the Faculty Postgraduate Committee, Professor Kaniye S. A Ebeku, set the tone with remarks outlining the structure and expectations of the postgraduate programmes, urging students to embrace discipline and scholarly excellence.

A representative of the School of Graduate Studies provided an overview of the university’s postgraduate framework, highlighting key regulations, academic standards and support systems available to students.

In a thought-provoking session, Professor C.C. Wigwe spoke on plagiarism and innovative legal research, stressing the importance of originality, academic integrity and the adoption of contemporary research methods in legal scholarship.

Further clarity on academic expectations was provided by Dr. Paul Tamuno, who detailed the requirements for the LL.M programme, while Professor E.P. Amechi addressed the structure and rigours of the PhD programme, encouraging students to remain focused and research-driven.

Students were also introduced to the resources of the Faculty’s law library by Bright Bebenimibo, Esq., who emphasized the importance of leveraging available materials for effective study and research.

On administrative procedures, the Faculty Officer, Mammy S. Otonnah, guided students through faculty and departmental registration processes to ensure a seamless academic experience.

An interactive question-and-answer session, moderated by Dr. Tamuno, gave students the opportunity to seek clarification on various aspects of their programmes.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Mercy Oke-Chinda, who appreciated the speakers and welcomed the students into the Faculty’s growing postgraduate community.

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliate unions for embracing dialogue over confrontation in resolving industrial disputes, noting that the approach has entrenched workplace harmony across the state.

In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 May Day celebration, the governor attributed the prevailing peace in public institutions to the maturity and responsibility of organised labour, urging union leaders to sustain engagement through constructive dialogue to deepen progressive industrial relations.

In a press statement signed by Onwuka Nzeshi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fubara expressed appreciation to workers in the Rivers State Civil Service for their contributions to the state’s development, assuring them that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare and well-being.

He disclosed that the ongoing rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex would, upon completion, enhance the work environment and boost efficiency and productivity.

Reflecting on the past 35 months, the governor noted that civil servants had maintained stability and dedication despite political challenges, assuring them that their sacrifices would not go unrewarded.

“Despite political tensions, you remained steadfast. Schools stayed open, hospitals continued to function. This is because you chose service over strife. Rivers State owes you a profound debt of gratitude,” he said.

Fubara paid tribute to workers across sectors, including teachers, healthcare professionals, engineers, sanitation workers, farmers, and artisans, describing them as the driving force behind the state’s growth and resilience.

“Today, Rivers State stands still to honour the people who keep it moving. You are the teachers in Khana and Ahoada who show up even when the rain is heavy. You are the nurses at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital ( RSUTH) who hold the night shift with grace. You are the civil servants in the State Secretariat who turn policy into service, the engineers on the Port Harcourt Ring Road braving the sun, the sanitation workers who give us clean streets before the city wakes, and the farmers and artisans whose labour feeds our economy.

“My charge to you this May Day: Keep being the difference. Be diligent and give your best to Rivers State. The road from Degema to Port Harcourt is shorter today because an engineer woke up to work. A child in Etche can read because a teacher refused to give up. That is the Rivers story. You are the authors,” Fubara said.

He added that salaries had been paid consistently, while efforts were ongoing to clear pension backlogs, with a pledge that no retired worker would be neglected.

He, however, acknowledged the economic pressures facing workers, particularly rising living costs and transportation expenses, but commended their resilience and commitment.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the governor assured workers that their trust would not be betrayed and called on them to remain diligent and dedicated to service.
“Keep making the difference. Your commitment continues to define the progress and story of Rivers State,” he added.