The Atlantic Bell

The Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian service by providing free medical care to hundreds of residents of Ogu Community in Atissa/Epie Clan of Bayelsa State, while also celebrating the enduring legacy of its late patriarch and matriarch, Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile and Mrs. Edna Enezegile.

The two-day programme, held on July 25 and 26, combined a comprehensive medical outreach with a thanksgiving service and memorial activities, drawing traditional rulers, community leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Held at St. John’s Primary School, Ogu Community, the medical outreach brought essential healthcare services to residents, particularly the elderly, women and vulnerable persons who ordinarily have limited access to quality medical care.

Medical professionals and volunteers offered free consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, eye examinations, health education, prescription glasses, medications and referrals for patients requiring specialised treatment.

Beneficiaries also received counselling on disease prevention, healthy living and the importance of routine medical check-ups, with medical personnel providing further guidance to those diagnosed with hypertension and other health conditions.

The Foundation said the outreach reflects its vision of improving access to healthcare at the grassroots and promoting healthier communities through compassionate service.
Residents described the initiative as timely and life-changing, expressing appreciation to the Foundation for bringing quality healthcare directly to their doorstep.

Founder of the Foundation, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani (née Enezegile), said the programme was organised in memory of her late parents, whose lives were defined by service to humanity, compassion and community development.

She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to sustaining humanitarian interventions in healthcare, education, scholarships and other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of vulnerable people.

PARTICIPANTS COMMEND INITIATIVE

The outreach attracted widespread commendation from participants and guests, who praised the Foundation for preserving the humanitarian ideals of Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile and his wife.
Mrs. Veronica Daria, who attended the memorial activities with her family, described the event as “a powerful expression of love, gratitude and honour.”

She said every tribute, song and prayer reflected the remarkable lives the couple lived and the countless people they impacted.

“While my heart aches for my dear friend and the family as they continue to miss their beloved parents, I left with a deep sense of peace knowing they were celebrated and honoured so beautifully,” she said, praying for the continued repose of their souls.

The Ebeni-Otubo of Atissa Kingdom, HRH Anderson Olomu, also applauded the Foundation, saying: “You have done so marvellously well and God will surely remember your kind deeds.”

Similarly, Chief Oz Emoyon-Iredia described the programme as a remarkable demonstration of selfless service and community development, noting that the Foundation continues to make meaningful contributions through healthcare, education and humanitarian interventions.

Thanksgiving celebrates enduring legacy
The activities climaxed with a thanksgiving service at St. John’s Anglican Church, Ogu, followed by a colourful reception attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, church members and invited guests.

The service celebrated the enduring legacy of Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile and Mrs. Edna Enezegile, whose lives of faith, generosity and service continue to inspire generations.

Delivering the sermon, Venerable Innocent Amos Ebiye urged members of the Enezegile Dynasty to remain steadfast in the face of life’s challenges, preaching from Ephesians 6:12.

He reminded the family that their strength lies in God, adding that the dynasty had remained resilient through divine grace and would continue to prevail despite adversity.

One of the emotional highlights of the thanksgiving was the presentation of gifts by the Women of St. John’s Anglican Church to the children of the late Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile in recognition of their parents’ enduring contributions to the church and the community.

The celebration continued with a grand reception where the Paramount Ruler of Ogu Community, HRH Bishop Dr. Paul Akuegbe, accompanied by members of the Council of Chiefs, presented a commemorative gift to the Enezegile Dynasty in appreciation of the family’s longstanding commitment to community development.
Traditional dance troupes added colour and excitement to the event, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ogu Community amid an atmosphere of joy, thanksgiving and unity.

A legacy of service
Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile is remembered as a humanitarian, educator, church leader and community builder whose life was devoted to uplifting others.

A firm believer in education, he ensured that all his children, including his daughters, received Western education at a time when educating girls was uncommon, reflecting his conviction that every child deserved equal opportunity.

His Christian faith inspired him to donate land for the construction of his church, where he also served faithfully as an organist.

As General Secretary of the Epie/Atissa Welfare Union between 1959 and 1964, he assisted numerous young people to secure employment, particularly in the Police Force, while facilitating admissions into higher institutions and mentoring many others.

His enduring legacy of compassion, integrity, faith and community service continues to inspire the humanitarian vision of the Chief Fowler Peter Enezegile Foundation, whose interventions are focused on healthcare, education, scholarships and the welfare of humanity. The Foundation was incorporated in 2025.

The historic Bonny Island in Rivers State will become the epicentre of Nigeria’s creative industry from October 29 to November 1, 2026, as it hosts the fourth edition of the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF), an event designed to leverage cinema as a catalyst for tourism, cultural preservation and economic growth.

With the theme, “Film Tourism: A Pathway to Economic Development,” the festival will assemble filmmakers, actors, producers, industry executives, cultural enthusiasts and international guests for four days of film screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, networking sessions, cultural showcases and awards celebrating excellence in filmmaking.

A statement made available to The Atlantic Bell by Blessing Ezeigbo, Public Relations Officer, Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF), stated that this year’s edition marks a strategic shift towards positioning film as a driver of tourism and sustainable economic development, while projecting Rivers State and Nigeria as emerging destinations for global creative investment.

According to the statement, the vision has received a major endorsement from the Federal Government, with the Minister commending the Rivers State Government and the festival organisers for deploying film and the arts as instruments for cultural preservation and youth empowerment.

According to the Minister, “I am aware that the Rivers State Government, backed by the Rivers International Film Festival, partnered with entertainment stakeholders to encourage the use of film and art for cultural preservation and youth empowerment. This really will make Nigeria the cultural and creative hub of Africa, and Rivers State is taking a huge step in claiming that position.”

The commendation is widely seen as recognition of RIFF’s growing influence as a platform for promoting creativity, cultural diplomacy and economic inclusion through the creative industries.

RIFF 2026 has already generated significant international interest, attracting submissions from filmmakers across the world, further consolidating its reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging international film festivals. Details of the total number of entries and participating countries are expected to be announced by the organisers.

To ensure credibility and professional excellence, films selected for competition will be adjudicated by a distinguished international jury comprising respected practitioners from Africa, Europe and North America.

The jury includes Ambassador Endy Ojo Abanonkhua (Nigeria), who will serve as Head of Jury; Frank Hermans (South Africa), Assistant Head of Jury; veteran actress Hilda Dokubo (Nigeria); Tawanda Sarireni (Zimbabwe); Ian Evance (Malawi); Marc Adebesin (Germany); Eric Stephenson (Nigeria); Moses Matanda (Zimbabwe); Frank Gharbin (Ghana); and Mary-Ann Ibeziako (United States).
Organisers said the diverse composition of the panel reflects RIFF’s commitment to global best practices, transparency and artistic excellence.

Central to this year’s edition is the choice of Bonny Island as the festival host. Renowned for its rich history, enduring cultural heritage, scenic waterways and coastal landscape, Bonny offers an authentic backdrop for conversations on film tourism and destination marketing.

Festival organisers believe bringing filmmakers and visitors to the island will not only showcase Bonny’s tourism potential but also stimulate local enterprise by creating opportunities for hospitality operators, creative entrepreneurs, artisans, transport providers and other businesses within the tourism value chain.

Beyond showcasing films, RIFF 2026 is expected to immerse participants in the island’s unique cultural traditions, allowing visitors to experience first-hand the heritage and attractions that distinguish Bonny as one of Nigeria’s historic coastal communities.

According to the organisers, the festival seeks to demonstrate that cinema extends beyond entertainment, serving as a powerful medium for preserving cultural identity, promoting destinations and unlocking new streams of economic prosperity.

They noted that countries across the world have successfully harnessed film tourism to attract visitors, generate employment and stimulate investment, adding that Nigeria possesses the cultural diversity, natural landscapes and creative talent required to build a thriving film tourism ecosystem.

Discussions throughout the festival will therefore focus on forging partnerships between government, filmmakers, tourism operators, investors and cultural institutions to maximise the economic opportunities within the creative sector.

Beyond the screenings and awards, RIFF 2026 will offer emerging filmmakers access to mentorship, professional development and international networking opportunities aimed at strengthening careers and expanding Nigeria’s footprint within the global film industry.

As Rivers State continues to deepen its investment in culture and the creative economy, the festival is increasingly being positioned as a flagship platform for showcasing the state’s artistic talent and tourism assets to the world.

With support from government, entertainment stakeholders and international partners, organisers say RIFF 2026 will reinforce the role of cinema in inspiring innovation, preserving heritage and driving inclusive economic development.

As the countdown begins, attention is turning to Bonny Island, where cinema, culture and tourism will converge in what promises to be one of the continent’s most significant creative gatherings.

For enquiries, visit www.riffestivals.com or call +234 803 324 7337 or +234 814 226 8148.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday challenged the 12 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing purposeful leadership, upholding professionalism and driving efficient service delivery.

Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor described their appointments as a call to selfless service rather than personal advancement, stressing that they now occupy the highest career positions in the civil service with the responsibility of translating government policies into measurable development.

According to him, the appointments were aimed at strengthening the administrative machinery of government and improving the implementation of programmes that would accelerate the development of Rivers State.

Fubara urged the officials to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, fairness and patriotism, reminding them that the effectiveness of any administration depends largely on the quality of leadership provided by senior civil servants.

“My charge to you is to do right to every man and woman, do right to Rivers State, and do right to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor said.

“At this particular point in time, it is my wish that your coming on board will help this administration achieve its goal—not a personal goal, but the goal of moving Rivers State forward.”

The governor warned against complacency, poor supervision and bureaucratic inefficiency, saying ineffective leadership within ministries could undermine government programmes and deny citizens the benefits of good governance.

“Don’t be at the head and make this administration suffer just like some of the ministries. I believe that your coming on board will bring changes and effectiveness to the system,” he said.

Fubara further reminded the new Permanent Secretaries that their appointments came with greater responsibilities and called on them to build enduring institutions capable of sustaining progress beyond the tenure of the present administration.
“When we are done with our own, I believe your good works will help whoever is going to take over from us to continue the good work in our dear State,” he added.

He also urged them to uphold transparency, accountability and discipline while fostering harmonious working relationships with political office holders and members of staff to promote teamwork and enhance public service delivery.

Expressing confidence in their competence and experience, the governor said the new appointees were expected to reposition the Rivers State Civil Service for greater efficiency and improved performance.

The governor congratulated the officials and wished them success in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Freddy Ndigbara, Dr Fortune Akpila, Dr Promise Oguzie, Mrs Ibisoye Lolomari Nwankwo, Mrs Ibiyemiebara Joseph Uzoma, Mrs Mercy Dagogo Iboroma, Dr Wachukwu Vincent Worgu, Ifeanyi Anthony Ogboma, Dr Mina Gogo Jim-Jaja, Henry Uzor, Chimemum Mpi and Dr Mina Ikuru.

The Nigerian Army has announced the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) for its newly created divisions following the Federal Government’s approval of a major expansion of the force structure aimed at strengthening security operations across the country.

The appointments, approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, come on the heels of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s authorisation for the Nigerian Army to expand from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to bolster its operational capacity.

The new formations include the 5 Division, Makurdi; 9 Division, Ilorin; 10 Division, Jalingo; and 83 Division, Benin City, each created to improve command, control and rapid response to emerging security threats in their respective areas of responsibility.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army said the appointments marked the commencement of operations for the new divisions as part of a broad reorganisation designed to expand its operational footprint nationwide.

Under the new deployment, Major General Yakubu Yahaya has been posted from the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central), Operation SAVANNA SHIELD, to head the 9 Division in Ilorin as General Officer Commanding and Commander of Operation SAVANNA SHIELD.

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife has been redeployed from Headquarters 2 Division/Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to serve as General Officer Commanding of the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo.

Similarly, Major General Moses Gara moves from Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, to assume office as General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Makurdi, while also serving as Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE.

The Army also redeployed Major General Auwalu Mahmuda from the Army Headquarters Directorate of Inspection and Compliance to Headquarters 2 Division, Ibadan, as General Officer Commanding.

To reinforce the expanded command structure, three new brigades have also been activated.

Brigadier General A.O. Odubiyi, formerly of the Army Headquarters Operations Centre, has been appointed Commander of the 11 Brigade, Gboko. Brigadier General A.M. Haruna has been posted from the Nigerian Army Armour School to command the 29 Brigade, Kainji, while Brigadier General R.M. Aminu has been redeployed from the National Defence College to head the 10 Brigade, Lafia.

According to the statement, the newly created divisions will begin operations immediately upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with measures already in place to ensure their gradual transition to Full Operational Capability (FOC).

Anele said the phased operationalisation would guarantee seamless transition, operational continuity and improved force projection across the federation.

As part of the restructuring, the Army also reviewed the Areas of Responsibility of its divisions.

Under the new arrangement, 1 Division, Kaduna, will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while 2 Division, Ibadan, will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states. The 3 Division, Jos, will be responsible for Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.

The newly established 5 Division, Makurdi, will oversee Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while 6 Division, Port Harcourt, will retain responsibility for Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. The 7 Division, Maiduguri, will continue to cover Borno and Yobe states, and 8 Division, Sokoto, will remain responsible for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

The new 9 Division, Ilorin, will oversee Kwara and Niger states, while the 10 Division, Jalingo, will cover the border areas of Taraba and Adamawa states.

The 81 Division, Lagos, will continue to supervise Lagos and Ogun states, while the 82 Division, Enugu, will retain responsibility for Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states. The 83 Division, Benin City, will oversee Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states when it becomes fully operational later this year.

Anele said the Chief

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), with a renewed push to tackle the persistently high rate of preventable maternal and newborn deaths across the Niger Delta.

The Commission made the pledge during workshops for traditional birth attendants held in Delta and Bayelsa states, where it stressed the need for stronger collaboration between traditional birth attendants and the orthodox healthcare system to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Speaking at the training, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urged women to embrace modern medical care while leveraging the trusted role of traditional birth attendants in their communities.

Represented by the Principal Manager, Education, Health and Social Services (EHSS), Mrs Dare-Oloko Kuami, Ogbuku described maternal and child mortality as an alarming public health challenge that requires urgent and collective action.

“The rate of death among women and children is alarming and must be eradicated. This training is designed to enlighten our women and should not be taken for granted,” he said.

According to him, the workshop was organised to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of traditional birth attendants in providing safe maternal and newborn care, identifying pregnancy-related complications early, and referring high-risk cases promptly to hospitals and health centres.

Also speaking, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, called on women to take issues relating to childbirth seriously, stressing that improved knowledge and adherence to safe delivery practices would help save lives.

Represented by the Principal Manager, EHSS, Dr Otokolo Fidelis, Ezugu disclosed that more than 300 women from Delta and Bayelsa states participated in the training and were provided with medical equipment as well as cash support to enhance their services.

One of the resource persons, Mrs Gift Akitiri, underscored the vital role traditional birth attendants continue to play in many rural communities, noting that regular capacity building would improve the quality of maternal healthcare delivery.

“Traditional birth attendants are trusted members of many communities. By equipping them with updated knowledge, we are helping to ensure that mothers and newborns receive timely and appropriate care, thereby improving health outcomes,” she said.

A participant, Mrs Franscica Odiakosa, commended the NDDC for organising the workshop, describing it as timely and impactful.

“I have gained valuable knowledge that will improve the quality of healthcare I provide in my community. I have also learnt the importance of referring expectant mothers to health centres and hospitals whenever a case is beyond my capacity,” she said, while urging the Commission to sustain the initiative.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday declared that “there is no sin in politics” as he formally welcomed Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, back into the political family that brought him to power.

Wike said Fubara’s decision to return to the Rainbow Coalition had effectively brought an end to months of political acrimony in Rivers State, describing the move as the only realistic path to restoring unity and advancing the state’s political interests.

Speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects, including the ISEX Road Corridor and the Apo-Karshi Road in Abuja, the former Rivers governor said he had consistently maintained that Fubara’s return to the coalition was inevitable.

“I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him,” he said.

“Our doors are open. Everybody is welcome to work with us. There is no better alternative. We will work together to move Rivers State forward.”

Responding to questions on whether the governor had been forgiven after months of political confrontation, Wike dismissed the notion, insisting that politics should not be viewed through the prism of personal grievances.

“I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics there is no sin. If somebody realises that he made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that.

“Politics is not a sin. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision,” he said.

Wike also expressed optimism that the renewed alliance would consolidate political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general election.

“He has publicly declared that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election,” he added.

The minister’s remarks came weeks after President Tinubu brokered a political truce between Wike and Fubara, ending a prolonged power struggle that had plunged Rivers State into months of political uncertainty, deepened divisions within the State House of Assembly and triggered a series of legal and constitutional disputes.

Fubara’s public declaration of his return to the Rainbow Coalition is widely seen as the clearest indication yet that both camps are committed to rebuilding their political alliance ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and impartial elections, describing his appointment as a call to national service.

Amupitan gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation of the Okun Development Association (ODA), led by its President-General, Akenson Rotimi, on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Rotimi congratulated the INEC chairman on his appointment, describing it as a fitting recognition of his integrity, competence and distinguished record of public service.

He said the appointment had brought honour to the Okun people, whom he described as a community known for producing men and women of character and excellence.

Rotimi assured the INEC chairman of the continued prayers and support of the Okun people as he leads the nation’s electoral management body in deepening Nigeria’s democratic process.

Responding, Amupitan expressed gratitude to the association for the visit and for its steadfast support since his appointment, explaining that the demands of his office had prevented him from receiving the delegation earlier.

He disclosed that he had not returned to his hometown since assuming office, citing the enormous responsibilities associated with managing Nigeria’s electoral process.

Describing his appointment as “a call to service,” the INEC chairman said the task of administering elections requires unwavering commitment, integrity and impartiality.

He thanked the Okun community for its prayers and encouragement, noting that their support had remained a source of strength in the discharge of his national assignment.

Amupitan also acknowledged the growing challenge posed by misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, but assured that the Commission would continue to discharge its constitutional mandate professionally, independently and strictly in accordance with the law.

He reiterated INEC’s resolve to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen public confidence in democratic governance.