Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged members of the Nigerian judiciary and political class to prioritise justice, integrity and enduring legacy above personal interests, declaring that the true measure of leadership lies in how public service ends.

Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday night at a state banquet held at the Government House, Port Harcourt in honour of Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, who recently retired as Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.

Addressing jurists, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries, the governor stressed the imperative of upholding high standards in public service, noting that excellence could be restored through collective resolve and a firm commitment to ethical conduct.

“It is about us coming together, believing in setting a standard and not allowing our personal interests to override those standards. That is the only way we can restore the good old days,” he said.

Fubara described the retired jurist as a model of integrity and professionalism, urging younger lawyers and politicians to uphold the primacy of truth in their careers and personal lives.

“The message tonight is about how a career ends. The conclusion of Justice Daniel-Kalio’s service brings honour to the state.

It is a lesson for the upcoming young ones, and those of us in politics. When we leave the stage, how will our story be told? It is not about winning now; it is about how it ends.

“We must strive to do the right things to defend the most important value, which is justice. Always stand on the side of truth so that at the end you will be remembered for what is right,” he added.

The governor noted that although Daniel-Kalio had formally retired from the Bench, he remained intellectually vibrant and capable of contributing to the development of the state. He assured that the government would continue to draw on his wealth of experience and urged him to remain available whenever called upon to serve.

Fubara also expressed appreciation to guests for their presence at what he described as a significant moment for his administration, acknowledging their support during critical periods.

“Our vision is to ensure that Rivers State continues to grow from strength to strength. It has not been easy, but we are humbled by your support. We cannot repay you, but God will reward you,” he said.

In her welcome address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Justice, Vera Sam-Dike, described the event as a celebration of an illustrious son of the state and a jurist of exceptional integrity, who served with loyalty, fairness and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

She characterised Daniel-Kalio’s retirement as the end of an era and a celebration of a distinguished career that advanced justice and impacted countless lives.

Responding, Justice Daniel-Kalio expressed gratitude to the governor for what he termed a rare show of honour and candour in organising a state reception in his honour.

He described his years on the Bench as deeply fulfilling and reaffirmed the judiciary’s role as a stabilising force in any progressive society.

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has expressed immense pride and delight following the appointment of
Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo
Odusote as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, describing her elevation as both historic and richly deserved.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the university’s management, staff, students and stakeholders, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, hailed the appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a milestone not only for the legal profession but for women in leadership across the country.

According to the university, Dr. Odusote’s emergence as the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School in over six decades of its existence underscores the significance of her achievement and the confidence reposed in her capacity to lead.

The institution noted that her appointment marks a defining moment in the annals of legal education in Nigeria.

UNIPORT particularly commended her exemplary service as former Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School, where she was credited with providing visionary leadership, strengthening institutional frameworks, and contributing significantly to the strategic direction of the School.

The university maintained that her distinguished record of administrative competence, professionalism and commitment to excellence undoubtedly positioned her as the preferred choice for the top role.

Describing her appointment as a source of pride and inspiration, UNIPORT said her new role reflects the growing recognition of merit, hard work and integrity in national assignments.

The university expressed confidence that her tenure would usher in renewed growth, innovation and consolidation in legal education in Nigeria.

“As a university community, we are immensely proud of her accomplishments and confident that she will justify the trust placed in her,” the statement read.

UNIPORT concluded by wishing Dr. Odusote a highly successful tenure, assuring her of its affectionate regards and unwavering support as she assumes leadership of the nation’s foremost legal training institution.

The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has unveiled plans to enrol pupils in public primary schools across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State into its health insurance scheme, in a move aimed at strengthening access to healthcare for school-age children.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, disclosed this during an advocacy visit to the Chairman and management of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Port Harcourt on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Agala said the initiative was driven by growing concerns over the health status of children in the state, particularly amid rising cases of chronic malnutrition.

“Recently, the state recorded a high level of chronically malnourished children. As an agency, we are willing and ready to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that our children remain healthy and able to learn effectively,” she said.

She explained that the programme would not only cover pupils but also extend to teachers and non-teaching staff under SUBEB, urging the board to facilitate their enrolment into the scheme.

According to her, enrollees would have access to comprehensive healthcare services across accredited facilities in the state.

Agala also acknowledged the role played by SUBEB Chairman, Hon. Sam Ogeh, in the legislative process that culminated in the establishment of RIVCHPP in 2019, when he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Health in the State Assembly.

She assured that with sustained investment and commitment by the state government in the health sector, beneficiaries of the scheme would continue to receive quality medical services in designated facilities across Rivers State.

In his response, the Chairman of SUBEB, Hon. Sam Ogeh, commended the performance of RIVCHPP, describing health insurance as a strategic pathway to broadening healthcare access.

While pledging the board’s readiness to partner with the agency to ensure seamless implementation in public primary schools, he urged RIVCHPP to scale up advocacy and sensitisation campaigns to boost awareness, especially among vulnerable groups.

Ogeh said the proposed collaboration holds significant promise for improving the wellbeing of pupils and education personnel, thereby enhancing learning outcomes across the state.

The visit also featured the presentation of promotional materials by the RIVCHPP team to the board as part of ongoing efforts to deepen public awareness and participation in the scheme.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced a six-week capacity-building programme for 400 youths across the Niger Delta region, focusing on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) autogas conversion as part of efforts to position the region at the forefront of Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Flagging off the initiative at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the training as a strategic investment in human capital and a deliberate response to the growing demand for technical expertise in CNG vehicle conversion.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Commission’s Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, said the programme would run in two batches of three weeks each, with participants receiving hands-on training in CNG vehicle conversion, system maintenance and safety standards in line with global best practices.

He noted that CNG presents a cleaner, safer and more cost-effective alternative to conventional fuels, adding that the increasing adoption of CNG-powered vehicles nationwide has created a robust market for skilled technicians.

According to him, beyond deepening technical capacity, the programme is designed to tackle youth unemployment, stimulate entrepreneurship, promote environmental sustainability and unlock fresh economic opportunities within the Niger Delta.

He urged beneficiaries to approach the training with discipline and commitment, warning against the sale of starter packs to be distributed at the end of the programme.

Director of Commercial and Industrial Development at the Commission, Mrs Lyna Okara, confirmed that 400 participants were selected and would undergo training in two batches over the six-week period. She encouraged the trainees to maximise the opportunity and remain focused throughout the programme.

In his remarks, a representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), Mr Olayinka Rufai, commended the Commission for aligning with the Federal Government’s clean energy agenda. He described the training as forward-looking and pivotal to advancing CNG adoption in the region.

Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, advised the youths to leverage the skills acquired rather than constantly seeking new training schemes, noting that CNG conversion presents vast and sustainable economic prospects.

Head Trainer at Viedenburg Energy Resources, Mr Saidu Hamdullahi, charged participants to take full advantage of the programme to prepare for emerging opportunities within the energy sector.

The initiative underscores the Commission’s broader commitment to empowering young people with market-relevant skills while supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy solutions.

The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.

At a virtual inaugural meeting held on February 15, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.

The newly appointed executive members are Professor Nedie P. Akani as Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University), Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe as Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt), Dr. Tonye Sampson as Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University), and Prof. Elijah Ohimain as Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).

In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.

He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.

Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.

They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone but expressed confidence in the capacity of the coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.

Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

He stressed that the South-South chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.

In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.

Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.

According to her, the chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.

She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.

“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, expressing appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.

With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

The Nigerian equities market began the week on a resounding bullish note on Monday, as investors recorded a historic gain of N5.103 trillion in a single trading session, pushing total market capitalisation beyond the N122 trillion mark.

At the close of trading, the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Exchange Limited surged by 7,949.36 basis points, representing a 4.36 per cent increase to settle at 190,262.44 points.

Correspondingly, market capitalisation rose by N5.103 trillion to close at N122.130 trillion, underscoring renewed investor appetite for equities.

The rally was largely driven by strong gains in medium and large capitalised stocks, notably Nestle Nigeria, Presco, Aradel Holdings, Dangote Cement and MTN Nigeria Communications.

Imperial Asset Managers Limited attributed the surge to sustained demand for heavyweight stocks, stating that following the 4.36 per cent jump, bullish momentum is expected to persist in the near term, buoyed by strong investor appetite.

Similarly, Coronation Asset Management projected cautious optimism in the sessions ahead, as investors await additional full-year earnings releases and dividend declarations.

The firm noted that market direction would likely hinge on earnings surprises, dividend yields and sector-specific developments, with selective positioning in fundamentally sound counters.

Market breadth closed firmly positive, with 54 gainers against 28 decliners.

Among the top performers were ABC Transport, Beta Glass, Ikeja Hotels, McNichols, Oando, Jaiz Bank, Aradel Holdings and Zichis Agro Allied Industries, which recorded the maximum 10 per cent appreciation to close at N8.25, N453.20, N41.80, N8.47, N44.00, N9.13, N1,096.70 and N111.88 per share, respectively.
MTN Nigeria gained 9.99 per cent to close at N779.70, while AXA Mansard Insurance rose by 9.97 per cent to N16.99 per share.

On the losers’ chart, R.T. Briscoe led with a 9.99 per cent decline to close at N15.68 per share. DEAP Capital Management & Trust shed 9.91 per cent to N7.64, while Caverton Offshore Support Group fell 9.62 per cent to N7.05 per share.

Guinea Insurance dropped 9.27 per cent to N1.37, and Tantalizers declined by 8.11 per cent to close at N5.10 per share.

Trading activity also strengthened, with total volume rising by 13.46 per cent to 1.076 billion units valued at N64.026 billion across 64,821 deals.

Access Holdings led the activity chart with 86.725 million shares worth N2.259 billion. Oando followed with 73.496 million shares valued at N3.186 billion, while Zenith Bank recorded 69.281 million shares traded at N5.934 billion.

Mutual Benefits Assurance transacted 67.101 million shares valued at N289.113 million, while Japaul Gold & Ventures accounted for 49.172 million shares worth N135.594 million.

A fresh leadership crisis has erupted in Buguma City, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, as the Buguma Council of Chiefs has dragged leaders of the Kalabari Ekine Sekiapu Society to court over the planned 2026 Owu Aru Suun Festival.

In a suit filed at the Rivers State High Court, Degema Judicial Division, the claimants—led by the Regent of Kalabari Kingdom and Buguma City, HRH Dr. Alabo Charles I.T. Numbere Princewill Amachree, alongside other chiefs—are seeking declaratory and injunctive reliefs against officials of the Kalabari Ekine Sekiapu Society.

The suit centres on allegations that the defendants fixed dates and commenced preparations for the 2026 Owu Aru Suun Festival without the approval of the Buguma Council of Chiefs, contrary to Kalabari native law and custom.

Dispute over authority, sacred sites
The claimants contend that under Kalabari customary law, the Buguma Council of Chiefs, under the Amanyanabo—currently represented by a Regent—has exclusive authority to approve, regulate and supervise all town-wide traditional festivals, including Owu Aru Suun.

They argue that the defendants unlawfully engaged town criers to announce festival schedules across Buguma and issued directives to Polo (compounds), War Canoe Houses and masquerade owners without first obtaining clearance from the Council.

Particularly contentious is the proposed use of King Amachree Square (Buguma Town Square), King Amachree Road (Buguma Main Road) and King Abbi Jetty for the festival.

According to the statement of claim, King Amachree Square is adorned with tombs and statues of past kings and ancestors of the Kalabari Kingdom, which the claimants described as sacred artefacts of deep spiritual significance. They maintain that the square, annexed to King Amachree Hall—the assembly hall of the Council—can only be used for events with express approval of the Council of Chiefs.

The claimants further argue that after any use of the square for masquerade displays, spiritual cleansing rites must be performed by the Amanyanabo-in-Council, a process they say is “beyond monetary value.”
Customary prescriptions in contention.

At the heart of the dispute is the Owu Aru Suun Festival, described as a decadal masquerade celebration during which all Polo, compounds, chiefdoms and War Canoe Houses feature their traditional masquerades.

The claimants aver that such a festival involves sweeping cultural prescriptions affecting the entire town, including directives on approved attire, menu restrictions—such as bans on certain foods—and movement regulations.

They insist that only the Buguma Council of Chiefs has the customary prerogative to issue such directives and to authorise the use of town criers for public announcements.

According to court filings, the defendants allegedly announced that burials would not hold in Buguma between March 9 and March 14, 2026, and directed masquerade owners to prepare for participation, warning that failure to do so could result in forfeiture of their masquerades to the society.

The claimants describe these actions as “reckless,” alleging that the defendants sidelined the Amanyanabo-in-Council and ignored repeated advice to follow due process.

Reliefs sought
Among other reliefs, the claimants are asking the court for:

A declaration that fixing dates and proclaiming the 2026 Owu Aru Suun Festival without Council approval amounts to gross interference with their customary powers, a declaration that any traditional prescriptions issued without such approval are unlawful, null and void.

The Claimants are also seeking an order nullifying all schedules, advertisements, directives and arrangements made in relation to the festival, and a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from proceeding with the festival without complying with Kalabari native law and custom.

The claimants warned that unless the court intervenes, the defendants may proceed with the festival, exposing the community to “colossal losses and damages far beyond monetary evaluation” and risking unrest.

No hearing date has yet been publicly announced, but the suit sets the stage for a legal showdown that could redefine the balance of traditional authority in Buguma and the wider Kalabari Kingdom.