Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed confidence that newly trained medical professionals produced by Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) will significantly help to bridge existing gaps in health institutions within Rivers State and across the nation.

Governor Fubara made this assertion during the 8th Founder’s Day Celebration and 5th Convocation Ceremony of Pamo University of Medical Sciences, held in Port Harcourt on Friday, 19th December 2025.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the introduction of postgraduate programmes at the University, stressing the importance of expanding opportunities for advanced medical education.

He reaffirmed the Rivers State Government’s continued support for PUMS in its quest for excellence, describing the institution as one that produces disciplined, well-trained graduates who serve as worthy ambassadors of both the State and the University.

Governor Fubara likened the growth of Pamo University to the biblical mustard seed that has blossomed into an oak tree, noting that the institution has become a flagship centre for medical education, describing the growing number of medical graduates as a source of pride and a clear testament to the University’s positive impact.

He congratulated the Chancellor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, for his sustained commitment and generous contributions to the institution, as well as the Pro-Chancellor, Sir Dr. Peter Odili, for his firm and visionary leadership.

Addressing the graduating students, the Governor said their achievements validate the State Government’s investment in education, yielding tangible results and dividends of democracy.

He also expressed gratitude to the university for their prayers and support to that has cumulated to the success of his administration.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Pamo University of Medical Sciences, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, said that as Nigeria continues to face security challenges, there is a pressing need for unity, vigilance and divine intervention. He prayed for the restoration of peace and stability across the country.

General Abubakar, assured that the Board of Trustees remains resolute and committed to providing the necessary support for the continued development of the University. While congratulating the graduating students and their parents, he urged the graduates to serve humanity and the nation with confidence and dedication.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Yusufu Ribadu, noted that over the past four years, Pamo University has consistently produced graduates in fields critical to national development. He added that the steady output of medical and allied health professionals is timely, given the country’s significant shortage of skilled manpower in these areas.

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of PUMS, Sir Dr. Peter Odili, thanked the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his continued support for the University, while expressing concern over the increasing migration of medical practitioners abroad in search of better opportunities.

He noted that an upward review of retirement age and welfare packages would help curb the trend.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of PUMS, Prof. Smith Jaja, disclosed that a total of 126 graduands were presented for convocation from various faculties. He stated that seven (7) graduands earned First Class Honours, twenty-three (23) obtained Second Class Upper Division, while eleven (11) graduated with Second Class Lower Division.

Highlights of the occasion were presentation of an award to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the best graduating student Dr. Iboro Onisokien Joel by the university.

The Ebedaowei, Engineer Hope Aserifa Torru, members of the Kabuowei Traditional Council of Chiefs in Bayelsa State have expressed profound shock over the passing of the State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

A statement on behalf of the Ebedaowei and the Traditional Council of Chiefs says Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s untimely death creates a significant void in diverse areas, mostly in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The statement signed by the Ozitua-owei (Spokesman) High Chief Freston Akpor notes that Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo dedicated his life to public service, displaying unwavering commitment to the development of Bayelsa State and it’s people.

“His leadership, vision, and tireless efforts in advancing the state’s infrastructural growth as Commissioner for Works, his time as a Senator was a testimony of patriotism and as Deputy Governor, he offered support in the quest to change the growth trajectory of the State”

According to the Kabuowei Traditional Council of Chiefs, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo was a man of integrity, whose compassion and dedication inspired many.

“As we mourn this great loss, we extend our deepest condolences to Governor Douye Diri, his widow and children, the Ewhrudjakpo family and the people of Ofoni and Bayelsa State and Tarakiri Clan”

The Ebedaowei and the Kabuowei Traditional Council of Chiefs (Bayelsa) states that “While we pray for strength for all in this difficult time particularly the bereaved family, as custodians of the people’s tradition and culture, we will honour the legacies of the departed in ensuring that his contributions to our dear state are never forgotten”.

As a devout and dedicated Christian, we are assured that his soul will find eternal and peaceful rest in the Lord.

Thousands of women from across Rivers State on Christmas 2025 converged on the historic Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt, in a spectacular outpouring of praise, thanksgiving and unity at the Christmas 2025 Praise Party Palooza.

The event, hosted by Rivers Women Unite for SIM in collaboration with the Toby Jug Foundation, drew women from all 23 local government areas of the state, cutting across professions, ages and social backgrounds, in a powerful demonstration of faith and communal solidarity.

The park came alive with exuberant worship, fervent prayers and spirited dance as participants lifted their voices in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Clad in elegant white and red attire symbolising purity, love, sacrifice and the joy of Christmas, the women formed a striking visual display that transformed the venue into a radiant arena of praise and fellowship.

Beyond the spiritual celebration, the women used the occasion to express gratitude and unwavering support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS. They joyfully affirmed his recent political transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a strategic step toward peace, unity and accelerated development in the state.

Songs of thanksgiving echoed across Isaac Boro Park as prayers were offered for continued peace, progress and purposeful leadership in Rivers State. The women also prayed for divine wisdom, strength and protection for Governor Fubara and other leaders committed to the welfare of the people.

Organisers described the Praise Party Palooza as a reflection of the strength, resilience and faith of Rivers women, united by a shared hope for a better and more prosperous future.

As the celebration came to a close, the atmosphere remained charged with joy and gratitude, leaving behind a powerful message of unity, faith and collective support for leadership anchored on peace and development in Rivers State.

Police, FBI, US Secret Service Nab Alleged ‘RaccoonO365’ Phishing Kingpin, Two Others in Nigeria

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC), in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Secret Service, have arrested three suspected high-profile internet fraudsters in Lagos and Edo states over alleged cyber fraud.

The suspects were accused of carrying out targeted cyber-attacks on the email systems of major corporate organisations, largely within Nigeria.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, explaining that the suspects executed the attacks through phishing links and the deployment of malicious software.

According to the statement, the arrests followed credible and actionable intelligence received from Microsoft Corporation and the FBI, which exposed the use of a sophisticated phishing toolkit known as RaccoonO365.

Hundeyin said the toolkit was designed to create fake Microsoft login portals used to harvest user credentials and gain unauthorised access to email platforms of corporate, financial and educational institutions.

He noted that the NPF–NCCC subsequently launched an intelligence-driven operation in partnership with Microsoft, the FBI and the US Secret Service.

Investigations revealed multiple cases of unauthorised Microsoft 365 account access between January and September 2025, traced to phishing emails crafted to closely resemble genuine Microsoft authentication pages. The attacks reportedly resulted in business email compromise, data breaches and financial losses across several jurisdictions.

Acting on precise intelligence, NPF–NCCC operatives were deployed to Lagos and Edo states, where three suspects were arrested. Searches conducted at their residences led to the recovery of laptops, mobile phones and other digital devices, which forensic analysis linked to the fraud scheme.

Further investigations identified Okitipi Samuel, also known as “RaccoonO365” and “Moses Felix,” as the principal suspect and developer of the phishing infrastructure. Police said he operated a Telegram channel where phishing links were sold for cryptocurrency and hosted fake login portals on Cloudflare using stolen or fraudulently obtained email credentials.

However, investigators said there was no evidence linking the two other suspects to the creation or operation of the phishing toolkit.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s digital space through advanced technology, strong international partnerships, and thorough investigative and prosecutorial processes to combat emerging cyber threats.

The people of the Ogbia Kingdom, including the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, have assured support for President Bola Tinubu and appealed for the establishment of a Petroleum Institute in Oloibiri, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

They started their position during a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Ogbia delegation, led by the monarch of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba, and other distinguished sons of the kingdom, conveyed appreciation to Mr President for the confidence reposed in our sons and daughters through key national appointments, including the appointment of the NDDC Managing Director.

The royal father noted that the gesture underscored Mr President’s commitment to inclusive leadership and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

The delegation also formally presented priority developmental needs of Ogbia Kingdom; notably the Akaba–Okodi Road, the construction of strategic bridges, shoreline protection for erosion-impacted communities, and the establishment of a petroleum-related institute in Oloibiri, Nigeria’s historic birthplace of the oil industry.

Speaking on the visit, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ogbuku, expressed appreciation for Mr President’s commendation of the efforts of the NDDC Board and Management. He said: “His words of encouragement further energises our resolve to sustain people-centred, impactful development across the Niger Delta region.”

“Beyond appreciation, the visit reaffirmed the strong bond between Ogbia Kingdom and the Federal Government, as our people expressed firm support for President Tinubu’s leadership and vision for a progressive Nigeria.”

“Through unity, collaboration and purposeful governance, we remain committed to advancing the aspirations of our people and contributing meaningfully to national development.