The Opobo Council of Alapu has announced that Opobo Kingdom will officially crown His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, as the Amanyanabo and Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom on September 26, 2026, marking the beginning of a new era in the historic riverine kingdom.

The coronation, which forms the highlight of a week-long programme of activities scheduled from September 18 to 27, 2026, is expected to attract traditional rulers, government officials, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic community, sons and daughters of Opobo Kingdom, and guests from across Nigeria and beyond.

In a statement issued by the Chief of Protocol and Public Relations of the Opobo Council of Alapu, Alabo Godwin Omoni Nengia Bupo, Abayebupo Duke Norfolk III, the council described the event as a defining moment in the history of the kingdom.

Founded in 1870 by the legendary merchant prince King Jaja of Opobo and his compatriots, Opobo Kingdom has remained one of the Niger Delta’s most celebrated traditional institutions, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, maritime trading history, diplomatic influence and resilience.

According to the council, the ascension of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, as the sixth monarch in the Jeki lineage signals the dawn of a new chapter that will build on the kingdom’s enduring legacy while promoting unity, cultural preservation and sustainable socio-economic development.

The statement noted that the coronation would be “more than the crowning of a king,” describing it as a celebration of the kingdom’s resilience, identity, ancestry and enduring traditions.

“This historic coronation is not merely the crowning of a king, but a celebration of our resilience, our identity, our ancestry and our enduring heritage,” the statement said.

The council added that a comprehensive programme of cultural, spiritual and ceremonial activities has been lined up across the kingdom to commemorate the historic occasion, culminating in the official coronation on September 26.

It called on friends of Opobo Kingdom, cultural enthusiasts and well-wishers from around the world to join in celebrating what it described as a landmark event in the history of one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected traditional kingdoms.

The Federal Government has returned 13 oil and gas blocks to its licensing basket after they failed to attract bids during the 2025 Licensing Round, highlighting the uneven investor appetite for Nigeria’s upstream petroleum assets despite renewed interest in the sector.

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this on Tuesday at the 2025 Commercial Bid Conference in Abuja.

According to Eyesan, only 37 of the 50 oil and gas blocks offered in the licensing exercise received bids from prospective investors, leaving 13 assets without any commercial interest.

“At the end of the exercise, we had 50 blocks on offer, but we only had representation for 37 of those 50 blocks. Thirteen of those blocks will be returning back to the basket,” she said.

The decision to return the unclaimed blocks means the Federal Government will have to repackage or re-offer the assets in future licensing rounds, a development that underscores the reality that not all Nigerian oil fields are currently attractive to investors amid changing global energy dynamics, commercial risks and investment considerations.

Despite the 13 unbid blocks, the NUPRC described the licensing round as a success, revealing that 143 companies submitted about 200 bids for the available assets.

“We have a total of 143 companies showing interest for 200 bids. That, for us, was remarkable, and I must say thank you,” Eyesan said.

She noted that the licensing process began with interest from nearly 300 companies, which she described as evidence of growing confidence in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry following ongoing regulatory reforms.

“When we started the journey, we got interest from almost 300 companies. I repeat, almost 300 companies. That, in my view, was an indication that the tide has turned for Nigeria,” she stated.

Eyesan explained that the initial expressions of interest were subjected to a rigorous prequalification process, reducing the number of participating firms to 196 before the technical and commercial bid stages.

“From the almost 300 interests that we got, we moved to the pre-qualification stage, and that number was pruned down to 196,” she added.

The eventual participation of 143 companies, which submitted approximately 200 commercial bids, reflects sustained investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. However, the inability of 13 blocks to secure any bid suggests that certain assets may require improved fiscal incentives, additional geological data or more favourable investment conditions before they can attract commercial interest.

The returned blocks will remain in the Federal Government’s licensing inventory and are expected to be re-offered in future bid rounds after further evaluation.

The Commander of Nigerian Naval Shipyard Pathfinder, Commodore Mutalib Ibikunle Raji, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a critical pillar of national unity and sustainable development, while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to deepening its long-standing partnership with the scheme in Rivers State.

Raji made the remarks when he received the NYSC Rivers State Coordinator, Moses Oleghe, on a courtesy visit to his office at the Naval Shipyard in Port Harcourt.

The naval chief praised the 56-year-old NYSC Scheme for its strategic role in nation-building, saying it has remained a “bedrock of national unity and sustainable development” since its establishment.

He also commended the cordial relationship between the NYSC and the Nigerian Naval Shipyard, describing the synergy between both institutions as “very healthy and mutually beneficial.”

According to him, the partnership has continued to yield positive results, particularly in the area of service delivery by corps members posted to the Shipyard.

Raji assured the NYSC management in the state of his readiness to support the successful implementation of the scheme’s programmes and activities, noting that closer collaboration between the two institutions would further strengthen their bond.

“My administration remains available and committed to supporting the NYSC in the successful implementation of its programmes and activities in the state,” he said.

He further appreciated the quality of service rendered by corps members serving at the Shipyard and pledged that their welfare would remain a top priority under his leadership.

“We will continue to prioritise the welfare of corps members in order to encourage and motivate them for optimum performance,” the commander added.

Earlier, Oleghe said the visit was aimed at formally interfacing with the commander, familiarising with him and welcoming him to Rivers State following his recent appointment.

He noted that the relationship between the NYSC and the Nigerian Naval Shipyard had remained strong over the years and called for its sustenance.

The state coordinator thanked the commander for his assurances of support and stressed the importance of strategic stakeholders such as the Nigerian Navy in ensuring the security and welfare of corps members.

Oleghe added that the support of the Navy would provide corps members with the enabling environment required to serve the nation effectively and without hindrance.

The visit, both officials agreed, underscored the shared commitment of the NYSC and the Nigerian Navy to national integration, youth development and the continued strengthening of institutional collaboration in Rivers State.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course will commence nationwide on Wednesday, August 5, and end on Tuesday, August 25.

The scheme, in a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said the three-week exercise would be held simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the statement, call-up numbers have already been uploaded to the dashboards of prospective corps members, while call-up letters will be released in due course.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, congratulated all prospective corps members mobilised for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II service year on the successful completion of their studies in higher institutions within and outside Nigeria.

He also urged the prospective corps members to make safety their top priority while travelling to their respective orientation camps.

Nafiu specifically warned them against embarking on night journeys, stressing the need to comply with all travel and safety advisories issued by the scheme.

“The Director General wishes them a safe journey to their respective Orientation Camps and strongly advises them to avoid travelling at night. He also urges them to strictly adhere to all travel and safety guidelines throughout their journey to the camps,” the statement said.

The NYSC orientation course marks the commencement of the mandatory one-year national service programme, during which corps members undergo paramilitary drills, leadership and citizenship training, skills acquisition, and community development activities before deployment to their places of primary assignment across the country.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has received a petition seeking the repeal of the law establishing the Rivers State Sports Institute in Isaka, Okrika Local Government Area, and the restoration of the defunct Government Sea School.

The petition, submitted by the Sea School Isaka Alumni Foundation, was presented during Monday’s plenary by the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Okrika Constituency, Linda Somiari-Stewart.

The petition urged the Assembly to repeal the Rivers State Sports Institute Law (Cap. 123, Vol. 6, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria) and enact fresh legislation to re-establish the Government Sea School, which previously occupied the site before it was converted into a sports institute.

It also called on the lawmakers to advise the executive arm of government to rehabilitate and equip the proposed sea school with modern facilities to position it as a centre of excellence for manpower development in the state’s emerging blue economy.

According to a statement issued by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, the petition argues that reviving the institution would help produce the skilled workforce required to drive maritime and marine-related sectors in Rivers State.

Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, referred the petition to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions for legislative consideration, in line with the Assembly’s Standing Orders.

The committee is expected to examine the requests contained in the petition and make appropriate recommendations to the House.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has highlighted the remarkable growth of local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, revealing that indigenous participation has risen from less than five per cent in 2010 to 61 per cent, with a target of achieving 70 per cent by 2027.

The Board made the disclosure on Monday at the maiden edition of the SweetCrude Dialogue 2026, themed “Through the Python’s Eye: 70 Years of Oil and Gas Production in Nigeria,” held at the Nigerian Content Towers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Representing the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, said the impressive growth in Nigerian content was driven by deliberate investments in human capital development, infrastructure and strategic partnerships aimed at deepening indigenous participation across the oil and gas value chain.

Kikile said the Board remained committed to consolidating the gains through flagship initiatives, including the Nigerian Content Tower, the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme, as well as gas-based industrialisation projects designed to stimulate economic diversification and create jobs.

According to him, the Board’s long-term vision is to build the skills, technology and industrial capacity required for Nigerians to lead the next phase of growth in the nation’s oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.

The inaugural dialogue brought together government officials, industry leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s 70-year oil and gas journey and explore pathways to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the sector.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the event, described the dialogue as timely and significant.

He recalled that the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act during his administration laid the foundation for the rapid expansion of indigenous participation in the petroleum industry, describing the legislation as a game changer for Nigeria’s energy sector.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the Bayelsa and Delta State governments, as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), all of whom commended the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development and value creation in the oil and gas industry.

Kikile was accompanied to the event by the NCDMB General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi; Manager, Government Relations, Mr. Teddy Bai; and other officials of the Board.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the dissolution of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Students’ Union Government (SUG), describing the action as a breach of students’ democratic rights and insisting that due process must be followed in addressing allegations against elected student leaders.

In a statement issued at the weekend and signed by its National President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the student body criticised a memorandum from the university’s Office of the Dean of Student Affairs announcing the immediate dissolution of the Students’ Union Government, Hall Representatives and all other students’ union activities.

While acknowledging the university management’s authority to investigate allegations of misconduct against student leaders, NANS argued that dissolving a democratically elected union without due process, transparency and fair hearing amounted to an abuse of administrative powers.

According to the association, the Students’ Union exists as the legitimate representative of the student population and cannot be dissolved through an administrative directive without clearly stating the allegations, conducting a credible investigation and allowing the affected officials the opportunity to defend themselves.

NANS also expressed reservations over aspects of the university’s directive, particularly the instruction compelling union officials to hand over union properties, documents and financial records immediately while simultaneously directing them to appear before an investigative panel whenever invited.

The association said the sequence of events cast doubt on the transparency, fairness and independence of the investigative process.

It called on the university management to suspend implementation of the dissolution order, respect the mandate of the elected student leaders and publicly disclose the reasons behind its decision.

The students’ body further demanded the constitution of an impartial investigative panel and urged the university to guarantee the affected officials their right to a fair hearing.

“We urge the university to refrain from any form of intimidation, victimisation or disciplinary action against student leaders for carrying out their representative responsibilities,” the statement said.

NANS stressed that it was not opposed to accountability, maintaining that any student leader found culpable of financial misconduct or any other offence should face appropriate sanctions in line with established procedures.

However, it warned that the pursuit of accountability should not be used as a pretext to weaken democratic institutions on campus or suppress legitimate student representation.

Describing the University of Port Harcourt as a respected citadel of learning and democratic values, NANS urged the institution to resolve disagreements with the Students’ Union through dialogue, transparent investigation and strict adherence to due process rather than the unilateral dissolution of elected student bodies.

The association disclosed that it had begun consultations with relevant stakeholders and would pursue all lawful means to safeguard the rights, welfare and democratic institutions of students at the university.

It reiterated its demand for the immediate reversal of the dissolution order pending the outcome of what it described as a transparent, impartial and credible investigation.

Efforts by The Atlantic Bell to obtain the reaction of the University of Port Harcourt management were unsuccessful, as the institution’s Public Relations Officer did not respond to repeated telephone calls at the time of filing this report.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights and promoting inclusive governance, describing respect for the law as the cornerstone of peace, sustainable development and democratic progress.

Odu made the assertion at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Omoku (Legacy) Branch, held on Friday in Omoku, where she was represented by her Director of Administration, Dr. Matthew Ogwuokwa.
Speaking on the theme, “Law, Order and Equality in Society,” the Deputy Governor said the subject reflected the urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure justice for all citizens, regardless of social status, gender, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.

She stressed that no society can achieve enduring peace, economic prosperity or social stability without strict adherence to the rule of law.

“The law protects the rights of citizens, preserves public order, guarantees fairness and creates an enabling environment for economic growth and social harmony,” she said.

Odu reiterated that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remained committed to deepening democratic values, strengthening the justice system and building an inclusive society where equal opportunities are guaranteed for every citizen.

She commended the NBA Omoku Branch for sustaining its annual Law Week, describing the event as a vital platform for legal practitioners, academics and policymakers to examine contemporary challenges confronting the justice sector and national development.

The Deputy Governor also lauded the conference’s focus on “Strengthening Women’s Rights in Nigeria: ONELGA in Focus,” describing the protection and empowerment of women as a strategic imperative for national development rather than a mere social responsibility.
She further urged members of the NBA Omoku Branch to uphold the ideals associated with their identity as the “Legacy Branch.”

Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, represented by the Presiding Judge of the Omoku Judicial Division, Justice Mark Onyema Chukwu, praised the NBA Omoku Branch for its commitment to professional excellence and the promotion of the rule of law.

He said the Rivers State Judiciary was proud of the branch’s achievements and encouraged its members to sustain their contributions to the legal profession and the administration of justice.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Strengthening Women’s Rights in Nigeria: ONELGA in Focus,” the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Prof. Grace Akolokwu, called for the elimination of discriminatory traditional and customary practices that continue to deny women equal rights and opportunities despite constitutional guarantees.

She observed that such entrenched customs had continued to limit women’s access to leadership positions and other opportunities capable of enhancing their capacity and contributions to society.

Earlier, Chairman of the NBA Omoku (Legacy) Branch, Barrister Eze Ahiakwo, described the annual Law Week as one of the association’s flagship programmes aimed at advancing the legal profession and reinforcing the rule of law in society.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will inaugurate its newly elected national executive, led by President-elect Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, during its 2026 Annual General Conference scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, between August 21 and 28.

Badejo-Okusanya emerged winner of the association’s presidential election conducted through electronic voting, polling 12,317 votes to defeat her two male challengers and become the 33rd President of the NBA.

According to the final results released by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) secured 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 valid votes cast in the election.

Her closest rival, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN), garnered 7,934 votes, representing 30.39 per cent, while Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) polled 5,855 votes, or 22.43 per cent.

Her election is historic, as she becomes only the second woman to lead the NBA in its 66-year history, following Priscilla Kuye, who served as the association’s first female president between 1991 and 1992.

The inauguration of Badejo-Okusanya and other newly elected national officers will be one of the major highlights of this year’s Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, which is expected to attract thousands of lawyers, judges, legal scholars and policymakers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002, Badejo-Okusanya studied Law at the University of Lagos after earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English from the same institution.

She began her legal career at Olaniwun Ajayi LP and, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to legal practice, was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on September 29, 2025.

Her career has combined legal practice with public service. In 2007, she was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform to the then Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, working in the office of the then Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olasupo Shasore.

She is a respected arbitration and dispute resolution expert and belongs to several prestigious professional bodies, including the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), African Arbitration Association, ArbitralWomen, International Bar Association (IBA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA). She also serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.

Within the NBA, Badejo-Okusanya has held several strategic leadership positions, including Assistant Secretary of the NBA Lagos Branch, member of the Future of the Legal Profession Committee, Conference Investigation Committee, and the NBA Lagos Branch Building Committee.

She also served as Alternate Chair of the 2023 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee before chairing the committee for the 2024 conference. In 2022, she was co-opted into the NBA National Executive Council and, in August 2024, received the NBA Presidential Medal of Service in recognition of her contributions to the association.

A founding partner of Africa Law Practice NG & Company since 2017, Badejo-Okusanya currently co-heads the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice. The firm is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading commercial law firms, with affiliations across Africa.

Her emergence has raised expectations that her administration will prioritise lawyers’ welfare, institutional reforms and a more inclusive Bar, in line with her campaign promise to build “a bolder Bar that works for everyone” where lawyers can earn better, live better and practise better.

Newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to build an association where lawyers “earn better, live better and practise better,” following her victory in the 2026 national officers’ election.
Badejo-Okusanya, who was declared winner of the poll on Sunday, becomes the 33rd President of the NBA and only the second woman to lead Nigeria’s foremost professional body for lawyers.

In a message posted on her X account shortly after the announcement of the results, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) expressed gratitude to members of the association for entrusting her with the leadership of the Bar, describing her victory as a collective triumph for lawyers who believe in a more inclusive, responsive and progressive NBA.

“Today, I stand before you with a heart filled with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. I am truly humbled by the confidence that members of the Nigerian Bar Association have reposed in me by electing me to serve as your President.

“Thank you for believing in our shared vision of A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member who believed that our Association can be stronger, more inclusive, more responsive, and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers,” she said.

Badejo-Okusanya said her campaign was shaped by extensive consultations with lawyers across the country, noting that the concerns, aspirations and ideas shared during those engagements would form the foundation of her administration.

According to her, months of travelling across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory provided invaluable insights into the challenges confronting legal practitioners and reinforced the need for a Bar that delivers tangible value to its members.

She pledged to pursue reforms that would improve the welfare and professional opportunities of lawyers, promising an NBA where every member has the opportunity to thrive professionally and economically.

The new NBA president also appealed for unity among members, urging them to put the contest behind them and work together in advancing the legal profession and strengthening the rule of law.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to every member who participated in this election, regardless of the candidate you supported. The election is over. We are one Bar, united by a common commitment to the advancement of our profession and the defence of justice and the rule of law,” she said.

She congratulated her fellow contestants for contributing to a credible democratic process and expressed readiness to work with them in building a stronger association.

Badejo-Okusanya also acknowledged the efforts of members of her campaign council, volunteers, supporters, family and friends, thanking them for their unwavering commitment throughout the electioneering process.

Her emergence is widely seen as a significant milestone for the NBA, raising expectations that her administration will focus on improving lawyers’ welfare, strengthening institutional reforms and enhancing the association’s role in promoting justice, the rule of law and good governance in Nigeria.