68th Birthday: Uduaghan Praises Ibori for Strong Leadership, Big Milestones

The Alema of Warri, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday, lavished praise on the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, describing him as an enduring icon

“We proudly celebrate the 68th birthday of His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Executive Governor of Delta State, whose leadership, philanthropy and enduring contributions to national development continue to inspire many.”

He also commended Ibori for transforming Delta State through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and rural development.

“Your commitment to good governance, industrial growth and human capital development laid a solid foundation for progress across the state.”

Uduaghan in a statement issued on behalf of his family and the good people of Abigborodo on the occasion of the former governor’s 68th birthday applauded Ibori for championing the cause of the Niger Delta people in their demand for true fiscal federalism.

“As a respected statesman and champion of resource control and true fiscal federalism, you gave strong voice to the aspirations of the Niger Delta and promoted justice, equity and national unity.”

He expressed gratitude to the former governor for his mentorship and generosity that positively impacted countless lives and produced many leaders across Nigeria.

“On this special occasion, we celebrate your remarkable legacy, unwavering patriotism and steadfast commitment to the progress of our nation.”

Ending the statement, Uduaghan said “We wish you continued good health, long life, divine wisdom and many more years of impactful service. Happy 68th Birthday and Congratulations.”

 

NAGAFF Chief, Ike Okechukwu Presents One Year Score Card, Unveils Land For Secretariat

 By Bon Peters

The Chairman, National association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Onne Seaport chapter, Dr Anselem Ike Okechukwu says the association under his leadership has rallied members to present his leadership scorecard, one year after assuming office even as he unveiled a landed property for building the association's secretariat at Onne.

This disclosure was made last week Thursday, at Onne, Port Harcourt the Rivers state Capital.

Speaking to journalists, Okechukwu said that what necessitated the event was his resolve for accountability on his stewardship and determination to make a difference in the leadership of NAGAFF insisting that his association has broken the Jinx in making sure that NAGAFF has her own befitting office secretariat in no distant time by acquiring land at a strategic place in Onne.

He added that on assumption of office last year 2025, after his first stint as an interim Chairman, and subsequently the substantive chairman, the first assignment was to remove all bottlenecks in terms of division at NAGAFF, saying that such positive step has brought the association where it is today.

 "There is no more rancour and acrimony, NAGAFF today is united than ever before and all  aggrieved members are  now under one umbrella"  Okechukwu said.

Continuing, he noted that with a laid down rules on how the association would be administered, his administration has renovated the office, furnished it and provided the necessary office equipment, as well as plastic chairs for administrative purposes.

Okechukwu whose disclosure of the purchase of a plot of land for NAGAFF secretariat at Onne   attracted  praises and admiration from all members present.  He also stated his intention to start the construction of the building in no distant time even as  he called on his members and other stakeholders for support.

On the relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service, he stated that his association has maintained a robust synergy with Customs, importers,  terminal operators and other relevant agencies and stakeholders at the port for seamless cargo clearance insisting that members must comply with the fiscal policies of the federal government and shun any act that would bring the association to disrepute,  noting that for his members to be knowledgeable in their area of operations, he would continue  the training and retaining of members through seminars and workshops.

He used the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the founding father of NAGAFF, Chief Boniface Aniebonam, as well as the National President of the association, Mr. Tochukwu Ezisi, describing them as pacesetters whose contributions have brought glory to the present-day NAGAFF.  

In his remarks, the Chairman Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne Seaport chapter, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku praised the Onne NAGAFF boss, Ike Okechukwu for his determination and commitment to changing the narrative at NAGAFF, Onne.

ANLCA chapter chairman lauded him for all his achievements in just one year in office urging him to start developing the land so as to secure a befitting office for his association while calling on all and sundry to support him.

In his goodwill message, NAGAFF administrator, Ibeto Chapter and Area 1, Chief Patrick Ogbo praised Dr Ike Okechukwu for breaking the jinx of acquiring land for NAGAFF. 

Speaking further, Ogbo advised NAGAFF members to desist from any form of practice that would tarnish the image of the association, while calling on interested freight forwarders that want to join NAGAFF to do so without delay by picking the membership form.

Also speaking, the former Chairman and BOT, member, NAGAFF Onne chapter, Hon. Christopher Ibeabuchi Uwakwe, commended  NAGAFF chairman Ike Okechukwu  and  his executive 

Hon. Uwakwe, who was a Special Assistant (SA) to various political office holders in Abia state, reiterated that he has been an ardent supporter of Dr. Okechukwu hence he ensured his emergence as the chairman of NAGAFF, Onne Seaport chapter.

Uwakwe further commended NAGAFF, EXCO for the creation of NAGAFF Elders and Women Forum, and called on the representative of NAGAFF national body to always take care of the elders, since according to him "they are no longer active in the business of freight forwarding."

In his contribution, the National Vice President of NAGAFF, Eastern Zone, Comrade Ngozi Uzohuo,   applauded the achievements of Dr. Ike Okechukwu in the last one year, describing his leadership as “very peaceful.” even as he praised him for his bold step in land acquisition insisting that the EXCO has done well.

The high point of the event was the presentation of an ‘Award of Good Leadership’ to Dr. Ike Okechukwu Anslem by Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku on behalf of all the clearing and forwarding associations in Port Harcourt accompanied by Chief Emeka Nwosu, Chairman, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Onne Seaport chapter and Comrade Prince Obinna Ugochukwu, Chairman, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), Onne Seaport.

Others present include, the immediate past Interim Chairman of NAGAFF, Onne Seaport chapter, NAGAFF Legal Advisor, Women Forum leader, elders among others

By Bon Peters,

in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

 

Austin Orette, Delta South Senatorial Aspirant resigns from NDC

 

A prominent Nigerian-American medicine physician, Dr. Austin Orette, has officially resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

“I hereby tender my resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) with immediate effect.”

Orette in a resignation letter dated May 28, 2026 said his decision followed careful reflection on his political future.

“The decision has become necessary due to personal reasons, failure of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to conduct credible primaries and a deep reflection on my political journey and future direction.”

The letter routed through the secretariat of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expressed gratitude to the leadership of NDC for the opportunity and support he enjoyed during his time in the party.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me by the party to serve as an aspirant for the Delta South Senatorial District. I am grateful for the support, encouragement and relationships built during my time in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). I wish the NDC and all its leaders, members and supporters success in their endeavours for a greater Nigeria.”

 Recall, Orette in May, 2026 vowed to expose the wrong doing of NDC national leadership in court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Credit: Henry Ovie

Rivers’ Chief Medical Director, Prof. Chizindu Alikor Congratulates Prof. Friday Enwumelu Aaron on His New Elevation

By Nwaorgu Faustinus

 

The Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Prof. Chizindu Alikor has congratulated Prof. Friday Enwumelu Aaron on his elevation to the rank of Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Prof Chizindu in a congratulatory message circulated to news platforms said, “on behalf of the management and staff of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), I heartily congratulate my predecessor, esteemed colleague, and distinguished scholar, Prof. Friday Enwumelu Aaron, on his well-deserved elevation to the rank of Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Rivers State University Medical School.”

According to him, this significant academic milestone is a fitting recognition of your outstanding contributions to medical education, clinical practice, research, and the advancement of Orthopaedic Surgery. It reflects years of dedication, hard work, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and service to humanity.”

“Throughout your illustrious career, you have distinguished yourself as an exceptional clinician, teacher, mentor, and administrator. Your contributions to the growth and development of the Rivers State University Medical School and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital have been invaluable. As a former Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, your legacy of visionary leadership and institutional development continues to inspire many within the healthcare and academic communities”, he said

“Your elevation to the rank of Professor is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for RSUTH, Rivers State University, and the medical profession at large. I am confident that you will continue to make profound contributions to teaching, research, mentorship, and healthcare delivery, while shaping the next generation of medical professionals.”

“Please accept my warmest congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. I wish you continued success, good health, and greater achievements in your academic and professional endeavors” Prof. Chizindu prayed.

Ogoni Dialogue Committee: Uncertainties of the past are paving way to a new and prosperous Ogoni - Fegalo

.....says the struggles have not been in vain

.....Commends President Tinubu for mandating the dialogue process via the office of the NSA

 

The President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Mr. Fegalo Nsuke has expressed confidence with the “new hope ignited on January 21, 2025 with the formation of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee following the directive by Mr. President, Bola Ahmed, Tinubu, mandating the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to enter into dialogue with the Ogoni People. This was followed by extensive engagements within Ogoni leading to the recommendations submitted to Mr. President by the Ogoni Dialogue Committee on 24^th September, 2025.”

Mr. Fegalo in an address delivered at the Ogoni National Rally held at the Bera Central Field, Gokana Kingdom, Ogoni, On August 1, 2026 recalled that in the past “36 years, we have been on this journey, in search for freedom, development, peace and happiness. That journey had been very costly; however, the circumstances in which lived compelled us to challenge the system that threatened our very existence.”

According to him, “many of us, seated here today, were victims of that sad history. You were bruised;
you lost your loved ones and many of you are yet to recover from the scars of those brutal years of state repression. However, your struggles have not been in vain.”

“Today, I have the confidence to tell you that the story has changed; the uncertainties of the past are paving way to a new and prosperous Ogoni” Fegalo said.

Excerpt of the address reads:

The dialogue process marked a significant turnaround in our struggle to secure a better future for our people. In our 36 years of active resistance against the Nigerian oil industry, this is the first and only Nigerian regime that has initiated and committed to an Ogoni-driven dialogue process rather than the traditional attempts to force oil drilling activities in our land without proper consideration for the concerns of the Ogoni people.

We are compelled to embrace this people-centered dialogue process and particularly commend Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his peaceful disposition in the handling of this delicate issue.

We also appreciate the efforts of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu for his strong commitment to the dialogue process. History will remember you, sir, for these record-breaking achievements and for championing the resolution of what has become one of Nigeria’s most embarrassing records of human rights violations.

I will also want to use this opportunity to thank our forebears whose commitments, investments and sacrifices even at the risk of their personal safety committed to, and sustained the struggle during our most challenging moments. The strength of our movement today may have been significantly depleted if not for your commitments and sacrifices. History will never forget your role in protecting the future of the Ogoni people.

My dear Ogoni people, we are beginning to see the most positive signs of government commitment to resolve the Ogoni problem in a way that accommodates the concerns of the Ogoni people. We appreciate this turn of events and encourage the government to speed up the process with clarity so that we can finally put this sad history behind us with a speedy match into a brighter future.

I call on you, the real champions of the Ogoni struggle, who by the special grace of God, still live, to reflect on, and to understand that while we are yet to conclude on-going discussions with the government on a framework to implement our demands and development needs, we cannot opt to further prolong the conflict when other parties to the conflict are opting for dialogue with a hand of friendship.

I wish to remind you that “In a non-violent struggle, there is no better alternative to dialogue”. To use the words of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, in his inaugural speech after taking office as Nigeria’s president in 2015, “We have an opportunity, let us take it”. I urge you to unite and let us collectively take this opportunity, and make the best out of it.

Customs Port Harcourt Area I Command Hands Over Intercepted Expired Medicaments to NAFDAC

 By Bon Peters

 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt Area I Command, on Wednesday,  July 29, 2026,  handed over a consignment of intercepted expired medicaments to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at the Command's Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital.

 

This was contained in a press release issued, signed and made available to our media platform by the Command's Public Relations Officer , Barilule Aanee,  an Assistant Superintendent of Customs I.

 

The statement hinted that the handover ceremony which underscored the strong inter agency collaboration in safeguarding public health was attended by representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies, freight forwarding associations, stakeholders and  members of the media.

 

Speaking during the ceremony, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, stated that the seizure was a clear demonstration of the Command's commitment to preventing harmful and prohibited pharmaceutical products from finding their way into Nigerian markets, disclosing that the expired medicaments were intercepted during a joint examination conducted by officers of the Command in collaboration with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies.

 

She added  that the consignment contained several cartons of expired pharmaceutical products with a Combined Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of over Fifty Nine Million Naira.

 

The Area 1 Customs boss, Comptroller Atuluku emphasized that the interception prevented what could have resulted in serious public health consequences, as expired medicines posed significant health risks, including treatment failure, drug toxicity and antimicrobial resistance.

 

She reaffirmed that "the Nigeria Customs Service would remain resolute in protecting the nation's borders against the importation of expired, substandard, falsified and prohibited goods," 

 

She appreciated  the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his unwavering support, intelligence driven enforcement initiatives and commitment to strengthening collaboration among government agencies.

 

Receiving the intercepted items on behalf of NAFDAC, the Deputy Director, NAFDAC, Port Inspection Directorate, Pharm. Adepoju Bayo Raufu, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and sustained partnership in protecting Nigerians from harmful pharmaceutical products. 

 

He assured that the agency would immediately commence the necessary regulatory procedures to ensure the safe disposal of the expired medicaments in accordance with established laws and guidelines.

 

 Responding, the Zonal Director, NAFDAC South South Zone, Pharm. Chukwuma Oligbu, described the handover as another testament to the excellent working relationship between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service.

 

He lauded the leadership of Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku and the officers of Port Harcourt Area I Customs Command for their professionalism, diligence and commitment to public safety, even as he called for continued collaboration among all security and regulatory agencies to combat the importation of unsafe pharmaceutical products into the country.

 

The handover ceremony concluded with the formal transfer of the intercepted expired medicaments and relevant documents from the Nigeria Customs Service to NAFDAC for further regulatory action as the event further reinforced the shared commitment of both agencies to protecting public health, strengthening border security and ensuring that only safe, genuine and properly regulated pharmaceutical products are permitted into Nigeria.

 

By Bon Peters

in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

 

OMT Committed to Seamless Operations, Launches Online Exit of containers At Onne Port

The Commercial and Customer Care Manager, Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), Mr. Charles Okogbue has restated the commitment of Onne Multipurpose Terminal to ensure a seamless operation at Onne Port 

 

Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of a sensitization programme organized in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, Saturday July 25, 2026, Okogbue stated that the essence of the sensitization programme was to keep their customers and stakeholders abreast of the latest development at OMT.

 

His words: "Today, the 25th of July 2026, we decided to invite our customers and stakeholders to inform them of new developments in respect of Container release at OMT"

 

Continuing, Okogbue insisted that OMT is committed to ensuring a seamless operation and hinted that they have in mind of utilizing every process, adding "we have launched an Online Exit and final release processes." 

 

Speaking further he said, because of the development, we have to invite all our customers and stakeholders to put them through on how to ensure that they can take delivery of their shipment without coming to OMT 

 

According to him, “they can generate Exit and TDOs from the comfort of their houses and offices without coming to OMT and avoid delays.”

 

He reiterated that all the reforms were geared to making life easy for everyone.

 

He informed that all the stakeholders have gone through it and they were happy.

 

He added that the new shipment clearing system will commence on August 1, 2026 even as he promised that few days would be given to ensure a perfect adjustment so that all will be in the same page.

 

On concerns raised by the stakeholders especially in relation to Refund , waiver and delay in communication among others, Okogbue said he has instructed the billing team to make sure every refund is gotten within 48 hours but was quick to admonished that all the supporting documents should be properly submitted 

 

He said, “once you get the right documents submitted, your refund will be given to you within 48hrs"

 

On the issue of delay in communication, Okogbue said the delay should be escalated to his office and within 24 hours, the issue will be resolved.

 

On relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service, Okogbue extolled the virtue of the Customs Area 11 command Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Alkali for his commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation and anti- Smuggling activities

 

He described the relationship between his Company and Nigeria Customs Service as Cordial insisting that apart from Customs, they have been working harmonious with other government agencies but however, said that OMT will adhere to the directive of the NCS for the deployment of Scanners at the OMT Terminal.

 

In his contribution, the Chairman Africa Association of professional Freight Forwarders And Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Onne Seaport Chapter, Forwarder Kolawale Atanda gave kudos to the initiative saying "It's a good initiative, everybody is going for paperless transactions now and once there is an initiative we are here to see how to make it work successfully."

 

“We must be prepared to embrace a new initiative and should not write it off from the beginning”, Atanda insisted.

 

He advised that OMT should not be in a hurry for full implementation saying that if implemented in a hurry it might crash 

 

"We shouldn't be in a hurry to implement but should be given time to study the whole process."

 

He also said that drivers should also be invited for the sensitization as according to him, "they are directly involved most of the time.”

 

He concluded by rating Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) operations high.

 

"I rate OMT operations 90%" "They are doing very well. No challenges whatsoever."

 

Present at the event include ANLCA, NAGAFF, APFFLON, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Shipping Companies, importers, Terminal Operators among others.

 

By Bon Peters.

Port Harcourt, Rivers State