Prime Heritage Magazine

A cross section of wrestlers  Chief Obarilomate Ollor  Executive Chairman of Eleme LGA  By Nwafor Oji Awala When the Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, stood before the jubilant crowd at the Echieta-Nchia Arena during the grand finale of the 2025 Nchia Annual Wrestling Festival (Aken O’e), his words struck a deep cultural chord. “I want to say to the Eleme people that this part of our culture, what we are doing here today, has come to stay. We are going to set up a cultural committee that will monitor and ensure that this activity is properly censored and it's going to be there forever,” he declared. Chief Ollor decorating a champion  That promise, to establish a Cultural and Tourism Committee, may well become the turning point in Eleme’s cultural history. Every year, the Aken O’e Festival transforms the peaceful Nchia district into a vibrant theatre of tradition. Around the famous Echieta market, business halts as youths, eld...

By Nwafor Oji Awala. Once again, Nigeria finds itself caught in the swirl of a familiar national drama: a rumour so strong that official denial only serves to make it more believable. When Sahara Reporters broke the story that sixteen military officers had been arrested for plotting a coup allegedly scheduled for Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1st, 2025, the report spread with the speed and intensity of wildfire. Predictably, the government and the military quickly dismissed the report as “false” and “unfounded.” Yet, the sudden replacement of the service chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lent a curious weight to the alleged plot. To the discerning mind, it raised more questions than answers. If there was truly nothing to hide, why the abrupt reshuffle at the topmost level of the armed forces? In Nigeria, rumours are rarely baseless. They may be exaggerated, but they are seldom invented. And in a country where denials often precede revelations, one cannot help but wonder ...

By Nwafor Oji Awala  There is something deeply unsettling about the terror situation in Northern Nigeria. It has persisted for far too long, and the more one studies it, the more it begins to look less like a failure of governance and more like a deliberate design. One cannot help but suspect that the crisis is an Islamisation project in disguise, a slow but sustained campaign to bend Nigeria toward a particular religious and cultural ideology. When Boko Haram first emerged, the claim was that it was an anti-Western education movement. Later came the bandits: faceless, gun-wielding militias who turned villages into slaughterfields and highways into hunting grounds. Yet, when these groups began to terrorize the nation, the reaction from Northern leaders and Islamic clerics was not outrage, not condemnation, but pampering and accommodation. While they were burning schools and displacing farmers, you could hear some of these leaders preaching “dialogue” with murderers, “amnesty” for k...

  …Revalidates Four Major Projects, Moves to Create CBT Centres and Job Opportunities By John Ollor Obe  The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled the ₦134 billion contract earlier awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex, directing the company to refund the ₦20 billion mobilization fee it received. The decision was reached on Thursday during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House, Port Harcourt. Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart , said the contract was hurriedly awarded by the previous Emergency Administration without adherence to due process. He explained that the Council consequently approved the revalidation of the bidding processes for four key projects, including: Renovation, retrofitting, and furnish...

 By John Ollor Obe  In a bold move that signals a new dawn for Nigerian education, the Federal Government has unveiled sweeping reforms to simplify admission requirements into tertiary institutions across the country. The decision, championed by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON , breathes life into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda , promising greater inclusion and access for millions of young Nigerians. For years, the story has been the same — over two million candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) each year, and only about 700,000 securing admission. The rest are left stranded, not because they lack the capacity to learn, but because the system was too rigid, too narrow, too outdated to accommodate their dreams. Now, that tide is turning. “This imbalance is not due to a lack of ability,” Dr. Alausa explained. “It is the result of outdated and overly stringent entry requirements. We ...

By Nwafor Oji Awala It was a day of celebration, fulfillment, and empowerment on Friday, October 10, 2025, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its engineering partner, Tecnimont Nigeria Limited, graduated a new set of women trainees from Eleme and Okrika host communities after months of intensive training in catering and fashion designing. The colourful event, held at Genesis Academy, Trans Amadi Industrial Layout, Port Harcourt, marked the successful conclusion of the Women Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme —an initiative aimed at improving the economic livelihood of women in the host communities of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC). The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates, starter packs, and awards to the graduating trainees. The best three participants in each skill category, best instructors, and best-behaved trainees were specially recognized with awards and incentives courtesy of Tecnimont, Genesis Group, and African P...

By Nwafor Oji Awala, Prime Heritage Magazine In recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development and corporate collaboration, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Tecnimont Nigeria Limited have jointly honoured High Chief (Prince) Sunny Graham Nkpe with the Award of Exceptional Leadership Support . High Chief Sunny Nkpe  The prestigious recognition came during the Women Skill Acquisition Training and Empowerment Programme , which featured the Graduation and Award of Certificates/Starter Packs for Host Communities of Eleme and Okrika , held on Friday at Genesis Academy, Trans Amadi Industrial Layout, Port Harcourt. The training covered skills in catering and fashion designing/tailoring . Mr Tony Obari receiving the Award on behalf of Hugh Chief Sunny Nkpe  Presenting the award on behalf of Tecnimont Nigeria, Chief F.D. Omeme described Chief Nkpe as a “bridge builder” whose selfless service has fostered harmony between the host communities...

By Nwafor Oji Awala  After months of legal battles that stalled the disbursement of dividends accruing from Indorama Petrochemical Company to host communities, Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State has reached a long-awaited resolution. At a critical stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Aleto, HRM Emere (Dr) Philip Osaro Obele, JP, DSSRS, the Oneh-eh Eleme XI, the monarch declared that all court cases and disputes relating to the community’s dividends had been settled. He also announced that disbursement would commence in the coming days. The meeting, which was attended by key stakeholders from across Aleto, was described as historic for its spirit of reconciliation and commitment to peace. Among those present were: Chief Igwe Aforji Obey, Member representing Eleme Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly; Chief Oji Ngofa, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands; Hon. Onorwi Ngofa, former Eleme C...

Lagos once again affirmed its place as Africa’s cultural heartbeat when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed globally acclaimed Haitian-American musician, Wyclef Jean , and the reigning Miss Earth 2024, Jessica Lane , alongside Miss Earth Water, Bea Millan-Windorski , to the Lagos House, Marina. The distinguished visitors were in Nigeria for the E1 Championship Fashion Showcase and Experience , an event designed to blend high fashion, environmental advocacy, and global entertainment. Governor Sanwo-Olu, sharing moments from the visit on his official X account, described the engagement as part of Lagos State’s commitment to building bridges through culture, creativity, and sustainability . “It was a pleasure to receive singer and songwriter Wyclef Jean, Miss Earth, and Miss Earth-Water on a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Marina,” the Governor stated. “Our discussions highlighted Lagos as not only a hub of culture and creativity, but also a welcoming destination that embraces global...

By Nwafor Oji Awala It is often said that politics, like the River Niger, has its turbulent stretches and its calm flows. In Rivers State, the turbulence that once rocked the political waters now seems to be giving way to a cautious calm, one that signals not just peace, but the maturity of leadership on both sides of a bitter divide. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has had his fair share of political storms since assuming office, is quietly redefining his position, not merely as the occupant of Government House, but as the executive governor in both title and spirit. His recent moves and public pronouncements reveal a leader intent on exercising authority without losing the grace of reconciliation. Just hours ago, a remarkable scene unfolded in Port Harcourt. The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, shared a platform with none other than Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, his former political benefactor turned estranged ally. Alongs...

By Nwafor Oji Awala  As Nigeria marked 65 years of independence, Rivers State joined the rest of the nation in both celebration and sober reflection, with events that captured the mood of a country still grappling with its democratic journey. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, led the state in commemorating the milestone with a valedictory session for his cabinet at Government House, Port Harcourt. The Governor thanked his commissioners and aides for their service over the past two years, describing their contributions as critical to the growth of the state. “It is a moment to reflect on how far we have come as a nation, and more importantly, on how much more we must do together to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria,” Fubara said, urging citizens to work hand-in-hand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure a brighter future. He further reiterated his commitment to the people of Rivers State, pledging to continue his service “with renewed vigor.” Yet, the celebra...

By Nwafor Oji Awala At 65, nations should be basking in stability and dignity. At 65, a mother-country ought to sit, proud and fulfilled, with her children drawing strength from her achievements. But Nigeria, at 65, is not a proud mother. She is a carcass surrounded by hyenas: leaders who were meant to protect her but instead gnaw at her bones. That is the central tragedy of our independence journey. We have placed hyenas in charge of a reserve, expecting them to tend the animals. Instead, they devour them. Nigeria’s leaders, past and present, have feasted on the very people they swore to serve. This morning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told Nigerians that “the worst is over.” But if the worst is truly over, why are millions still dying of hunger? Why is healthcare a luxury beyond the reach of more than two-thirds of the population? Why do empty pots sing louder than the national anthem in countless homes? Mr. President, you called off this year’s celebration of independence. Is it...

By Nwafor Oji Awala Abuja – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the country has “turned the corner” and is on the path of recovery, as the nation marked its 65th Independence anniversary. In a national broadcast from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s  chequered history since gaining independence from Britain in 1960, acknowledging the sacrifices of its founding fathers while urging citizens to embrace hope and productivity. “This is the third time I will address you on our Independence anniversary since I assumed office. In the last 28 months, we have made difficult but necessary reforms. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” the President declared. Economic Progress Tinubu highlighted what he described as major economic gains of his administration since 2023, citing a 4.23% GDP growth in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest in four years, alongside a decline in inflation to 20.12%, the l...