By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Tuesday celebrated the Head, Institute of Peace and Security Studies, Niger Delta University, Prof. Philips Okolo, on his 57th birthday anniversary.

The celebration by the Long Table , held at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Azikoro Road, Ekeki, Yenagoa, was attended by journalists, academics, friends and well-wishers from within and outside the state.

Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission, Rivers State, Hon. Dr. Johnson Alalibo, described the celebrant as a cerebral scholar who has distinguished himself in his area of specialisation.

Alalibo, who hails from Akenfa-Epie in Yenagoa Local Government Area, said his relationship with Okolo dated back to their days at the Government House and later at the Institute of African Studies, now Institute of Peace and Security Studies,Niger Delta University, Amasomma.

He said they also met again at the Department of Political Science, Niger Delta University, where Okolo now heads the Institute of Peace and Security Studies.

He said, “Prof. Philips Okolo is a very cerebral personality. He has carved a niche for himself in every area of his specialisation. Today he is marking his 57th birthday, so I came to celebrate with him. It is good to keep good legacies so that people you meet along the line will come out to celebrate with you.”

Alalibo said he was surprised at the large turnout of members of the Bayelsa NUJ in honour of his friend, noting that the gesture underscored the celebrant’s goodwill and wide acceptability.

He noted that Okolo had contributed immensely to societal development through his scholarly works, mentorship of young academics and research in peace, security and governance, particularly in the Niger Delta.

According to him, Okolo’s intellectual interventions on conflict resolution, governance and sustainable development have continued to shape public discourse and policy direction in Bayelsa and beyond.

In his response, the celebrant, Prof. Okolo, who is an active and committed member of the Long Table, thanked members of the Bayelsa NUJ, friends and well-wishers who came out to celebrate him, saying he was overwhelmed by their show of love and solidarity.

The Long Table ,a social segment of the Bayelsa state Nigerian Union of Journalists is a forum where Journalists meet to celebrate and merry with their colleagues on their birthdays and promotions and other endeavours of life.
The long Table which has come to stay has been copied by Delta,Rivers,Akwa lbom, Edo states and some Northern states of the federation.

By AbdulGaneey Akanbi

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and the Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora, OCI, Foundation International have renewed their partnership to expand breast and cervical cancer awareness to all 37 NYSC orientation camps nationwide.

The renewed commitment was announced during the retraining of NYSC officers and state campaign anchors on Monday in Abuja, where both organisations called for nationwide implementation of the “Arm Our Youths, ArOY, Anti-Cancer Health Campaign”

President of the OCI Foundation, Associate Professor Chris Ifediora, represented by Lady Frances Nkem, said the programme is designed to equip young Nigerians with knowledge for the prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancers.

She noted that the initiative, which received NYSC’s support in 2021, has grown into one of Nigeria’s largest youth-led preventive health campaigns, with 26 editions already completed across most camps.

“The campaign now reaches more than 500,000 corps members annually with life-saving cancer awareness and health education,” she said, disclosing that the programme has also expanded through community outreach, volunteer networks, social media and the CerviBreast mobile application.

The Foundation urged NYSC to support the expansion to all 37 camps and to formally establish the ArOY Health Campaign CDS group for year-round health promotion.

It also announced plans to strengthen cervical cancer screening at camps and introduce BACERS, a programme to train corps members in CPR and emergency response.

Breast and cervical cancers remain among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Health experts say early detection through screening significantly improves survival, but late diagnosis and poor access to care continue to drive preventable deaths in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Director of CDS and Special Projects at NYSC, Chief Chiwendu Chukwu, described cancer as one of the world’s biggest public health challenges and reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to combating it through education.

“This initiative will create a new generation of young advocates for cancer prevention by equipping corps members with life-saving knowledge they can share in their host communities,” he said, urging Schedule Officers to coordinate the campaign effectively and commended OCI Foundation for the partnership.

The expanded collaboration is expected to deepen cancer awareness among hundreds of thousands of corps members annually, enabling them to serve as advocates for prevention, early diagnosis and healthier communities across Nigeria.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The School of Postgraduate Studies Auditorium, Federal University Otuoke (FUO), was filled to capacity on Friday, July 17, 2026, as students, staff, management, alumni, distinguished academics, medical professionals, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the sterling leadership, academic excellence, and enduring legacy of the immediate past 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Teddy Charles Adias, at the Second Edition of the Professor Teddy Charles Adias Annual Public Lecture and Birthday Celebration.

Organised by the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, the event underscored the Faculty’s commitment to immortalising a leader whose visionary administration laid a strong foundation for academic growth, institutional excellence, and the development of the Faculty.

The event was chaired by Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), who was ably represented.

The Chairman’s representative commended the University and Faculty for institutionalising an annual lecture in honour of Professor Adias, describing the initiative as a noble tradition that celebrates visionary leadership while promoting intellectual discourse.

He noted that Professor Adias’ remarkable contributions to higher education and human capital development have earned him a permanent place in the history of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta and the nation at large.

The highlight of the occasion was a thought-provoking public lecture delivered by the Guest Lecturer, Dr James Omietimi, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on the theme:

“Beyond the Bench: Medical Laboratory Scientists as Key Players in Nigeria’s Fight Against Preventable Deaths.”

Dr. Omietinmi stressed that Medical Laboratory Scientists are indispensable partners in modern healthcare delivery, emphasizing that accurate laboratory diagnosis remains the bedrock of effective treatment, disease surveillance, and preventive healthcare.

He observed that many avoidable deaths in Nigeria result from delayed or inaccurate diagnosis, inadequate laboratory infrastructure, and the underutilisation of Medical Laboratory Scientists in healthcare policy and decision-making.

According to him:

“strengthening laboratory services, investing in modern diagnostic technologies, continuous professional training, and integrating Medical Laboratory Scientists into national health planning would significantly reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes across the country.”

He challenged governments, healthcare institutions, and development partners to accord laboratory medicine the priority it deserves in achieving universal health coverage.

Host of the event, Professor Eni-yimini Solomon Agoro, who doubles as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, described Professor Teddy Charles Adias as an exceptional administrator, accomplished scholar, and compassionate mentor whose visionary leadership contributed immensely to the establishment and rapid growth of the Faculty.

Prof..Agoro explained that the annual lecture and birthday celebration were conceived not merely to honour the celebrant but to sustain his ideals of excellence, innovation, discipline, and service to humanity.

The Chief Host, and Fourth Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Prof. Promise Nebine, lauded his predecessor, Professor Adias for his unwavering support for the Varsity, College and the Faculty during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

He stated that the remarkable achievements recorded by the Faculty today are directly linked to the enabling environment created under Professor Adias’ administration, adding that the annual lecture would continue to inspire future generations of scholars and professionals as the new College of Medical Sciences was named after him to honour his legacies not just in FUO, but in the Medical profession at large.

The atmosphere became even more emotional as Professor Teddy Charles Adias arrived with his wife, Dame Lolo Charles Adias, to a resounding standing ovation from the audience. Visibly overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown by the University community, Dame Lolo Charles Adias was almost lost for words as she witnessed the outpouring of love, heartfelt tributes, and goodwill messages in honour of her husband.

One after another, distinguished guests, senior academics, professional colleagues, former associates, students, and protégés extolled Professor Adias’ virtues, describing him as a transformational leader, bridge-builder, institution builder, and mentor whose legacy continues to inspire excellence across the University community.

They praised his humility, accessibility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to academic development and staff welfare.

In his response, Professor Teddy Charles Adias expressed profound gratitude to the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, the Dean, the University management, staff, students, and all guests for the remarkable honour bestowed upon him.

The celebrant described the recognition as deeply humbling and encouraged members of the University community to remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence, innovation, scholarship, and selfless service.

He urged Medical Laboratory Scientists to continue advancing the profession through research, professionalism, and ethical practice for the benefit of society.

The celebration reached its climax with the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of goodwill messages and commemorative gifts, cultural entertainment, musical performances, and a sumptuous reception attended by guests from within and outside the University community.

The successful hosting of the Second Edition of the Professor Teddy Charles Adias Annual Public Lecture and Birthday Celebration further reaffirmed the enduring impact of Professor Adias’ leadership and the determination of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science to preserve his legacy as a symbol of visionary leadership, academic excellence, and service to humanity.