Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State (RIVPA) has ushered in a new phase with the appointment of a caretaker committee to steer its affairs for the next six months, culminating in a general election. The committee comprises Ifeanyi Evans Osi as Chairman, Augustine Tanee as Secretary, and Blaise Elumezia as Member.
This leadership transition follows closely on the heels of a resplendent awards ceremony hosted by RIVPA, the preeminent body for newspaper publishers in Rivers State. The event, held on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, at the NUJ complex in Port Harcourt, served as a platform to honor distinguished members of the media and notable individuals who have championed the industry.
According to Gloria Boma Harry, the immediate past Chairman of RIVPA, the awards were a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the unwavering support that defined her tenure, which concluded on Sunday, May 11th, 2025.
The ceremony saw several prominent figures receive accolades for their significant contributions to the media landscape in Rivers State. Among the esteemed honorees were: Hon Dakuku Adol Peterside, former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), HRH Eze Engr. Morgan Nweneda Amadi, KSC, JP
Eze Oha Okporo Okwurusi Kingdom
Rivers State Government Recognized Traditional Ruler, Hon . Austin Adiele Opara, former deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku (Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education), Dr. Mrs. Evelyn Nwosu (Zonal Director, Nigeria Television Authority – NTA Port Harcourt Network Centre), Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji (Chief Executive Officer of Elshcon Nigeria Limited), Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye (Former Executive Vice President Upstream, NNPCL), Senator Magnus Abe (Chairman of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall – NAGGW), and His Royal Highness Eze Ken Nwala (Onye-Ishi Agwuru Ulakwo/Umuselem Kingdom).
The event also marked the induction of new members into the association, further strengthening the ranks of RIVPA.
Distinguished RIVPA members recognised for their outstanding achievements within the media fraternity included: Chief Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, High Chief Monday Wehere, Sir Ngo Martyns Yellowe, Chief Vincent Chuku, Chief Alpheaus Paul Worika, Mrs. Sotonye Toby Fulton, Chief Emmanuel Odungweru, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, Prince Dimkpa Alikor, Mrs. Miebaka Amakiri, Rev Canon Jerry Needam, Mr. Abraham Dukuma, Pastor Parry Benson, Dr. Iheanyi Ezinwo, Mrs. Ivy Etokapan, Mr. Ifeanyi Osi, Mr. Augustine Tanee, Mr. Blaise Elumezia, Chief Festus Emehuru and Mrs. Florence Jose Pere.
