The 2025 State Press Meeting of the Rivers State Union of Secondary School Press Club (RSUSSPC) was defined by powerful mentorship, with past presidents delivering resonant messages that underscored the Union’s legacy and future direction, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital.
The meeting reached a compelling crescendo when Life Patron and former Miss Press, Comrade Gloria Boma Harry delivered a passionate and historic address, firmly challenging the young journalists to embrace the Union’s radical roots.
Her speech was a powerful reminder that the Press Club’s mandate extends beyond reporting; it is a call to arms for courageous activism and moral excellence.
Comrade Harry, the Union’s first Miss Press, a crown she won in 1991 as the most beautiful student in secondary schools in Rivers State, sponsored the event’s certificates and used her platform to revisit the RSUSSPC’s founding in August 1989. She recounted the Union’s original purpose: to groom disciplined leaders and to be an uncompromising advocate for better education.
In a thrilling highlight of her address, she narrated the moments when the Union boldly “took a stand on issues affecting public schools” during the administrations of Dr. Peter Odili and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
Comrade Harry stressed that the ultimate purpose of the Press Club is to: “Speak when things go wrong and command change through courage and truth.”
She cautioned the younger generation against succumbing to materialism, urging them to stay focused on education and moral excellence. Her message was clear and resounding: “True beauty lies in intellect and discipline.”
Comrade Harry’s presence and historical account provided the meeting with a profound sense of legacy, inspiring the members of Press Club to understand that their roles are not merely administrative, but vital to the state’s civic health, by setting good standards worthy of emulation by their peers.
Former State President Comrade Gospel (27th Administration) reflected on his own leadership journey, emphasising the timeless principles of service and positive influence: “Leadership is service, not position, and that it is the ability to influence others positively, even when no one is watching.”
on his part, Former President Comrade Victor (23rd Administration) offered practical, non-negotiable advice for the aspiring journalists, stressing discipline and preparedness: He emphasized discipline, teamwork, and focus as vital tools for leadership. He advised students to cultivate the habit of communication, research, and creative writing, reminding them that “the future belongs to those who prepare their minds to speak the truth with courage.”
In her opening address, the current State President, Comrade Success Nwadike (36th Administration), framed the gathering as a commitment to professional ideals: “Today, we assemble as a community of young minds passionate about the power of the press and the art of storytelling. As we converge in the spirit of journalism, we celebrate truth, service, and the relentless quest for excellence.”
The collective wisdom shared by these leaders reaffirmed the RSUSSPC’s role as a crucible for disciplined, ethically-driven, and courageous future leaders in Nigerian journalism.
The meeting which held at the NUJ Press Centre at Moscow road, also featured interactive sessions, including a lively Question and Answer segment handled by one of the comrades, where academic and general knowledge questions were asked and answered brilliantly by participants. Certificates and awards were presented to schools for outstanding performances: Glorious Manifestation received the award for Most Well-Behaved School, Christ the King for Punctual School, Besona International School for Team Spirit, Randolph for Well-Behaved Student, and Gruen International High School for Best Press Presentation.
