In a bold move that's already buzzing across Rivers State, the newly established Centre for Politics at the University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) has launched its inaugural public engagement with the First International Conference on Advancing Politics and Governance for Sustainable Development. Modeled after the prestigious Centre for Politics at the University of Virginia, this groundbreaking event—held on October 22, 2025, in Port Harcourt—drew politicians, scholars, students, and global experts to dissect the thorny issues of political leadership and governance in Africa.
As Nigeria grapples with electoral apathy, resource conflicts, and calls for reform, UniPort's initiative positions Port Harcourt as a vital hub for intellectual discourse on sustainable development. With participants hailing from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the UAE, the US, Canada, and Australia, the conference wasn't just talk—it was a clarion call for actionable change in the Niger Delta and beyond.
The Historic Launch: A Conference That Packed a Punch
The Centre for Politics, approved earlier in 2024 as part of UniPort's push for policy innovation and good governance, wasted no time in making waves. The two-day summit, themed around politics, resource governance, and sustainable development, fostered raw, unfiltered exchanges. Attendees brainstormed solutions to Africa's pressing challenges, from electoral fraud to climate-resilient policies, in breakout sessions that blended academic rigor with real-world grit.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State set the tone with a fiery keynote, pinning Nigeria's dismal voter turnout on "manipulation and fraud by desperate politicians." He urged intellectuals and leaders to reclaim democracy, warning that "true prosperity demands participatory governance." The room crackled with energy as scholars like Prof. Fidelis Allen, the Centre's visionary Director, steered discussions toward practical reforms—echoing the Centre's mission to bridge the gap between theory and policy.
This wasn't your average academic gathering; it was a melting pot of ideas, with students grilling politicians on accountability and experts unpacking the oil politics that define Rivers State's economy. Early feedback? Attendees left inspired, armed with networks and strategies to drive change back home.
Spotlight on Excellence: Commendations and Standout Moments
UniPort's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, stole the show with his glowing praise for Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. In a session on "The Legislature and Sustainable Development," Amaewhule delivered a masterclass on legislative oversight, weaving in Rivers State's strides in infrastructure and youth empowerment under Governor Siminalayi Fubara's administration.
Prof. Georgewill, a pharmacologist-turned-educational powerhouse and UniPort's 9th Vice Chancellor since 2021, hailed Amaewhule's insights as "brilliant and forward-thinking," underscoring how such collaborations elevate Rivers State's role in national discourse. The Speaker's talk highlighted legislative tools for green energy transitions and anti-corruption measures—timely topics for a state synonymous with oil wealth and environmental activism.
No less impressive was Prof. Fidelis Allen, whose leadership shone through. A Professor of Development Studies in UniPort's Department of Political and Administrative Studies, Allen brings decades of expertise in natural resource conflicts, environmental politics, and social movements. Previously directing the Centre for Conflict and Gender Studies, he orchestrated the event with finesse, ensuring every voice—from student debaters to international delegates—counted. His vision? A UniPort centre that's not just a think tank, but a catalyst for governance reform across the Niger Delta.
Why This Matters for Port Harcourt and Rivers State
In a region where politics often intersects with oil spills, militancy, and youth unrest, the Centre for Politics arrives like a breath of fresh air. Port Harcourt, as Rivers State's pulsating heart, hosts this innovation at a pivotal time: UniPort's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 amplify its global spotlight, while state initiatives like stadium reconstructions and bursary schemes signal a renaissance.
The conference's ripple effects? Expect policy papers influencing Rivers Assembly bills, student-led advocacy groups tackling voter education, and partnerships with bodies like the African Union on resource governance. For locals, it's a reminder that enlightenment starts at home—fostering self-reliance in a state rich in potential but plagued by inequities. As Prof. Allen puts it, this space where "politicians and scholars collide" could redefine how Rivers State navigates its future.
Broader still, it aligns with Nigeria's democratic deepening, countering apathy with intellectual firepower. Imagine: A Port Harcourt where governance debates spill from lecture halls to state house, driving sustainable jobs in green tech and beyond.
Conclusion: The First Step Toward a Brighter Political Horizon
UniPort's Centre for Politics has taken its "impressive first step," but the real journey begins now. With stellar leadership from Profs. Georgewill and Allen, and insights from figures like Rt. Hon. Amaewhule and Gov. Otti, this conference proves Port Harcourt is primed to lead Africa's governance revolution. As the Centre's vision materializes—a dynamic forum for ideas that interrogate and innovate—Rivers State edges closer to the transparent, inclusive democracy we all crave.
Stay locked into Port Harcourt Blog for exclusive follow-ups on the conference's outcomes, upcoming UniPort events, and Rivers State breakthroughs. What's your take—could this be the blueprint Nigeria needs? Drop a comment below!
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