News From Nigeria
The Alumni Association of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), will host its Award of Excellence ceremony on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at Radisson Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The theme of the event is: “The Academic Journey: From Minna through Mokwa, Ogbomoso to Lagos – Celebrating Our Excellence Together”
A statement by the Public Relations Officer and Chapter Chairman of the FUTMINNA alumni, Lagos Chapter, Engr Nasir Adesola Olayinka urged members of the public, stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-wishers to join them as they celebrate their shared journey, recognize excellence, strengthen lifelong bonds, and create new memories that will inspire future generations of FUTMINNA alumni.
“From the classrooms, laboratories, library and hostels of Minna, through the memorable experiences of Mokwa and Ogbomoso, to the endless opportunities of Lagos, the FUTMINNA story is one of growth, resilience, and achievement’’.
“As proud FUTMINNA alumni, we share a unique legacy shaped by learning, innovation, friendship, and the pursuit of excellence. Every milestone attained reflects the strong foundation lay during our academic years.”
He explained that the Award of Excellence will provide l opportunity to reunite, reconnect, and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of alumni across diverse professions and industries.
“The event will honour outstanding individuals whose dedication, leadership, and impact continue to elevate the reputation and legacy of our alma mater,” the statement added.
The 2026 Bini Riva Festival will begin in Koko, Delta State on August 8, 2026.
“Bini Riva Life is a renaissance celebration of the people, communities and traditions of the Bini river country”
Aimed at fostering unity and harmony among the people as well as steering national unity and international relations, the August festival is expected to bring communities together to celebrate the bounty of nature.
Born from the Legacy of traditions initiative, the festival, according to a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon Felix Aganbi, gathers five acts — fishing, ceremony, art, sport and feast — and lays them along three days of water.
“We move between Koko, Ogheye and Oboghoro. We open with cast-nets at sunrise and close beneath kite-light and lantern smoke”.
The statement listed Neville’s Day, Riva Golf, Riverside Race, Fishing Festival, River Games, Festival Gate, Art Competition, Seafood Market and Media Competition as key activities of the Koko, Ogheye and Oboghoro Bini Riva Festival.
“Children are welcome at all daytime events. The art competition is open for age 12 and above. The night market is best for older children and up. Fishing heats and the Oboghoro canoe races have visiting-team categories. A festival wristband grants access to all sites. Spectating from the riverbank is free; competition entries and the Koko night market are wristband-only” the statement said.
Aganbi, who is also the Chairman of Canaan land Golf Course and Country Club, announced photography, content creation and festival looks as the three categories in the media competition.
“Entries open to all credentialed creators. Photography — a single best image of the festival, Content creation, short-form video, reels and storytelling, Festival looks — styling and wearable art inspired by the river towns”.
He assured that Neville’s Day would unfold the historic Koko courtyard — the seat of Chief Nanna Olomu, whose figure presides over the opening week.
“A six-day remembrance opens the festival. Six days of civic gatherings, oral history sessions and quiet processions prepare the river towns for the festival to come”
The statement issued in Koko, headquarters of Warri North, emphasized the heritage walks each morning, oral-history circles after noon, evening processions, torch-lighting from the courtyard at sundown, Riva Golf competition and prizes.
“The Riva Golf marks the sporting opening of Bini Riva Life — a single-day stroke-play event on the Koko fairways. 18 holes, individual stroke play. Tee-off windows from 6:30 AM”.
Aganbi also announced a three-day road race tracing the Oboghoro shoreline.
‘’Open for runners of all levels — finish under the festival arch with the river at your shoulder. It is a measured course tracing the Oboghoro shoreline, looping past the festival grounds and finishing under the riverside arch, a flat, scenic, run in the cool of the morning’’.
The business magnate said hundreds of fishermen would dive into the river using the time-honored traditional methods in a spirited contest to catch the largest fish.
“Ogheye and the river Ogheye is a riverine community where fishing is both livelihood and heritage. This festival honours that tradition with live cast-net demonstrations, competitive fishing heats, and a community feast cooked fresh on the water’s edge. Open to all visitors and community members. Competitive heats have separate categories for locals and visiting teams. Spectating is free from the riverbank”.
Excited Aganbi stressed on the Oboghoro River Games.
“It is canoe racing, water challenges, and the fierce competitive spirit of the Oboghoro tradition at full intensity. Oboghoro canoe racing is centuries-old, rooted in the river communities of the Niger Delta. Teams paddle hard, crowds roar from the banks, and the current plays its part. This is the heartbeat of the Bini Riva festival. The riverbank is open to all viewers. Best vantage points fill early — arrive by 9 AM. Community food stalls line the bank throughout.
The festival incorporates other things like kite installations, live performance and night market
“Immersive kite art, cultural performance, and the vibrant energy of the river community converge. Art installations, kite displays, live music” Aganbi said.
He also announced an art competition.
“Submit your work and see it exhibited in Koko for twelve days. Canvas paintings and carved paddles inspired by the river. Open to ages 12 and over”
He further announced other unique features of this year’s Bini Riva festival.
“A line of open-fire kitchens runs along the Koko waterfront, with cooks from across the Delta preparing regional specialties throughout the day. Stalls open from 8 AM. The night market kicks in after sunset, with lanterns, drumming and informal performances until midnight” he added.
Prominent Nigerian businessman, teacher and community leader, Wilson Ebireri was on Sunday applauded for his contributions to the world of knowledge and the development of people.
“We remember a man who means a lot to us even in death. We remember again that day when death took away a great humanist”
He was also praised for his incredible sacrifices, commitment to humanistic values and zest for the good life”
The commendation came from the Ebireri Family, a highly respected family in the Niger Delta.
At a special programme in memory of the quiet-spoken, funny and intelligent man in Sapele, the notable family said Wilson Santa Ebireri’s death created a big vacuum that can never be filled.
“The void he left behind is too big to be easily filled”
Fondly known as Santa, the charismatic business magnate, banker and historian of note passed away in the early hours of Friday, July 12, 2024 at the age of 70, just five months before his 71st birthday.
The thorough-bred professional, teacher and banker, was buried on September 20, 2024 in Sapele, Delta State.
In a tribute to the late Wilson Ebireri, the family described him as a symbol of peace and a source of inspiration to many in Nigeria and abroad.
“The role the educated man of culture, good breeding and understanding played in the growth of the family is a legacy to behold”
The tribute read by prominent Nigerian journalist, educationist and political communication strategist, Henry Ovie Ebireri, described Wilson Santa Ebireri’s service to humanity as exemplary.
“Wilson Santa Ebireri was concerned about his friends and neighbors. We know that if he should come back to live again, he would continue where he left”
Born into an educated family in Sapele, Wilson Ebireri grew up in affluent surroundings and received an excellent education. Although his late father, Festus Omajemite Ebireri and mother, Mrs Veronica Ekpeerha Ebireri, wanted him to operate in the banking sector, Wilson Ebireri became interested in business.
The renowned family also honoured other late relatives with a minute of silence.
“Now that you have reached the heavenly home, salute our parents, Festus Omajemite Ebireri and Mrs Veronica Ekpeerha Ebireri. Greet our sisters, Mrs Victoria Unubreme and Florence Ufuoma Ebireri. Don’t forget to extend our greetings to Lamonde Ebireri, Oyibo Kelly Ebireri, Okpako Victor Ebireri and Tony Ebireri.
The statement emphasized Wilson Santa Ebireri’s commitment to the common good.
“We are sure his soul will rejoice in the realization that his brothers, sisters and children have not let him down”
A dialectical materialist, Wilson Santa Ebireri was remembered for his critical ideas of society.