By Omeiza Ajayi

Politician and filmmaker, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, has been appointed Chairman of the 6-member Board of Trustees BoT of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni.

Princewill, a longtime supporter of the alumni association is joined on the board by Dr Patterson Ogon, Hon. Anayo E. Nwonu, Mr Samson Akpibere, Mr Austin Okeze, and Ms Chiadikobi Emmanuella-King.

In his keynote address, National President of the Alumni Association and former Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, described the inauguration as a defining moment in the association’s evolution.

He said the newly inaugurated Board will be in office for a single term of four years, from 2025–2029.

The event, attended by members of the National Executive Committee, Chapter Presidents, and distinguished alumni from across the globe, was described as historic by stakeholders, as the Association continues its drive to reposition itself as a force for societal impact and institutional advancement.

Some notable alumni of the institution include former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and suspended Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Nwokocha said; “Today, we constitute a Board that will serve as the moral compass, legal backbone, and strategic guardian of our Association’s long-term vision.

“We will look to you for wise counsel, critical review, and strategic alignment as we embark on our vision to Reconnect, Reinvest, and Reposition the Uniport Alumni Association,” he said.

Senator Nwokocha praised the individual and collective credentials of the Board members, stating that their ratification by Congress is a reflection of the immense trust and credibility they command within the alumni community.

The President also unveiled four flagship projects set to drive the association’s developmental agenda in the years ahead. They are “A High Flyer Scheme and Premium Hostel to promote academic excellence; The establishment of a Library, Museum and Alumni Hall of Fame; A functional Agric Hub for food production and entrepreneurship; and, an Alumni Bakery and Bottled Water Plant to promote social enterprise and sustainability”.

Responding on behalf of the Board, the Chairman, Prince Tonye Princewill, expressed deep humility and a strong sense of responsibility in accepting the appointment.

“We are here not to preside, but to serve; to serve as stewards of integrity, guardians of trust, and partners in the progressive transformation of this association,” said Princewill.

He emphasized the Board’s commitment to working in close partnership with the National Executive Committee to ensure alignment, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of the association’s strategic goals.

“Beyond the letters of the constitution lies a deeper obligation: to lead with compassion, to act with integrity, and to ensure that every decision we take strengthens the foundation of this association for future generations,” he added.

The inauguration ceremony closed with a renewed call for unity, excellence and collective purpose among all alumni, as the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association embarks on what many described as a new era of relevance and impact.