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By Amos Odhe
The Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Tuesday celebrated the Head, Institute of Peace and Security Studies, Niger Delta University, Prof. Philips Okolo, on his 57th birthday anniversary.
The celebration by the Long Table , held at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Azikoro Road, Ekeki, Yenagoa, was attended by journalists, academics, friends and well-wishers from within and outside the state.
Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission, Rivers State, Hon. Dr. Johnson Alalibo, described the celebrant as a cerebral scholar who has distinguished himself in his area of specialisation.
Alalibo, who hails from Akenfa-Epie in Yenagoa Local Government Area, said his relationship with Okolo dated back to their days at the Government House and later at the Institute of African Studies, now Institute of Peace and Security Studies,Niger Delta University, Amasomma.
He said they also met again at the Department of Political Science, Niger Delta University, where Okolo now heads the Institute of Peace and Security Studies.
He said, “Prof. Philips Okolo is a very cerebral personality. He has carved a niche for himself in every area of his specialisation. Today he is marking his 57th birthday, so I came to celebrate with him. It is good to keep good legacies so that people you meet along the line will come out to celebrate with you.”
Alalibo said he was surprised at the large turnout of members of the Bayelsa NUJ in honour of his friend, noting that the gesture underscored the celebrant’s goodwill and wide acceptability.
He noted that Okolo had contributed immensely to societal development through his scholarly works, mentorship of young academics and research in peace, security and governance, particularly in the Niger Delta.
According to him, Okolo’s intellectual interventions on conflict resolution, governance and sustainable development have continued to shape public discourse and policy direction in Bayelsa and beyond.
In his response, the celebrant, Prof. Okolo, who is an active and committed member of the Long Table, thanked members of the Bayelsa NUJ, friends and well-wishers who came out to celebrate him, saying he was overwhelmed by their show of love and solidarity.
The Long Table ,a social segment of the Bayelsa state Nigerian Union of Journalists is a forum where Journalists meet to celebrate and merry with their colleagues on their birthdays and promotions and other endeavours of life.
The long Table which has come to stay has been copied by Delta,Rivers,Akwa lbom, Edo states and some Northern states of the federation.
