The Honourable Member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, has expressed deep appreciation to the leadership and members of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) Graduates Forum, Bayelsa State, for the honour of hosting their 2025 end-of-year get-together on Saturday.
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The well-attended event, which held in Yenagoa at the residence of Dr. Solomon Ebiladei Apreala, brought together prominent alumni, political leaders, professionals and stakeholders of the RSUST community, reaffirming bonds of fellowship, shared heritage and collective responsibility.
Welcoming members as host, Hon. Ambaiowei described the opportunity as both humbling and symbolic, recounting how the hosting duty came to him through his long-time friend and colleague, Chief Osavie Ogiri.
“I wasn’t even contacted directly. My bosom friend, Chief Osavie Ogiri, informed me that I was going to host the 2025 RSUST Graduates Forum in Bayelsa. I told him, whatever you say, I will do. Osavie is my loin; he is my brother,” Ambaiowei said.
He praised Ogiri’s commitment and selflessness, noting that despite heavy rainfall during the event, his friend was seen personally serving guests.
“When the rain was heavy, you could see Osavie in the rain serving people while I was seated. That tells you the kind of friend he is. If I were to ask God for a friend, I would be glad to have Osavie,” he added.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the support of his elder brother, Ambaiowei Abaye Ambaiowei, members of the planning committee led by W. W. Whyte, and paid glowing tribute to his wife, Mrs. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, describing her as a source of divine favour and strength.
In a rousing charge to members of the Graduates Forum, Hon. Ambaiowei called for unity, collective resolve and strategic action, urging alumni to seize what he described as a defining moment.
“This is our time. If we don’t come together and take this time, we should not complain to the younger ones later. We must come together and possess what belongs to us in this state,” he declared.
Drawing from biblical and contemporary political references, he added:
“The Bible says the kingdom of God suffereth violence, and the violent taketh it by force. We have to take it. By the grace of God, we will take it and remain humble.”
He concluded with prayers for the Forum and optimism that future hosts would surpass his efforts, hinting at greater engagements ahead.
In his goodwill message, Chief (Dr.) James Erekere Neminebor, immediate past President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and a pioneering RSUST alumnus, reflected on his long journey with the university and alumni movement.
“I was a pioneer student of RSUST from 1980 to 1984, and one of the founding fathers of the Alumni Association in Bayelsa State in 2001. The Alumni, ANAN and Rotary all brought me to Yenagoa, and in all, I led them to the top,” Neminebor said.
He urged synergy between the Graduates Forum and the RSUST Alumni Association, stressing that unity remains a critical asset.
“What some people see as splinter groups can become formidable assets if properly co-opted and engaged. Work together, and you will be stronger,” he advised.
Chief Neminebor also gave a historical insight into the symbolic “Whale” identity of RSUST alumni, describing it as a symbol of strength, regeneration and legacy.
Former Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Property Development Board, Rt. Hon. Tonye Emmanuel Isena, described the gathering as a reflection of love, unity and shared purpose.
“It’s not because we don’t have food at home, but because coming together portrays love, unity and togetherness,” he said.
Isena challenged members to move beyond social gatherings and deploy their collective capacity to uplift one another.
“We have capable hands here. We should go beyond wine and dine and begin to help ourselves grow. As they say, we rise by lifting others,” he noted.
The National President of the RSUST Alumni Association, Dr. (Mrs.) Perekebina Berezi, electrified the gathering with the traditional alumni chant, “Great Whales! Great Whales!!” before leading members to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the late Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, whom she described as a “distinguished Great Whale.”
She called for mentorship, gratitude, and legacy-driven leadership, while commending Hon. Ambaiowei for his behind-the-scenes contributions to strengthening the alumni body.
“For the first time, you have a female National President, and from Bayelsa State. Charity begins from home. I challenge this forum to initiate a physical project in the university that will clearly show Bayelsa State’s contribution,” she said.
Dr. Berezi also emphasized collaboration between the Bayelsa State Alumni Association and the Graduates Forum, noting that unity had replaced past divisions.
“We are one people. If you see people doing well, you join them. Together, we can do better and leave a lasting legacy,” she added.
The event ended on a note of renewed commitment, prayers and goodwill, with participants expressing optimism that the RSUST Graduates Forum would continue to serve as a platform for unity, leadership development and meaningful contribution to both the university and society at large.
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