Anayo Nwonu, BOT Member; Mr. Austin Okeze BOT Member; Ms. Phil Okoroafor, Secretary General UNIPORT Alumni Association; Senator Darlington Nwokocha, National President UNIPORT Alumni Association; Prince Tonye. Source: Nwaorgu Faustinus.
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association has inaugurated a new Board of Trustees (BOT) for the 2025–2029 term, signaling what stakeholders describe as a transformative chapter in the Association’s history.
At a high-profile ceremony held Friday and attended by National Executive Council members, Chapter Presidents, and distinguished alumni from around the world, National President Senator Darlington Nwokocha hailed the moment as a milestone in repositioning the Association for greater institutional and societal impact.
“Today, we constitute a Board that will serve as the moral compass, legal backbone, and strategic guardian of our Association’s long-term vision,” said Nwokocha, a former Minority Whip in the Nigerian Senate.
The newly constituted BOT is chaired by renowned politician and businessman Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill. Other members include Dr. Patterson Ogon, Hon. Anayo E. Nwonu, Mr. Samson Akpibere, Mr. Austin Okeze, and Ms. Chiadikobi Emmanuella-King.
Their ratification by Congress, Nwokocha noted, reflects the exceptional trust and respect they enjoy within the alumni community.
“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 added.
Nwokocha also unveiled four flagship projects designed to drive the Association’s development agenda: a High Flyer Scheme and Premium Hostel for academic excellence; a Library, Museum, and Alumni Hall of Fame; an Agric Hub to foster food production and entrepreneurship; and an Alumni Bakery and Bottled Water Plant to promote social enterprise and sustainability.
In his acceptance speech, BOT Chairman Princewill pledged to lead with integrity and purpose.
“We are not here to preside, but to serve— as stewards of integrity, guardians of trust, and partners in transformation,” he said. “Beyond the letters of the constitution lies a deeper obligation: to lead with compassion and ensure every decision we make strengthens this Association for future generations.”
He pledged full cooperation with the National Executive Committee to ensure transparency and accountability.
The inauguration concluded with a renewed call for unity and excellence among alumni, with many describing the event as the beginning of a new era for the association.
Prominent alumni of the University of Port Harcourt include former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike, and current Governors Siminalayi Fubara and Alex Otti.
Members of the new Board will serve a single four-year term.
