The pen fraternity, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), have continued to pour eulogies on one of their own, Dr Alphaeus Omieibi Paul-Worika, who was installed as the Chief and Head of the Worika War Canoe House of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.    

Celestine Ogolo, a former General Manager of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (RSNC) and currently a Director in the State Ministry of Information and Communication, Opaka Dokubo; National Secretary, Zone F of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Stanley Job, Chairman of NUJ, Rivers State Council, among others, poured encomiums on Chief Paul-Worika, PhD for bringing glory to the pen profession through his exemplary feats in Media Practice and his recent elevation as the traditional head of the Worika Family.

Chief Alphaeus Omieibi Paul-Worika, PhD, who is regarded as “a man of means, an erudite administrator, academician, veteran journalist, and renown media practitioner”, was a former legislative aide to the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District; former Editor at the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of Tide Newspapers; Ex-Officio of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council; Publisher of Vortex Newspapers; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reasonspirobal Ltd; and currently, the Rivers State Commissioner in the Public Complaints Commission (PCC).

As he steps into the shoes of his fathers to lead the Worika War Canoe House, Chief Alphaeus Omieibi Paul-Worika also becomes a member of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs where expectations are high that his panache and wealth of experience would be brought to bear.

Mr. Ogolo, who described the admission of Chief (Dr) Paul-Worika into the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs as well deserved, further described the media luminary turned traditional ruler as “a pace setter, peace maker, philanthropist and community builder, who despite all odds is always ready to give his best to his people as well as whoever comes his way,” adding that “you can see the line-up of chiefs with showering him with praises and offering advice on his journey into the new position”.

Also speaking, the National Secretary, Zone F of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ); Opaka Dokubo, stated that the installation is an indication that Dr Alphaeus Paul-Worika is at peace with his people, adding that his numerous contributions to the growth and development of his people is the reason for this new responsibility of leadership.

Mr. Dokubo emphasized the need for people to be good while on earth, noting that the good legacy he has displayed towards his people have made it easy and possible for him to be installed as one of the respected chiefs in Ogu Town, stressing the need for people to leave legacies that they would be remembered even while they are still alive.

On his part, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Stanley Job Stanley described the installation as one of its kind in the history of his tenure, noting that Dr Alphaeus Paul-Worika is a retired Civil Servant, yet one of the best veterans, who is still practicing the journalism profession with diligence.

He commended the new chief for his show of love for the journalism profession through the up and running newspaper, The Vortex, adding that not all practicing journalists are able to maintain such vigour after retirement.

In his remarks, the celebrant, Chief Alphaeus Omieibi Paul-Worika, PhD admonished all to give their best wherever and in whatever condition they find themselves, saying that the way to greatness is to be at peace with your conscience, humanity and God, urging them to “give of your best sincerely in service to humanity and your reward will be unimaginable”.