Cardinal Jacob Ebipre Alari Theological University Holds 5th Educational Summit, Honours 11 with Doctor of Philosophy Degrees
The Cardinal Jacob Ebipre Alari Theological University, Baltimore, State of Maryland, USA, has held its 5th Annual Educational Summit and Honorary Award Presentation Ceremony in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with the theme “Security, Artificial Intelligence and Crime Fighting in Nigeria: The Bayelsa Blueprint.”
The event, which took place at the Dr. Boladei Igali Conference Hall, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Federal Secretariat, drew an impressive audience comprising top government officials, academics, security experts, and community leaders.
Chaired by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs and King of Kerebiri Mein Kingdom, King G.T. Oporomo, the summit featured the presentation of honorary doctorate degrees to eleven distinguished personalities recognized for their outstanding service to humanity and contributions to development.
Those honoured were:
1. Nengibo Money Man Eniya – Doctor of Conflict Resolution
2. Bishop Charles Bruce – Doctor of Divinity
3. Agiobu Azibaoledia Benson – Doctor of Security and Strategy
4. Adebayo Bamidele Folorunsho – Doctor of Security Risk Management
5. Adedapo Besty Adenike – Doctor of Epidemiology and Community Health
6. Okuboarere Favour – Doctor of Security Intelligence
7. Bishop Mabel Alison – Doctor of Divinity
8. Godwin Adokeme – Doctor of Public Administration
9. Asamowei Ebisindor Pearl – Doctor of Education
10. Kari Augustine Ajibola – Doctor of Marine Engineering
11. Dogite Lucky Ebiteinye – Doctor of Healthcare Administration
The event also featured the presentation of Master’s Degree Certificates to nine graduates in Engineering, Criminology, and Health Information Management under the university’s abridged 2025 academic programme.
In his keynote address, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16 (covering Rivers and Bayelsa States), represented by ACP Festus Ojiako, underscored the growing relevance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern security management. He highlighted that AI-driven technologies could improve intelligence gathering, surveillance, and predictive policing, while stressing the enduring importance of community policing in addressing local security challenges such as cultism, kidnapping, piracy, and land disputes.
The Chairman of the occasion, King G.T. Oporomo, commended the university’s initiative, describing the summit as a platform for promoting intellectual growth and community development. He praised the Prosperity Administration of Governor Douye Diri for creating a peaceful and enabling environment that supports innovation, education, and security collaboration.
Delivering a goodwill message, Associate Professor James Neminebor, FCNA, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), urged citizens to play active roles in community security by providing credible intelligence to law enforcement agencies. He lauded the synergy between security operatives and the state government, describing it as a model for other states in the Niger Delta region.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Founder and Chancellor of the University, Cardinal Prof. Jacob Ebipre Alari, PhD, stated that the annual summit was established to explore the interconnection between technology, security, and community participation in governance, with Bayelsa serving as a model for studying grassroots peacebuilding.
He emphasized that “security is the foundation of sustainable development and social transformation,” adding that the selection of honourees was based on their “proven records of service, innovation, and integrity.”
The Chancellor further disclosed that graduates from the institution have been admitted into other international universities for advanced degrees, reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering global academic excellence and value-driven education.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Rear Admiral Godwil Ombu (rtd.), Brigadier General Eric Angaye (rtd.), Dr. Inebaraton Preye, Secretary of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture, and representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.
The colourful ceremony ended with group photographs, musical renditions, and expressions of gratitude from the honourees, who pledged to continue contributing to national development and the promotion of peace and security across Nigeria.
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