The Rivers State Ministry of Education convened the 1st Rivers Frontier Book Review Challenge 2026 in Port Harcourt. In attendance were the Ministry’s officials, educational administrators, students and teachers of history, as well as literary enthusiasts.
The PHALGA Zonal Director, Ministry of Education Dr. E. Kaldick-Jamabo welcomed participants to an exceptional educational and literary event designed to inspire excellence and life success.
The Permanent Secretary Dr. Mrs Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu who was represented by Dr. Alyce Ibierebo Grant Altraide in her goodwill message, encouraged the study of history and assured on the objectives of the programme.
A highlight of the event was Professor T. Ogan’s review of the book, The Rivers Frontier, History of the Niger Delta written by Mrs Titi Horsfall.
The author in her mentorship talk, laid the context for the study of the history of the Niger Delta. According to her, long before pipelines crossed the creeks, before natural gas was discovered, and before tankers carried wealth across distant oceans, there was already a civilization – ancient, intricate, and resilient.
She emphasized that the Niger Delta is not merely a geography. It is a living memory: a vast conversation between land and water, between mangrove and tide. It is one of the largest wetlands in the world, where rivers do not merely flow – they gather people and communities into networks of trade, culture, and commerce.
Why study the history of the Niger Delta?
By studying history, people gain a deeper understanding of the world they live in.
• Rather than simply memorizing facts, history students learn to examine historical artefacts, evaluate different perspectives, and draw informed conclusions. These skills are valuable not only in academic settings but also in everyday life.
• The study of history also fosters a sense of identity and belonging. It enables people to understand their cultural heritage, and national development.
• History teaches important lessons about leadership, governance, and social change. It helps us understand the past, interpret the present, and prepare thoughtfully for the future, particularly in relation to the development of the Niger Delta.
Horsfall thanked the Rivers State Ministry of Education for the session, their insight and drive for excellence. She equally thanked Prof. Ogan for his thirteen-page chapter by chapter review of the book.
The 1st Rivers Frontier Book Review Challenge based on the book, The Rivers Frontier, History of the Niger Delta by TitiHorsfall, is envisioned as a transformative academic platform aimed at rekindling the culture of reading, critical thinking, communication excellence, creativity, leadership consciousness, and moral development among secondary school students.
According to Dr. E. Kaldick-Jamabo, PHALGA Zonal Director of the Rivers State Ministry of Education, “At a time when educational advancement and intellectual engagement are critical to nation-building, this initiative seeks to reposition reading culture as a major tool for academic excellence and societal transformation.”
With the theme, ‘Building Future Leaders Through Reading Excellence and Historical Consciousness,’ the challenge brought together brilliant young minds from public and private secondary schools to participate in a structured book review competition, literary presentations, public-speaking sessions, panel discussions, leadership interactions, and educational mentorship.
The author of The Rivers Frontier, History of the Niger Delta, Mrs. Titi Horsfall delivered a mentorship talk to the students. She called for reorientation in the way history is perceived, urging participants to view history as a continuum that intricately weaves the past into the present and inevitably shapes the future. She also highlighted the vast opportunities within the Niger Delta’s Blue Economy.
According to Horsfall, “The Niger Delta possesses enormous potential in fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, shipbuilding, tourism, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology Sustainable investment in these sectors can create employment, particularly for young people.”
In a thirteen-page, chapter-by-chapter review of the book, Professor Tamunosiki V. Ogan of the Department of Philosophy, University of Port Harcourt, emphasized the role and significance of history in the Niger Delta and called for an exploration of emerging perspectives, noting that no single viewpoint holds a monopoly on absolute truth.
He envisioned a future founded on reclaimed identity, where a renewed sense of belonging serves as a guiding torch towards unity, dignity, and sustainable development.
In his concluding remarks, he commended the author for her contribution, stating:
“To the author, Titi Horsfall, I can only address you in Joseph French Johnson’s words: ‘The man (woman) who works for the gold in the job rather than for the money in the envelope is the fellow who gets on.’ Today is your day because you have worked for the gold in the job.”
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, represented by Dr. Alyce Ibierebo Grant Altraide delivered a goodwill message that encouraged the students and teachers of the participating schools to embrace the lessons and values promoted through the 1st Rivers Frontier Book Review Challenge.
She reiterated the objectives of the programme, appreciated the author for her contribution through ‘The Rivers Frontier,’ and commended the organisers for successfully hosting the event.
Students from the participating schools explored their knowledge of history and interacted with a view towards purposeful learning, innovation, discipline, future leadership, and success in life.
#history #nigerdelta #titihorsfall #schoolbooks