The South-South Zone of the Women in Colleges of Education (WICE) held her 5th Biennial Conference/Workshop with the theme: "Education for Self-reliance and Nation Building" at the Arts Theatre Complex, Main Campus, Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education (IJBCOE), Sagbama, Bayelsa State on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024.

The conference was chaired by Hon. Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba, member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, with Hon. Justice Matilda Ayemieye, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Provost of the College, Dr. Ebitimi Peter Berezi, delivered the Keynote Address titled "Education for Self-reliance and Nation Building in Nigeria", while Dr. (Mrs.) Iniye Irene Wodi of the Department of Educational Foundations, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, presented the lead paper: "Teacher Education: An Imperative for Self-reliance and Nation Building."

Highlights of the event included award presentations to deserving awardees, paper presentations, goodwill messages, and a cultural display.

Members of the Management Team of IJBCOE were present, including Dr. Ebitimi Peter Berezi (Provost), Dr. Ebimobowel Appah (Deputy Provost), Mr. Ekperi Ronald Kalama (Registrar), Ms. Izonebi Joyce Tekerebo (Bursar), Mr. John Enarusai (Ag. Chief Security Officer), and Mrs. Nkiruka Ochuba, who represented the National President of WICE, Prof. Theresa O. Okoli.

The WICE South-South Zonal Exco was led by the South-South Zonal Coordinator, Dr. (Mrs.) Magdalene B. Bisong, alongside Dr. (Mrs.) Mary C. Opara (Secretary), Mrs. Gloria Izato (Treasurer), Mrs. Faith Lori (Auditor), and Mrs. Otobo Pererau (PRO and Chairperson, WICE, IJBCOE Chapter).

The gathering was further graced by His Royal Majesty, Moses Ojo Magbisa, Agbedi Ezu II, Sukereowei of Kumbowei Kingdom, Sagbama, and his Council of Chiefs; the newly elected Chairman of Sagbama Local Government, Hon. Alice Allen Tangi, and her Vice, Barr. Tobi Sueade Jefferson; and members of WICE cutting across Colleges of Education in the South-South Zone.

The two-day programme continued with a Workshop paper presented by Dr. Guagua Micky Berezi, pioneer Registrar of Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, followed by plenary sessions and other activities.