ICMC Port Harcourt

CHARTING THE PATH FOR PEACE: ICMC PORT HARCOURT BRANCH SUCCESSFULLY HOLDS QUARTERLY GENERAL MEETING & GRAND RECEPTION FOR NEW MEMBERS.

The ICMC Port Harcourt Branch officially kicked off the 2026 calendar year with its first Quarter General Meeting on Friday, February 27th. The meeting, held at the prestigious NBA Port Harcourt Branch House, brought together distinguished mediators for a day of strategic planning, professional development, and celebration.

The meeting commenced with a prayerful start and insightful opening remarks from the Chairman Mr. Abayomi Akinwole , setting a collaborative tone for the year ahead. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to reviewing the branch’s activities and outlining an ambitious roadmap for mediation excellence in Rivers State for 2026.

CAPACITY BUILDING: "DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PARTIES"

True to the Institute’s commitment to continuous learning, the meeting featured a high-impact seminar titled "Dealing with Difficult Parties in Mediation", by Dr. Vivian Akunesiobike. Attendees engaged in practical discussions on de-escalation techniques, maintaining neutrality under pressure, and the psychology of conflict—ensuring our members remain at the cutting edge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practice.

APPOINTMENT OF THE ELECTORAL COMMITTEE (ELECO)

In a move to ensure continued democratic growth and leadership stability, the Branch officially appointed and announced the members of the Electoral Committee (ELECO) for the Branch's elections slated to hold in June 2026. We congratulate the following members on their appointment:

Rev. Dr. Nkem Osigwe – Chairman
Blankson Ampim Gogo – Secretary
Imparkabuari Marshall – Member

WELCOMING THE NEW VANGUARD

The highlight of the afternoon was the "Grand Reception" held for the mediators inducted in November 2025. It was a joyous atmosphere as the "newest" members of the ICMC family were formally welcomed into the Port Harcourt Branch fold. This celebration underscored our branch’s reputation for camaraderie and professional support.

The ICMC Port Harcourt Branch remains steadfast in its mission to promote peace and professional mediation standards within our community. We thank everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this first quarter meeting.










Signed:

Gloria Anuri Ohia, Amb. P, MCIArb (UK), FICMC
Publicity Secretary,
ICMC Port Harcourt Branch.

ICMC PORT HARCOURT HOSTS SPECIAL MEDACT ASSOCIATE TRAINING!

The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Port Harcourt Branch, is delighted to announce the resounding success of the Special MedAct ICMC Associate Training, which successfully commenced on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Port Harcourt.

This intensive training was designed to equip Associate Members with cutting-edge skills and a deeper understanding of the mediation process, further positioning them as leaders in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Here are the highlights of the transformative learning experience and why this training is essential for your professional journey:

Essential Skills for Everyone: The Benefits of Mediation Training

Mediation training offers invaluable skills that extend far beyond the mediation room, providing significant professional and personal advantages for both lawyers and non-lawyers alike:

Improved Communication and Negotiation Skills: The training hones crucial skills like active listening, reframing, and perspective-taking. These are essential for lawyers to better represent their clients' interests and for non-lawyers to manage everyday conflicts in personal, community, and business settings.

Enhanced Problem-Solving:Participants learn to move beyond rigid positions to uncover the underlying interests of disputing parties. This skill allows lawyers to craft creative, custom-made legal solutions and empowers non-lawyers to generate superior, durable resolutions in any disagreement.

Conflict Prevention and Relationship Preservation: By fostering empathy and a collaborative mindset, mediation training teaches practitioners how to deal with conflict in healthy ways that prevent escalation. This is vital for lawyers managing complex stakeholder relationships and for non-lawyers maintaining productive relationships in the workplace and family.

Cost and Time Efficiency: Understanding the principles of mediation enables professionals, whether acting as neutrals or advocates, to streamline the dispute resolution process, guiding clients toward swifter and more cost-effective solutions than traditional litigation.

The Legal Recognition of Mediation in Nigeria:

A critical segment of the training was dedicated to the legal framework supporting the practice of mediation in Nigeria. The session confirmed that the current law provides robust recognition for mediation, establishing it as a credible and effective mechanism for dispute resolution.

Specifically, the law ensures that agreements reached through the mediation process are legally recognized and capable of being enforced, giving parties the certainty and confidence required to fully embrace this ADR method. This legal backing underscores mediation’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s justice delivery system.

Core Principles of Mediation:

The sessions reinforced the fundamental concepts of ADR:

Mediation Defined: A voluntary, non-adversarial process where a third-party neutral helps parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

Role of the Mediator: To facilitate communication, promote understanding, and manage the process, without imposing any decision.

Cornerstones of Mediation: The process is governed by Voluntariness, Confidentiality, Neutrality/Impartiality, and Party Autonomy (Self-Determination).

ELEVATE YOUR CAREER: JOIN THE NEXT TRAINING!

The ICMC, Port Harcourt Branch, remains committed to promoting and upholding the highest standards of mediation practice. Given the success of this recent program and the critical skills it imparts, we strongly encourage all eligible individuals—both legal and non-legal professionals—to seek out and participate in our upcoming ADR training sessions.

Invest in your future: Gain the essential skills needed to resolve conflict, build better relationships, and lead in the growing field of Alternative Dispute Resolution!

Gloria Anuri Ohia
Publicity Secretary
ICMC Port-Harcourt

REPORT ON THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED MEDIATORS AND CONCILIATORS (ICMC) PORT HARCOURT BRANCH GENERAL MEETING.

Greetings, distinguished serving and intending Mediators

This report provides an overview of the successful General Meeting of the ICMC Port Harcourt Branch that took place on Friday, August 1, 2025

The meeting which held in the Nyesom Wike Hall of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch House, served as a crucial platform for us to come together and strengthen our professional community of peaceful dispute resolution practitioners.

At ICMC, we are more than just a professional body; we are a community dedicated to promoting peace, fostering understanding, and providing accessible justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Our collective efforts are essential in building a society where conflicts are resolved amicably, efficiently, and with respect for all parties.

The meeting proceeded as follows:
* The session began with an opening prayer, followed by the Chairman's opening remarks, which emphasized the importance of our role in the society.
* We then reviewed and adopted the minutes of our previous meeting, followed by a discussion on all matters arising.
* A highlight of the day was the official reception of our newly inducted members.

We warmly welcome these new practitioners and encourage them to actively participate in the branch's activities. Their fresh perspectives and energy will be invaluable to our mission.

The agenda also included a discussion on mediation training, a cornerstone of our professional development.

In line with our commitment to making ADR accessible to the public, we are excited to announce the upcoming ICMC Settlement Week.

The goal of this initiative is to provide free and subsidized mediation services to the public, helping to reduce the burden on our court system and offering a more peaceful path to justice.

We urge all members to enthusiastically volunteer for the Settlement Week. Beyond the rewarding experience of helping others, volunteering offers significant benefits, including:

* Gaining valuable practical experience and honing your mediation skills.
* Expanding your professional network and reputation within the legal and ADR communities.
* A deep sense of fulfillment from contributing to community peace and development.

Further details regarding the Settlement Week will be announced in due course.

We implore you all to prepare to lend your expertise and time to this noble cause.

Thank you once again for your dedication and participation. Together, we will continue to build a thriving community of peacemakers and champions of justice.

Gloria AnuriOhia , Amb.P, MCIArb(UK), FICMC
Publicity Secretary
ICMC Port Harcourt Branch
08035079504

ICMC PORT HARCOURT SPECIAL TRAINING

The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Port Harcourt Branch, is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of her intensive Special Mediation Skills Accreditation and Certification Training.

The highly anticipated program ran from June 16th to 20th, 2025, providing participants with invaluable knowledge and practical skills in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

The comprehensive course was meticulously designed to equip aspiring and current mediators with the expertise needed to navigate complex conflicts effectively. The curriculum covered a wide range of essential topics, including:

ADR Spectrum: An exploration of various alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Conflict Analysis: Techniques for understanding the root causes and dynamics of disputes.
Effective Communication: Developing crucial communication skills for facilitating productive dialogue.
Personality Types in Mediation: Understanding how different personalities impact mediation processes.
Strategic Negotiations: Mastering negotiation strategies for mutually beneficial outcomes.
Mediation Process: A detailed breakdown of the steps involved in a successful mediation.
Enforcement Procedures:Insights into the legal framework and enforcement of mediated agreements.

Beyond theoretical knowledge, the training emphasized hands-on learning and practical application. Participants actively engaged in roleplays, honing their skills in simulated mediation scenarios. The program also incorporated rigorous assessments, personalized coaching, realistic simulations, and insightful debriefing sessions to solidify understanding and provide constructive feedback. A post-course assessment further ensured that participants had grasped the core competencies.

The Port Harcourt Branch of the ICMC is committed to fostering a community of highly skilled and ethical mediators dedicated to promoting peaceful conflict resolution. This training is a testament to that commitment, empowering individuals to contribute significantly to justice and harmony within our communities.

Our next training will hold in August 2025.

Gloria Anuri Ohia Esq. Amb.P, MCIArb(UK), FICMC
Publicity Secretary ICMC Port Harcourt

ICMC PORT HARCOURT BRANCH CELEBRATES THE LAUNCH OF TWO NEW PRIVATE ADR CENTERS IN RIVERS STATE.

The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Port Harcourt Branch, proudly participated in the launch ceremony for two new private Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centers in Rivers State: Praeclarus Alternative Dispute Resolution Services and Harmony Arbitration, Mediation, and Peace Building.

The event which held on Friday, 21st February 2025 , was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the Chief Judge of Rivers State and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rivers State Multi-Door Courthouse (RSMDC), Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, DSSRS, F.DRI, who presented certificates of registration to the new centers.

Representing the ICMC Port Harcourt Branch were Chairman, Mr. Abayomi Akinwole, FICMC; Secretary, Dr. Vivian Akunesiobike, FICMC; and Publicity Secretary, Gloria Anuri Ohia, Amb.P MCIArb(UK), FICMC.

Also in attendance were ADR Judges Hon. Justice Florence Fiberesima, FICMC, MCIArb. (UK); Hon. Justice Lemea Ngbor, MICMC, MCIArb(UK), F.DRI; and Hon. Justice Okogbule Gbasam, M.DRI; along with the Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court and members of his management team.

Other notable attendees included the Director of the RSMDC, His Worship, Victor E. Nweke, M.DRI, FICMC, MCArb; Deputy Director/Registrar of the RSMDC, Chioma S. Jack, Esq., FICMC, MCIArb (UK); the RSMDC management team; and Dispute Resolution Officers of the RSMDC.

Representatives from pioneer private ADR centers registered by RSMDC , Elder Dan Eleberi, FICMC, of Intercede Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (ICAM), and Gloria Anuri Ohia, Esq., Amb.P MCIArb(UK), FICMC, of The Mediation Place (TMP), were also present.

In his Charge, the Chief Judge urged the new centers to serve as ambassadors of the RSMDC and reiterated the importance of lawyers' roles in decongesting court dockets.

In line with the National Policy on ADR, he emphasized that punitive costs would be awarded against lawyers who obstruct ADR processes.

Gloria Anuri Ohia, Amb.P MCIArb(UK), FICMC
Publicity Secretary
ICMC Port Harcourt Branch

The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Concilators (ICMC), Port Harcourt Branch kicked off her Volunteer Mediation Scheme (VMS) on Monday 29th July 2024.

Mr. Dumo Barango FICMC, Patron of ICMC Port-Harcourt, representing the branch Chairman, Mr. Abayomi Akinwole ,assured attendees that through the scheme the docket of Magistrates and Judges would drastically reduce for good.

The Director of the Rivers State Multi-door Courthouse (RSMDC), Mag. Victor Nweke FICMC, threw more light on the scheme and the matters as assigned to the different panels by the RSMDC.

After the Formal Opening and Charge by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi ,ably represented by Hon. Justice Sobere Biambo , the volunteer Mediators resumed hearing in their various panels.

The scheme which is in collaboration with the Rivers State Multi-door Courthouse has mediation sessions running from Monday 29th July 2024 to Friday 2nd August 2024 at no cost to the parties.

Reports coming in are that disputes assigned to panels are been resolved amicable via mediation, which is the essence of the VMS.

ICMC Port of branch is grateful to all volunteers of this scheme for making out their time and resources to be part of these mediation sessions pro-bono.

Gloria Anuri Ohia Amb.P MCIArb (UK) FICMC.
Public Relations Officer
ICMC Port Harcourt

The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators Port Harcourt Branch, honored one of her own; Chisom Okey-Chinda FICMC, as she launched her books on Child's Right today, 28th June 2024.

The launch was in respect of two key resources on the Rights of children in Nigeria, namely:

Compendium of Legal Instruments on Children's Rights in Nigeria
&
My Rights (A Child-Friendly Handbook)

The First Book is a robust and detailed collection of International, Regional and National Legal Instruments (including a novel State Law) on Children's Rights in Nigeria.

The Second Book is a Handbook for children on their rights and practical measures to ensuring safeguard and fulfilment.

Knowledge is power for everyone especially for Mediators; so both Mediators and the public are encouraged to read these books to manage the children and their rights better as same will ensure a balanced and more peaceful society.

Gloria Anuri Ohia Amb.P, MCIArb(UK),FICMC
P.R.O ICMC PORT HARCOURT

PRESS RELEASE

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT

The Executive of the Institute Chartered of Mediators and Concilators, Port Harcourt Branch has just been informed that due to security challenge around the Court Premises, venue of the Mediation Week, the venue will no longer be open for the event.

We therefore announce that our event stands postponed.

A new date would be communicated as soon as set with our stakeholders.

We regret any inconvenience occasioned by this turn of events.

Please stay safe.

Yours truly
Gloria Añuri Ohia Amb.P MCIArb(UK), FICMC
Publicity Secretary ICMC PH