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Gov To Talk With Traders Over Street Trading
As part of moves to clean up Port Harcourt, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says he would hold a meeting with traders at the Creek Road Market and other markets in Port Harcourt to stop them from trading on the roads.
Governor Amaechi said this yesterday at an Interdenominational Church Service, marking the 2011 Children’s Day celebration in the state, at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.
The Governor hinted that the meeting with Creek Road traders would afford him the opportunity to know why the traders prefer to sell their wares on the road rather than enter the main market, pointing out that Creek Road is a dualised road, but traders had blocked one lane with trading.
He explained that the interactive meeting with the stakeholders in the market would be part of the process to clean up Port Harcourt and restore the glorious past of the city as Nigeria’s “Garden City”.
“I will clean up the city of Port Harcourt, the city is very dirty and there is need to make a change in the system”, he said, adding, “traders of the Creek Road Market should undertake their business within the confines of the market and leave the road”.
In the same vein, the governor said other areas in Port Harcourt and its environs such as the Flyover Park, would be affected by the exercise, adding that the area constitutes an eye sore, as refuse was disposed there indiscriminately.
The State Chief Executive, remarked that any society which plans to change must purge itself of abnormal practices, arguing that non-payment of taxes was responsible for Nigerians not being able to hold government accountable, emphasising that, “if you pay your tax and the government fails to utilise the funds to provide social services, you will ask questions as a matter of right”.
In the area of electricity, the governor said, “we have assured the Federal Government that if given the right to distribute power within the state, we shall ensure 24hours power supply, noting that a committee inaugurated by government had commenced work on the process.
He used the opportunity to thank Rivers people for casting their votes for his return to office, promising not to let them down, and urged them to attend the inauguration celebration scheduled for May 29, at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia.
Earlier in a sermon at the church service, the Vicar in-charge of St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, Venerable Amavey Abbey-Kalio, commended Governor Amaechi for the priority given to the education sector as it would produce a multiplier effect in building the future manpower base of the state.
Ven. Abbey-Kalio who spoke on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Good Governance: The Impact on Children”, said children should fear God and obey those in authority, adding that those in government must lead with the fear of God and uphold the rule of law, transparency, equity and justice at all times .
In another development, Governor Chibuike Amaechi, represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the wedding ceremony between former Miss Rita Benjamin and Mr. Erefagha Turner, son of HRH King Amalatei Turner, the Chairman of Federal Inland Waterways Authority at St Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol