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FG Urges Collaboraion In Border Communities’ Dev …As Senate Alerts On Insecurity
Vice President Namadi Sambo, has called for more collaboration between the Federal, States and Local Government Areas to ensure rapid development of the border communities.
Sambo made the call last Saturday in a special meeting with members of the Senate Committee on Border Communities in Abuja.
He stated that forming synergy with the 21 border communities would address the challenges of providing social amenities to the affected communities.
He advocated for a scientific plan of action by the three tiers of governments to address the inadequate social amenities in these communities.
“In the last meeting, we have discussed the issue of providing the border communities with social amenities like power, schools, water and others.
“I have directed that since these communities belong to states and local governments, the National Boundary Commission, states and local government chairmen should form a committee with Governors or Deputy Governors as members so that we will have a unified programme with the Federal Government to work on these issues.”
Sambo noted that he was well briefed by the agencies involved on the challenges such as lack of funds and other constraints faced by the Commission.
He, however, expressed optimism that in the 2012 budget, there would be adequate budgetary provision for the Commission to enable it carry out developmental projects in the communities.
He also noted that the case involving the Surveyor-General of the Federation, the Director General of the Boundary Commission and Minister of Works had been resolved amicably, saying that “they are performing their duties accordingly.”
Earlier, the Committee Chairman, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, highlighted the challenges confronting the border communities to include lack of infrastructure like electricity, water and transportation, schools and medical facilities as well as lack of funds by the Commission.
He called on the Federal Government to look into the issue of developing and providing social infrastructure to the border communities to forestall what happened to Bakassi, which the country lost to the Cameroon.
Gaya also cited a case with one local government in Ogun State, which, he said, “Nigeria is about to lose again if adequate care is not taken.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and State Governments, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, has raised alarm over the increasing cases of insecurity in the nation’s border communities.
Gaya who was fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, also frowned at what he described as “almost total neglect” of communities in the border areas.
He warned that if government failed to address the challenges, Nigeria might lose some local government areas to its neighbouring countries, adding that already, the country was about to lose a local government area in Ogun if adequate care was not taken.
“We are very much concerned and worried about the issue of the neglect of those communities in the border areas and the insecurity also in those areas.
“So, we have discussed with the vice-president who is the chairman in charge of those agencies.
“I’m sure from the assurance we got from the vice-president, I believe the government of the federation will be able to handle some of these issues.”
Gaya stated that the National Assembly on its part would collaborate with the three tiers of government to address the challenges of the border communities.
He identified lack of social infrastructure as the major problem confronting the communities and appealed to government to assist the people by providing needed infrastructure.
Gaya said that the senate Committee on Border Matters had resolved to draw a comprehensive plan on how best to tackle the problems facing the communities.
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