News
‘Why FG Should Involve Artists In Governance’
Former Chairman of Society of Nigerian Artists, Lagos chapter, Mr Olu Ajayi, has said getting artists involved in the think tank of governance would go along way to proffer creative solutions to the recurrent problems in the country.
Speaking to The Tide during a two – day meet-the-author event organised by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) in Bonny, last week Ayaji argued that the, government was losing out by thinking that religious leaders should be the only people to run to in times of difficulty or when they were in need of philosophical advice.
“No. The artists’ role is there. And it is when you have a creative solution to a problem that you begin to find a due dimension to it. What we see today is stereotyped solution to the recurrent problems. So, what you find is government becoming predictable. People already know what they are going to do because it is always the same thing,” the fine artist and painter argued.
He added that government, rather than embracing and seeing the need to locate the artists properly in governance, choose people from other disciplines into the caucus of government and reduces them to mere craft or skills for producing pictures, entertainment items or objects for interior decoration.
According to him, going back to history, great philosophers and artists contributed adequately to the development of their states, adding that, “they were close to power. In fact they were with power. Their role was cut out. They were in the heart of the think tank to the king. They were the people that the king consulted”.
He, therefore, urged the government to locate artists and properly situate them in the arm of government alongside traditional and religious leaders if we are to have lasting solutions to the problems of the country.
Also speaking , the head of NLNG School, Mr Dirk Schui Ling, advised government to provide opportunity and access to books by building as many libraries as possible and stock them with books.
He explained that this would inculcate a reading culture in them, thus making them have more knowledge, which they say, is power.
Corroborating this stance, the guest author, Mrs Chinyere Obi-Obasi said imbibing a reading culture would no doubt correct the ills of our society as a lot of good habits are picked through reading good books.
Obi-Obasi also advised children to remain focused despite the negative circumstances around them, as they would not remain children forever and would be accountable for their conducts someday.
The meet-the-author event is an annual event organised by NLNG with the aim of impacting on the students in its host communities.
This year’s event featured “The great fall” by Chinyere Obi-Obasi, a 2011 winner of “the Nigeria Prize for Literature,” and an International fine artists and painter, Mr Olu Ajayi.
Schools in attendance were the NLNG School, Bonny, Bonny National Grammar School, Bonny, community Secondary School, Abalamabia and government Girls Secondary School Finima, (Junior and Senior sections).
Vivian-Peace Nwinaene
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
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