News
Another Agip Oil Spill Hits Kalaba Community
Another oil spillage has been reported in Kalaba, a riverine community in Okordia clan, of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
This is the second time in this year the community will be witnessing serious oil pollution in their environment, the first one happened around January.
The leaking pipes which belong to Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) occurred at Anukudaba swam has further improvised the mainly farm and fishing community which had been suffering oil spillage at random in the fast five years.
Conducting news men and officials of Environment Rights/Friends of Earth, a non-governmental group, round the polluted sites, the Community’s Development Chairman, Mr. Roman Orukari, said the incident was noticed by some fishermen and reported to the community.
Consequently, the report was communicated to officials of NAOC, but for the first three days, the spillage occurred, none of the officials of the company has visited the site.
He claimed that because of the rising level of water as a result of the raining season, the spillage is fast extending to other areas, saying that already, the community has suffered great loss in their fishing prowess and the food crops have been affected adversly.
The Paramount Ruler of the community, Chief Idoniboye Awalia, said since the laying of pipelines by Agip, the community has suffered over 30 spillages, calling on government and other relevant authorities to compel the Italian Oil giant to do something about it.
Chief Nwalia, however expressed gratitude to officials of ERA for bringing their sufferings to limelight, saying that without their frequent reports about the hazards confronting the community would have been worst as government doesn’t know the atrocity of the oil companies exploiting crude oil in the area.
Speaking to journalists later, the ERA representative in Bayelsa, Mr. Morris Alagoa said although the information of fresh spill in Kalaba community environment didn’t come to ERA as an entirely strange phenomenon, ERA was surprised that the current spill points were up to five.
Although the ERA’s team confirmed four points, after visiting three of the spill sites along the pipeline, a fourth one was heard further away with a high pitch sound, in the direction toward the Agip Taylor Creek Well 1 and further away from the community.
“While the third spill point was from the side of an exposed 6 inches pipe on the ground and spraying crude oil seriously into the air], the first two points were spewing crude oil from areas submerged in water; swampy sections of the pipeline owing to the rains,” it was learnt.
“Thick crude oil slick has spread in the surrounding swamps. Due to the swampy nature of the environment [water everywhere], it was not easy to see the entire area covered by the crude oil or make an estimate as per spread. But it was obvious that the volume of crude oil spewed is high, even as it continued as the ERA team was leaving.
Another observation was the fact that the impact on trees, shrubs and other plants around the spill sites is grave as they display wilting leaves and different stages of dying off.
Even the birds on tree tops are not spared as the escaping crude oil in gaseous form comes with a characteristic sound and rises far above the trees and spread all around the environment; presenting a kind of misty scenario that impedes visibility.
“This may influence forced migration of birds or death of young ones and abandonment of eggs in nest; besides affecting the respiratory tract of indigenes who inhale same. And, for sure,
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