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Amaechi Kick-Starts $30m Pet Plant At Indorama

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The Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday inaugurated a $30million world-class Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plant built by Indorama Group at Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, in Eleme, near Port Harcourt.

While commissioning the 86,000 tonnes per year largest PET Plant in Sub-Sahara Africa, Amaechi insisted that only industrialisation and job creation would stem the tide of crime in the country.

The governor, who commended Indorama for the prompt completion of the new PET Plant, few months after it announced an investment portfolio of $2billion for PET, fertiliser and methanol projects in the next five years, said the projects would go a long way in helping the country realise its vision 2020 goals.

According to him, “key to us as a government is expansion of the state’s economic base, and the fact that Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals will create new employment opportunities for our people. We believe that as more industries spring up in the state, we will be able to reduce the crime rate, and once you create employment opportunities, you put those opportunities in the hands of Rivers people”.

He advised Eleme people not to take any action that could frustrate smooth operations of the petrochemicals company, warning that the law to deal with anyone who disturbs the operations of any company would be invoked on trouble makers in any part of the state.

Amaechi commended Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals for discharging its corporate social responsibilities to its host community, and urged the management to continue in that spirit.

Speaking, Group Managing Director of Indorama Corporation, Amit Lohia said the new PET Plant has capacity for producing 86,000 metric tonnes of PET resins per annum, adding that Indorama’s dream was to turn Nigeria into a net exporter of PET resins.

Lohia stated that for now, Nigeria imports 100 per cent of its local demand for PET resins, and pledged that very soon, Indorama’s PET production would cover all local demand and exports to neighbouring African countries.

“Our new PET Plant has capacity to help Nigeria to save a whopping $140million from import substitution,” stressing that polyethylene terephthalate, is raw materials highly needed by the plastics, foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, breweries and allied industries.

According to him, application of PET is largely in bottles for table water, aerated water, fruit juices, drugs, beers, beverages, among others.

The Indorama group managing director noted that PET Plant was the second in Africa, the first, a 120,000 metric tonnes capacity plant located in South Africa, while the Indorama PET Plant is the first in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Lohia said Africa’s total demand for PET resins stood at 500,000 metric tonnes per annum, emphasising that even with Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals’ 86,000 metric tonnes per annum and South Africa’s 120,000 metric tonnes per annum, African continent still has growth potentials of over 300,000 metric tonnes of PET resins.

Managing Director, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Manish Mundra, listed the success story of Indorama since it acquired the Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited in 2006 through the privatisation programme of the Federal Government, adding that “we are committed to our investments in Nigeria.”

Mundra said that Indorama was operating an excellent model of public private partnership in which case the petrochemicals company was now owned by core investor with 65 per cent stake, Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE) with 15 per cent, Rivers State Government with 10 per cent share, host community (7.5 per cent) and employees (2.5 per cent).

Also speaking, Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers State branch, Mrs Emilia Akpan, said the coming on stream of the Indorama PET Plant was a major boost to Nigeria’s quest for industrialisation.

 

Nelson Chukwudi

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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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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