News
Jonathan, 20 Other African Leaders Attend Zenawi’s Funeral
President Goodluck Jonathan was among 20 other African leaders
who attended the funeral service of Mr Meles Zenawi, the Prime Minister of
Ethiopia, who died on August 20.
The funeral, which took place at the popular Meskel Square
in Addis Ababa yesterday, was attended by former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo
and Abdussalam Abubakar, Aliko Dangote and Foreign Minister, Amb. Olugbenga
Ashiru, among other members of the Nigerian delegation.
In his tribute, President Jonathan described Zenawi’s death
as a great loss not only to Ethiopia but to the entire African continent.
He urged the government of Ethiopia to honour Zenawi through
continued implementation of his programmes and follow the path of harmony and
sustainable development which he had established in that country.
Jonathan, who assured the people and the government of
Ethiopia of Nigeria’s readiness to continue to support its development agenda,
said the relationship between the two countries would continue to be
strengthened.
“Nigeria and Ethiopia will continue to strengthen the
existing relations through our Bi-Commission, and will also pursue Africa ’s
development agenda together.”
President Boni Yayi of Benin and the President of the AU,
said that Zenawi was a Pan-Africanist whose dedication and vision lifted the AU
to greater heights.
He said that “Zenawi supported peace and legality where they
were affected especially in the Horn of Africa. He assisted in the success of
various negotiations such as the African Climate Change negotiation where he
defended the interest of Africa.”
Yayi said as chairman of African Heads of State on NEPAD,
Zenawi contributed immensely in putting Africa in the right place and ensured
rapid economic development in Ethiopia .
President Yoweri Musaveni of Uganda said the problem of
Africa has not been the lack of resources, but the lack of visionary leaders
like Zenawi.
Musaveni said the power generation in Ethiopia when Zenawi
took over power 20 years ago was 300 megawatts “but he raised it to 2,100
megawatts.
“His vision was to generate 10,000 megawatts for Ethiopia by
2015 after the completion of the Renaissance Dam currently under construction.”
The ugandan leader said he believed that Zenawi’s death at
57 must have been as a result of too much stress from his very tight schedule.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said the late prime minister
had a life of imminence, courage and enterprise which he used to advance the
life of his fellow Ethiopians, Africans and beyond.
“He was a man of rear talent and selflessness that we all
feel the magnitude he has left behind. Zenawi was an unassuming, promising and
a formidable man who finds solutions to complex situations’’, Kagame said.
President Jacob Zuma of South Africa said Zenawi’s success
could be defined by the sprawling city of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia ’s economic,
democratic and social transformations recorded within a short time.
“It was painful for the Ethiopians to lose such a young
leader who dedicated his life to the economic, democratic and social
development of his people, his country, his region and the entire continent of
Africa.”
In her condolence, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the
UN, Susan Rice described Zenawi as
“talented leader who had many things to offer.
“He was selfless, fearless and dedicated to his work and
family. He was a world class mind who taught himself and many others so much.
He was not only a good negotiator, but a wise leader who disagree based on the
vision for his people and his country.”
“Whenever we disagree with Zenawi on Economy, democracy,
human rights, regional security or any other issue, you will find that his
disagreement was not based on ideology, but for his vision for the country he
so much loved.’’
Rice said that Zenawi was ambitious, but not for himself, he
was a son of Ethiopia and a father of its re-birth who conquered poverty,
hunger and fought against tyranny.
“He transformed from gorilla to a statesman. His untimely
death will remain a big loss to Africa and the world.”
The Acting Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr Hailemariam
Desseleng said the country had witnessed massive transformation in all sectors
of development, including security, agriculture, health, economy, rural
development, education, transportation among others.
He said during Zenawi’s leadership, the country also
improved its diplomatic ties with many African and non-African countries,
regional and international organisations.
Desselegn said the country had contributed immensely in
finding lasting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, and also in solving
many security problems between Sudan and South Sudan, in Liberia and in Uganda.
Our correspondent in Addis Ababa reports that other leaders
who paid tribute to Zenawi include presidents Omar Aashir of Sudan and Salva
Kirr of South Sudan, Mr Thabo Mbeki, former president of South Africa, UN and
EU representatives.
Meanwhile, the remains of Zenawi were buried within the
compound of Trinity Church located behind the Grand Palace, Addis Ababa, after
a church service restricted only to the immediate family members led by his
wife, Azef Mesfin, his three children, and senior Ethiopian government and
church officials.
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