News
BoPP Saves N420bn From Contract Vetting
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BoPP) has saved N420 billion for the Federal Government in the last 15 months through the vetting of contracts of Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The Director-General of the BPP, Mr Emeka Ezeh, disclosed this yesterday at the closing ceremony of a three-day retreat for Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government-owned departments and agencies.
The three-day retreat, held at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry, Lagos, had the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the MDAs in attendance.
Ezeh said the vetting of various contract sums by the BPP had further emphasised the core value of the Bureau, which he said, was to ensure prudence in public expenditure.
He said that the Bureau would continue to ensure that there was transparency in the bidding process for contracts in the country.
“The BPP will continue to work hard to ensure that the cost of doing business in Nigeria is reduced through the elimination of multiple registration of contractors, pre-qualification and the tendering process, to give chance for equal competence and capabilities.
“All competent contractors will be given a level playing field to demonstrate their capacity to deliver,” he said.
Ezeh said that the Bureau had gone far in the registration, classification and categorisation of contractors and consultants working or intending to work on Federal Government projects .
“This is covered in the Public Procurement Act, 2007 which expects the Bureau to maintain a national data base of the particulars of federal contractors and service providers for ease of information sourcing.
“They have to do their analyses in conformity with the needs of the new information age,” he said.
The BPP boss added that “public officials are now beginning to see public funds as monies to be spent with care, and with a high sense of responsibility.
“Added to these gains are a resultant improved budget implementation and performance in terms of project delivery.
Ezeh also said that there were plans to consolidate ongoing collaboration with the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Washington-based International Law Institute (ILI).
“This is by establishing public procurement research centres at the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, and in two other universities across the country.
“One each is to be established in a university in the northern part and another one in the south-western part of the country,” he said.
Also, speaking, the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Uzo Azubuike, explained that efficient public procurement is vital to national development, saying that, “it regulates the developmental capital component of the annual budget”.
He noted that the level of compliance with procurement processes in a fiscal year determined the level of budget performance and the consequent development that could be achieved within that fiscal year.
“Where there is arbitrary political interference with the procurement process, it will manifest in inevitable budget failure,” he said.
Azubuike, therefore, advised the Chief Executives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure that contracts were not awarded at inflated prices.
“The BPP should not stop at procurement, but should go ahead to monitor contracts awarded to ensure that Nigerians get value for money,” he said.
Azubuike recalled that the 2012 budget implementation was below 30 per cent, because of the late presentation and signing of the budget.
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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