News
2013 Flood: RSG Identifies Relief Camps
Following this year’s flood prediction by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in some parts of the country, Rivers State is now reassessing the flood camps in the state.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr Dickson Umunakwe during a tour to some flood camps at Ahoada East Local Government Area, said the state was prepared to reduce the impact of the impending flood as plans were also in top gear to deploy a marine ambulance and six flying boats in each of the flood prone LGAs for prompt evacuation.
The commissioner represented by the Director of Administration in the ministry, Mr Victor Charles said the state government was working round the clock to ensure that the flood relief camps were habitable.
Corroborating, one of the Administration officers in the ministry, Mr Anthony Oghani said the aim of the identification of the flood relief camps was to take stock of the basic amenities at the camps for the comfort of the would-be flood victims should the disaster finally step in.
A press release by the ministry’s Press Officer, Mrs Martha Igbiks said the exercise would continue in Abua/Odual, Ahoada West and Ogba/Emgbema/Ndoni LGAs.
It would be recalled that the Ministry of Special Duties had earlier embarked on sensitisation to the flood prone LGAs where the inhabitants were enjoined to identify higher grounds in their various communities as muster points for easier evacuation and ensure the safe keeping of their vital documents, including birth and marriage certificates, Certificates of Occupancy or other title deeds before the flood.
Meanwhile, The Rivers State Ministry of Education says the study of French will provide the students in the state an opportunity to learn other foreign languages outside English Language.
The Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi stated this while on an inspection tour of facilities at the new site of Alliance Francaise at the Amadi Flats in Port Harcourt.
The commissioner said the world was now a global village and the need to give our students an alternative was necessary.
The Commissioner said the project when completed would enable Rivers people to have access to the facilities in the institute especially those who want to learn the French Language.
She also said that the Ministry of Education had been collaborating with the French Institute in the area of teacher training and organising of summer holiday school for pupils and students in the state.
“We have been working with them since I became the Commissioner for Education. We have sent quite a number of our teachers for courses and also have sent our students on holiday tours and summer schools to enable them speak the French language. You know the world is now a global village and the need to give our students the opportunity to learn an alternative foreign language outside English was necessary”, she said.
The Consul General of France in Lagos, Francois Sastourne said the French Institute has very good relationship with the Ministry of Education and believe that the partnership will bring positive results.
He said that partnership with the Rivers State Government would bring a new face in teaching of French Language in Port Harcourt and the Eastern Nigeria.
“It is a good thing that we have very good cooperation with the Government of Rivers State and the Commissioner for Education on this issue of developing French Language.
There has been a long standing cooperation but in the years past, there have been few hitches especially on the location of the premises of Alliance Francaise but this has been resolved. We now have a new place which is going to be completed soon and we should bring new face to the teaching of French Language in Port Harcourt and the Eastern Nigeria”, he stated.
The Director Alliance Francaise in Port Harcourt, Helene Geneau-Okutue said the partnership with the Ministry of Education had been very fruitful.
She said that the French Institute had trained some French teachers in the Rivers State-owned schools and stated that they would continue to promote the study of the language in the state.
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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