News
FG Approves N58.6bn For Ship Building
The Federal Executive Council last Wednesday approved N58.6 billion contract for the construction of ship building facilities and dockyard in Delta State.
The Minister of Transport, Alhaji Idris Umar, disclosed this to State House correspondents after the council meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, at the State House.
Umar said the contract was approved to end the huge capital flight in the procurement of ships by Nigerians from outside the country.
He said the project was also in line with the mandate of NIMASA under Section 22 (1k) of the enabling law of the agency.
The law provides that NIMASA shall develop and implement policies and programmes that will facilitate the growth of local capacities in ownership, manning and construction of ships and other maritime infrastructure.
Umar said that the contract was split into two; package one will cost N40.2 billion and package two will cost N18.4 billion.
He said package one of the contract would involve the provision of maritime equipments and structures, ancillary buildings and electro-mechanical works and facilities for the ship building facilities.
The second package of the project, he said, would involve the entire civil works and the infrastructure works for the facilities.
“We have a very serious dearth in the ship building capacity in the country and it is, therefore, imperative that we develop the facility in order to curtail the incessant capital flight that is being experienced by the Nigerian economy. Annually, we have to be acquiring vessels and ships outside the country which is telling on the economy” he said.
“This project has the propensity to drive sustainable development and step up capacity building in the maritime sector of the economy. It will also help Nigeria to take its rightful place among the developed maritime nations across the world,” he added.
The minister said that upon completion, the shipyard facility would have the capacity for dry docking of ocean going vessels, which would be useful in the training of the cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria.
He said presently the cadets were being sent out of the country for the training and it was causing the country huge amount of money.
Umar said that after the development of the facility, there would be a tripartite agreement between NIMASA, the contractor and the private sector to ensure sustenance of the facility.
The minister also disclosed that the FEC approved N274.9 million contracts for the consultancy services for the dredging of escravos, Warri, Aladja to Koko channel also in Delta.
“In our determination to ensure safe and navigable channels for the proposed dredging of the escravos, it became necessary to engage the services of reputable consultancy to carry out the necessary berth-metric study and other studies.
“The studies will also prepare the pre-contract document for the project implementation and look at the safety and environmental implications of the project.The studies will also impact on the proposed gas to energy revolution project of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Ogidigbe, Delta,” he said.
Umar said that the contract for the dredging of the escravos would be awarded in 2014 at the completion of the consultancy services contract.
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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
-
News14 hours agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News14 hours agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Niger Delta11 hours agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
Rivers11 hours ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
News14 hours agoRivers Judges Commence Annual Vacation, July 20
-
Politics10 hours agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
Politics11 hours ago
2027: Rivers PFN To Mobilise 600,000 Votes
-
News14 hours agoRSG Reaffirms Commitment To Women’s Empowerment
