News
Rivers NUJ Complex To Gulp N364m …Amaechi Performs Groundbreaking Ceremony, Today
The new secretariat building of the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) would be completed in 44 weeks at the cost of N364million.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari disclosed this during a special kick-off meeting for the ground breaking ceremony for the new secretariat complex billed to take place at Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, today by 11am.
Briefing journalists after the meeting with stakeholders, the commissioner said “he fund for the project which was not accommodated in the 2011 budget appropriation, was approved in 2012, and with clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BoPP), the fund was ready and would be disbursed to the contractor accordingly”.
The commissioner, who described journalists as integral part of government, said government’s commitment to carry out the project was part of its corporate social responsibility to strengthen its partnership with the media for national growth.
Semeneitari thanked members of the Rivers State Council of the NUJ for their patience and resilience in the course of mapping out modalities for the project, and declared that the building would be befitting the great of Ernest Ikoli.
She pointed out that part of the facilities in the project including the e-library and the resource centre would be open to the public, adding that a memorandum of understanding would be signed between the Rivers State Government and Rivers State Council of NUJ to secure the agreement.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of the NUJ, Mr Opaka Dokubo, expressed gratitude to the state Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi for his concern and support to journalists in the state.
The NUJ chairman said the project would not serve journalists alone but the society in general, and tasked the contractor to show commitment in executing the project.
Meanwhile, the contractor handling the project, Arch Peter Ajiente has assured that the project would be completed and delivered in 44 weeks.
He said the project has a second phase, which is the furnishing, and assured that it would be completed according to specification.
In his remarks, the representative of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BoPP), Mr BatomBari Lezor, said a baseline should be provided for the maintenance of the facilities, and tasked all stakeholders on the monitoring of all on-going projects in Rivers State.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mohammed Garba, Radio, Television and Theater Workers Union (RATTAWU), and the National President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Femi Adesina, are expected at the ground breaking ceremony.
Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Otelemaba Dan-Amachree (left) conferring with Deputy Leader of the House, Hon Robison Ewor during the sitting of the House last Monday.
Taneh Beemene
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