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2015: ODM Takes Ogoni Guber Quest To Grassroots
L-R: Guest Speaker, Prof. Samuel Egwu, Chairman, pdp Plateau Chapter, Dr Haruna Dabin and representative of the secretary to the State Government, Mr Kwamkur Samuel, during a symposium on the role of labour towards 2015 election for good governance in Jos, recently. Photo: NAN.
Towards ensuring that Ogonis produce the governor of Rivers State come 2015, the Ogoni Democratic Movement (ODM) has taken its campaign to the grassroots with the inauguration of local government chapters of the movement across Ogoni Ethnic Nationality.
ODM, which consists of Eleme, Gokana, Khana and Tai local government areas with the slogan “Ogoni for Governor” started the process with the inauguration of the Gokana Chapter at Kpor, headquarters of Gokana Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, President-General of ODM, Godwin Bazari, said the group assignment was anchored on awakening the spirit of Ogonis towards producing a successor to Governor Amaechi come 2015.
To strengthen the process, Bazari said, the group was embarking on door to door mobilization of Ogonis and other ethnic groups in the state to support the quest.
“Our assignment is to awaken the spirit of the people to realize the objective of an Ogoni Governor come 2015. We are here to mobilize our people from door to door for this project. We appeal to other ethnic groups in the state to support us this time, because we have served them well,” he said.
Bazari denied insinuations that the people were not united, saying “the Ogonis are not divided, we have qualified and competent candidates that will take over Rivers Government House, come 2015”, adding that the people will not settle for less nor vote any party that failed to field an Ogoni as standard bearer.
In his speech, Chairman, Gokana Local Government Council, Demua Ledee Demua, who received ODM delegation on a courtesy call, urged the movement to work with the people to achieve the 2015 project; saying the council will continue to support moves that will benefit the people of Gokana and Ogonis in general.
In his speech Bishop, Methodist Diocese of Gokana, Rt. Rev. Humphrey Nnam, said the Christian community in Ogoniland will back the Ogoni 2015 Governorship project, while the President, Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Legborsi Pyagbara, represented by Bari-ara Kpalap, said the pan-Ogoni organization was happy to have ODM on board, particularly, as it relates to the Ogoni governorship project.
The Coordinator, Ogoni Solidarity Forum (OSF), Celestine Akpobari; President, Ikwerre/Etche Peoples’ Forum, Emma Amadi, Hon. Innocent Barikor of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the representative of Rivers Peoples’ Congress, Innocent Ajaelu, in their separate solidarity messages, pledged support for an Ogoni governor come 2015.
Earlier, president-general of ODM paid a courtesy call on the Gbenemene, Gokana, King Barnabas Bagia, who appealed to Rivers people to support the agitation by the Ogonis to produce the next governor of 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