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Sylva Begs Bayelsans For Forgiveness

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Head of Service,  Rivers State,  Barrister Rufus Godwins (left), presenting a Merit Award to a civil servant in the office of the  Head of Service,  Mr. George Geoffrey, during  Civil Service Week celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday         Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Head of Service, Rivers State, Barrister Rufus Godwins (left), presenting a Merit Award to a civil servant in the office of the Head of Service, Mr. George Geoffrey, during Civil Service Week celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Bayelsa State immediate past Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva has pleaded with his kinsmen and women of Okpoama in Brass Local Government  Area to forgive him for not initiating  development projects in the area for six years he ruled the state.
Sylva, believed to be nursing ambition for another shot at Creek Haven, the seat of Bayelsa State Government, while speaking at a unity rally and reception held in his honour as a former governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, said he has learnt his lessons, declaring, “if God can forgive all our trespasses, I believe you will also forgive me.”
According to Sylva, his political travails in the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that led to his being denied the party’s ticket to run for second term in office as governor and his return as the state Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have opened his eyes to the fact that only God can forgive.
According to Sylva,”If I have learnt any lesson from my travails, it is only the fact that it is only God that forgives. I have forgiven those that offended me,  and also urge those of you that I have offended to forgive me.”
The former governor, who described the decision by the traditional ruler and the Council of Chiefs in Okpoama Kingdom to honour him as “a blessing”, urged the community to consider the occasion as an opportunity indication for renewed unity.
“If you think you have sea deity, you have not seen anything yet. God is the only beginning for us. Today is not only a day for unity but it will bring development. Let us do away with plague of poverty. The Lord has blessed us. If you do away with it, it is possible because God said so.”
Traditional Ruler of the Okpoama Kingdom, King Ebitimi Banigo while conferring on  Sylva a chieftaincy title, described him as a true leader, and commended his ability to stand tall to unite his people as political leader.
Banigo, who described Sylva as a prophet not recognized in his home town, said, “Today, we are putting that behind us and recognizing our son as a true gift from us to the nation and the world. It is easy to sit up and take notice. But it is another to sit up and take action. He has turn displeasure into success. He is a man of incredible character.”
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of  Okpoama Unity Forum,Comrade Ebinimi Omubo, had said the decision to organise the unity rally to coincide with the chieftaincy title bestowed on Sylva was based on the need to bring together the  people of the community and forge a common front, adding that “the unity rally is to unite our people and we are grateful to God for blessing us with Chief Timipre Sylva.”
Political observers believe that Sylva, who was publicly stoned for non-performance during his tenure as governor has used the programme as launching pad for his new party.

 

Fyneface Aaron, Yenagoa

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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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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