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Rivers @ 50: Wike Pledges To Construct Jubilee Projects …Stakeholders Canvass Unity
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has unveiled the Golden Jubilee Logo for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the state, with a tacit pledge to construct several projects to mark the epochal event.
Speaking last Wednesday in Port Harcourt at the event attended by political, traditional, women, youth and business leaders of the state, Wike said that the Golden Jubilee celebration has a special and historic significance to the existence of Rivers people and their journey to greatness.
Wike made a commitment that the state government will execute a number of landmark projects throughout 2017 to mark the Golden Jubilee, advance the promise of economic independence and improve access to peace, unity and prosperity for Rivers people.
The governor said that the creation of the state marked the liberation of the Rivers people from the forces of oppression and domination.
He said: “Before its creation, our people, including our brothers from Bayelsa State, existed as second class citizens in their own country – oppressed, exploited dehumanised and denied even the most basic opportunities of life.
“Every Rivers person was, therefore, relieved when General Yakubu Gowon on 27th May, 1967, dismantled the regional geo-political fortresses of majority domination and pronounced the creation of Rivers State, which unchained and restored our rights to preside over our own affairs and pursue our development aspirations within a united Nigeria”.
He said over the last 50 years, Rivers State has made significant milestones, pointing out the Golden Jubilee celebration inspires a new direction to build a prosperous state that all Rivers people can be proud of.
“It is in this spirit that we have initiated the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of our creation and existence as a state to express our joy and thank God for boundless blessings upon as a people. We want our people to use this occasion of our Golden Jubilee to unite and together reflect on the tortuous and eventful journey and project into the future with hope and determination “, Wike said.
He added that although the state government was leading the celebrations, the milestone belongs to all Rivers people.
The governor called on the corporate community and individuals to partner with the Golden Jubilee Committee to make the celebration a success.
In his welcome address, Alternate Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Committee, Chief Onueze Okocha said that Rivers people will celebrate in a very big way as out the 12 states created in 1967, Rivers State is one of the two states still standing.
Chairman of the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra said that the people of the state were eager to celebrate the Golden Jubilee Celebration.
He said that January was appropriate to commence the sensitization for the celebrations that will hold in May, 2017.
The event was marked by the blessing of the logo by Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, solo rendition by Mrs I.B. Osuamkpe, song rendition by 50 youth and another song rendition by the Glorious Elders Choir.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in Rivers State have called for unity and collective efforts to use the celebration of the Golden Jubilee anniversary to engender peace and development in all local government and communities in Rivers State.
The Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Committee Celebration, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, while addressing a press conference on behalf of the committee, said the anniversary was geared towards a collective approach in celebrating the creation of Rivers State in the past 50 years.
Alabraba said the vision and legacies of the founding fathers would be sustained.
Alabraba called for active participation in the Golden Jubilee anniversary programme by all Rivers Stakeholders at home and in the Diaspora.
He added that the anniversary was an event to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rivers people, and called on investors to see Rivers State as an investment destination.
In his speech, the Alternate Chairman of the Jubilee anniversary Committee, Onueze Okocha, SAN said the anniversary celebration was a window for possibilities and opportunities for the development of the state.
He called on Rivers people to key into the celebration, noting that the sponsorship of the anniversary would be private sector driven so as to attract investment opportunities to the state.
Okocha restated that Rivers State was not in division but united and positively structured for the realization of the collective dream of all ethnic Nationalities 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