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Celebrate Jubilee Citizens, Activist Urges RSG
Rivers State elder statesman and Niger Delta activist, Sokari Soberekon has called for government monetary bonus to Rivers State citizens who are 50 years and above as part of the Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration of the State.
In an interview with The Tide, Saturday in Port Harcourt, Sokari who is also called “Rivers Strongman” said the bonus would enable the recipients to “celebrate the Jubilee and plan their families.”
He said, “as part of Rivers State 50th anniversary celebration, I call on Governor Nyesom Wike to use his good offices to grant every 50-year-old Rivers indigene alive, N50,000 each to celebrate the jubilee and plan their families.”
Sokari said the governor should not subject the bonus to legislation by the Rivers State House of Assembly but use his executive powers to take the action which, he said, “will never be forgotten in the history of the State and the Niger Delta Republic that would be created in the future. The gesture, Sokari said, should be non-partisan.
On the 50th anniversary celebration proper, Sokari appealed that the event be held at the Isaac Boro cenotaph in Port Harcourt where men and women who fought for the creation of the State are being remembered and not in any “air conditioned enclosure.”
According to him, the creation of Rivers State was fought for, through the barrel of the gun and not by a stroke of the pen.
He called on the Federal Government and international organsiations including the United Nations to give active support to the call for the restructuring of the Nigerian State, saying at 50, it is time to create the Niger Delta Republic.
While commending the State government for its development strides, the Rivers Strongman said Wike’s fulfillment of his election campaign promise of completing and commissioning the Trans-Kalabari Road will endear him to people of Kalabari Kingdom.
Sokari called on the State government to introduce a modern mass transit system in the State that would phase out the small “kia kia” buses and introduce state-of-the art buses that would ply the good road network.
He reiterated his demand for the rebuilding of the old Port Harcourt Main Market destroyed during the Nigerian Civil War, urging Wike to ask the Federal Government to undertake the project.
According to him, the Nigeria Police unilaterally built a Police Children School on the site of the market when Police Commissioner Fidelis Oyakhilome (rtd) was military Governor of Rivers State.
He requested that the Police should move its school to the old Police Football field which is now being used as a vehicle scrap dump in the old Port Harcourt Township.
If rebuilt Port Harcourt Main market will improve trade and commerce in Port Harcourt as well as check trading at unauthorized places, which the State government is fight, Sokari said.
Donald Mike-Jaja
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