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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, has ordered the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Accounting officers of Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to attend a compulsory retreat. The SGF gave the directive in a statement signed by Director, Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Mr Lawrence Ojabo, last Monday in Abuja. He quoted the SGF as saying that the retreat would centre on the Public Procurement Act, 2017 and effective implementation of the 2018 budget. He explained that the retreat, which was scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja at 8.00 a.m, was organised in conjunction with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). “The retreat is to ensure effective implementation of the 2018 budget. “It will address all identified inadequacies or deficiencies in 2017, with a view to enhancing 2018 budget implementation.” He noted that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred E. Oyo-Ita would be the Guest of Honour, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Alhaji Muhammad Bello would be the Chief Host. Registration and collection of retreat materials will take place on Friday, April 6, at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja from 2.00 p.m.
The Benue Peoples Forum (BPF), has attributed the state’s backwardness on mutual suspicion among its ethnic groups.
Its National President, Mr Samuel Akough, who stated this yesterday in Makurdi, during the inaugural meeting of the forum, said that the distrust among the major tribes had frustrated efforts to unite toward attaining set goals.
“Virtually all the ethnic nationalities in the state prefer to stand alone because they are suspicious of one another.
“Politicians also worsen these differences by pitting one tribe against the other to achieve selfish motives,” he said.
Akough advised ethnic groups to set aside tribal differences and work together toward a better Benue, pointing out that all groups would gain if they worked together.
He said that the forum was conceived to serve as a platform where Benue people could come together and reason as a people, regardless of their tribal, religious and political differences.
“Our goal is to bring all the ethnic groups together to form a cohesive force that will initiate and execute ideas and projects that will improve the living conditions of the people.
“We want the people to understand that poverty and misery does not discriminate on the basis of tribe. They must understand that we must bury our differences otherwise our differences will bury us,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, Mr Terlumun Utev, who spoke in the same vein, lamented that tribal varieties that should be an asset had continued to keep the people apart.
“The disunity among the tribes in Benue has kept us all backward. We have a lot to gain if we all support each other and make sacrifices toward a better life for all,” he said.
Utev urged Benue people to unite and build a better state they would be proud to call their own so that unborn generations would inherit a developed state.
The Guest Speaker, Mr Cephas Kangeh, who spoke on the topic: “Using Politics as a Catalyst for the Empowerment of Benue People”, sued for the deepening of democracy by allowing participatory politics.
“We need to deepen our democracy so that it will be a catalyst for the empowerment of our youths,” he said.
He called on political actors to promote political freedom by reducing the involvement of money in politics, and challenged the electorate to demand accountability from their representatives so as to keep them on their toes.
Secretary, Medical and Health Workers Union, Benue chapter, Mr Richard Gbawuan, in a good message, urged the state government to construct dams across the state so as to encourage farmers to venture into irrigation farming.
“All the 23 Local Government Areas in the state have rivers and streams which will make the construction of dams very easy,” he said.
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