News
Group Hails Wike’s Giant Strides
A socio-cultural group, Nzuko Ndigbo, Rivers State chapter, an umbrella body of all Ibos living in the State has applauded the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the giant development strides of his administration, particularly in the areas of infrastructural development and security.
The group, which made the commendation in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by its President General, Chief Bestman Akwaeluonwu, Secretary General, High Chief Henry Kanu and Publicity Secretary, Mazi Felix Chikwuendu thanked Governor Wike for his great efforts in keeping the state safe and his infrastructural development initiative, particularly in road construction in Port Harcourt and its environs.
“As Ibo people are mostly traders and businessmen, even some of our sons and daughters in the corporate sector, we all need to be in safe environment for our businesses to thrive,” the statement said, adding that “ there is no way businesses can prosper without good security and good road network for distribution of goods and services.”
It also commended the governor for restoring the Garden City status of Port Harcourt and prayed God to keep him fully protected and grant him the grace to do more for the state.
The group equally applauded the efforts of the state police command under the watch of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zaki Ahmed in combating crime and criminality across the state, pointing out that the Igbos had been at the receiving end, going by the spate of kidnapping and other criminal activities along Port Harcourt – Owerri Road axis of the State.
According to Nzuko Ndigbo, “ that route is a major route for our Ibo brothers and sisters who are always on the road either visiting their various villages or on business trips.”
He, however, noted with delight that in recent times, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other social vices have reduced to the barest minimum along that route.
The group also commended the efforts of the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Nwanosike towards this direction and thanked him for making the issues of security the top priority of his administration, stressing that since the council chairman assumed office, cult rivalry and kidnapping which he said had claimed several lives in the past have reduced drastically and by so doing making the area safe for Ibo people and other persons residing in the local government to carry out their businesses.
While lauding the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Ihunwo and his Obio/Akpor Local Government counterpart, Hon Solomon Eke for their tireless efforts in securing residents of the areas and their property, the body thanked Governor Wike for appointing Hon Emeka Onowu, who hails from Imo State as Commissioner for Special Duties.
The group, however, charged Ndigbo resident in the state to live peacefully with their neighbours including their host communities to foster harmony and unity of purpose among them.
Members of the body commiserated with Governor Wike over the demise of the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) and prayed God to grant him, the Aguma family and the people of the state the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Donatus Ebi
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.
