News
Ijaws In Shock As Billionaire Businessman, Keniebi Okoko Dies At 42
The Ijaw ethnic nationality has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of its billionaire son, Keniebi Okoko, who passed away at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State.
Okoko, 43, reportedly died during a major surgery at the hospital following power outage and failure of the medical facility to power its generator.
Okoko, a pastor in one of the Salvation Ministry’s branch in Port Harcourt, hails from Obunagha in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The late billionaire was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), KDI Oil and Gas Limited, and son of professor emeritus and one-time president of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Kimse Okoko.
He was also one of the leading governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship poll in Bayelsa State.
He came third in the internal poll and later threw his weight behind former Governor Seriake Dickson and his candidate for the poll, Senator Douye Diri, who later won the election through the Supreme Court judgement.
The news of Okoko’s death, which filtered in on Tuesday night, threw the Ijaw nation into mourning following the deceased’s antecedent as a philanthropist.
But confusion befell the nationality, yesterday morning when some persons reported that Okoko came back to life again following the intervention of some pastors, who prayed for him at the morgue.
The development forced the people of Obunagha, his home community, to troop to the streets in celebration.
But further findings showed that the claims were fake as prominent Ijaw persons, who belonged to a platform, confirmed his death.
A post on the platform by a former Rivers State Governorship Candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and ex-director general of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, showed that Okoko died at the undisclosed hospital.
Dakuku said on the platform: “I start by a confession, Kenebi is my friend, brother and someone who impacts every soul he comes in contact with. Yesterday (Tuesday), I got a call and rushed to the hospital where I met him lifeless. What is important is that he lived a good and impactful life and sure he has gone to be with the Lord. Two things smacked me.
“The extent of human solidarity. I got to the hospital about 8-8:30pm and friends of his from across the country, high, mighty, ordinary folks, have taken over the hospital and were ready to go to ‘war’ for most loved Kenebi. It simply restored my faith in brotherhood and humanity. Too many persons, in the midst of wailing, were willing to help to ensure that a loving soul like Kenebi is not put to shame.
“The second observation is that all and sundry were not happy with the professional handling of the medical attention he got leading to his death, and are demanding that we must get to the root of the matter so persons whose professional negligence led to this avoidable death must be held to account for it.
“In Kenebi’s death, I have seen the outpouring of love and appreciation of impactful living. May the soul of my beloved brother, KENEBI Rest In Peace and May we continue rallying each other whenever the need arises”.
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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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