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Wike Vows To Make Rivers Knowledge Base Of Nigeria
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the transformation of the state into the knowledge base of the country.
The State Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike, stated this during the 38th Convocation ceremony of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUOE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Wike said the state government would ensure that all tertiary institutions were adequately staffed and provided with a fair share of resources, qualified staff and development projects, to enable them to deliver world-class education and training, undertake socially impactful research that addresses the policy and economic priorities of the state and the nation.
According to the governor, “Education remains one of the top priorities of our government and we will not relent in our efforts to ensuring that, every child gets equal access and opportunity to get the quality education they need up to tertiary level to progress productively, irrespective of their background”.
The visitor to the university said the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education was established with a special mandate, and expressed delight that over the years, the institution has been in the forefront of providing quality education and training to Rivers youths and steadily inching towards becoming one of the best universities of education in the country.
Wike, however, warned the management of the university not to dilute or distort its mandate and essence by introducing academic programmes that were neither within the contemplation of the enabling law or approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), stressing that “It is a specialized university for the training of teachers and school administrators, and there is no reason compelling enough for us to change that warrant”.
While commending management efforts to maintain discipline and high ethical standards in the university, Wike urged them to do more to root out the ills of sexual harassments, cultism, examination malpractices, sorting, sale of hand-outs, and extortions of any from in the system.
The governor urged the graduands to strive to build on this foundation to uplift themselves and contribute to the progress of their families and society.
“These are very challenging times and life’s journey could be rough and difficult, no doubt, but success is always possible with hard work, determination and passion for whatever life’s calling you chose to pursue or course you chart with your knowledge, skills and talents”, the governor further stressed.
In his remarks, the Pro- Chancellor of the university, King Aaron Miller Ikuru, extolled Wike’s massive infrastructural development in the state, adding that the governor’s recent pronouncement of the creation of 5,000 jobs in the Civil Service of the state was a veritable post- palliative largesse, unique to Rivers State.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele, said this year’s convocation was implemented in batches without parents, guardians, friends and well-wishers in attendance due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the small size of the auditorium.
According to him, a total of 3,747 persons graduated, adding that 205 graduands had the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); 1,087 Masters’ Degree; 521 Postgraduate Diploma; and 1,934 Bachelor’s Degree, while 78 of the graduands obtained First Class Honours Degree.
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