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NASS Mourns Member, Adjourns Plenary
The National Assembly, yesterday, cut short plenary sessions of both chambers in honour of one of its vibrant members, Hon Ossy Chinedu Prestige, who passed on over the weekend.
As the senators returned to the chambers for the first time since their recess, last year, President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, expressed shock and sadness over the death of the member.
The Minority Leader of the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe, who expressed grief over the loss, lamented that the zone has lost one of its finest lawmakers, saying that Prestige was, “a major stakeholder, a political leader of repute and one personality that is beholden to all irrespective of differences in political party affiliation”
Prestige, until his death, represented Aba North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for two terms, having been first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019.
President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, attested that Prestige was a good representative of his constituency in the National Assembly, and that he touched many lives through his business engagements and charity outreach such as the Prestige Ossy Foundation, and The Favoured Initiatives.
Lawan commiserated with his family, friends and political associates over their irreparable loss.
He also condoled with the Government and people of Abia State, and prayed that God Almighty would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The Minority Leader of the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe, yesterday, declared that “Ossy’s death was a personal loss to him, being a bosom friend, brother and ally.
“I have lost a friend, brother, ally, a committed patriot, and a good natured Abian. I had wished in my heart and prayed that Ossy recovers to continue with his work in the House. We spoke severally while he was on sick bed, and he kept assuring me that he will be okay, and here we are with this sad reality. He will be sorely missed”, Abaribe said.
The minority leader, however, condoled with the family, the people of Aba North/South Federal Constituency, the government and people of Abia State on this huge loss.
Similarly, the House of Representatives adjourned plenary, yesterday, minutes after it resumed from its 2020 Christmas and New Year holidays.
The adjournment was to honour a fallen member, Hon. Ossy Prestige, whose death occurred on Sunday, February 7, 2021.
He was said to have been sick since the summer of 2020 and was flown to London for treatment.
The Speaker of the House, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, while announcing the development to the House, expressed shock and regrets.
He said that though there were many announcements, including a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari informing the House about the appointment of the new service chiefs, the parliament would still not be sitting.
The speaker, however, gave hints of new Covid-19 safety measures to be announced, today.
He described Prestige as a friend and active member of the 8th and 9th House.
Gbajabiamila also gave brief details of his journey to London to visit the late lawmaker in a hospital.
The speaker said that at the appropriate time, the House would pay formal tributes and accord him the last respect.
He said, “You are well back from the recess. It’s good to see you back. We will be announcing tomorrow new Covid-19 protocols just to keep us safe. We need to take the necessary action.
“On a very sad note, we will not be doing any business, today. I have some announcements including a letter from Mr President on the new service chiefs. I am pushing all that for tomorrow.
“I want to announce the death of our colleague, Hon. Ossy Prestige.
“He’s been sick for a while since the summer of last year. I saw him in October of last year. We chatted and I announced to members to continue to pray for him. I think the minority leader also went to see him. Shortly, we lost communications until the family notified me a couple of days ago of his passage.
“When I went to see him in a UK hospital, he narrated to me how he travelled.
“He was a member of a powerful bloc in 8th assembly. He was a great guy.
“He shared something with me before he travelled to London. He kept telling me he had a dream and I will share that dream with you in good time.
“Our prayer is that God will comfort his family and also accept his soul. We will do a formal valedictory at the right time. We will do a minute silence for now.”
With the comments, the Speaker called the Majority Leader, Hon Ado Doguwa, to move the motion for adjournment.
Seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, the House observed one-minute silence, and adjourned plenary to today.
By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
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