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Youth Group To Honour NNPC GMD,
A Niger Delta youths group, the Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Progress and Peace, (NDYCPP) says it plans to honour the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mele Kyari, for creating opportunities, and displaying transparency and probity in the corporation.
The NDYCPP noted that before Kyari assumed office as the GMD of NNPC, there were a lot of unresolved issues that tended to hamper the oil sector from achieving its full potentials.
They said that upon his coming on board, Kyari had convinced stakeholders and industry watchers of the new direction of the NNPC, by transparently opening its financial books to public scrutiny, thereby changing the opacity that had characterised the system.
The group’s National President, Tiedo Olayinka, made these assertions in a statement issued in Yenagoa, on Sunday.
He said that the NDYCPP planned to honour the GMD at its forthcoming Niger Delta Youth Entrepreneur on Oil and Gas Summit billed for December, in Port Harcourt..
According to the group, the summit was aimed at preparing entrepreneurs and youths from the Niger Delta region to harness opportunities provided by the policies of the NNPC under the current GMD.
The group cited Kyari as a visionary and professional manager with a towering repertoire of the inner workings of the industry, having served in various positions over the years.
The experience, they noted, made him the right man to head the NNPC, and that he had effectively brought his wealth of experience to bear, by efficiently repositioning the NNPC.
“The NNPC has transformed from opacity to transparency, accountability, performance and excellence (TAPE).
“Before his assumption of office as the GMD of the NNPC; there were a lot of unresolved and knotty issues lingering and hampering the sector from achieving its potentials.
“ From the lingering Petroleum Industry Bill, which is now the Petroleum Industry Act, constitution of the board to superintend over one of its break-up units.
“The OML 25 impasse at Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers State between Belema Oil, the Community and Shell (SPDC), which has been now resolved amicably and operational activities resumed in earnest.
“NNPC’s financial books have never been opened transparently for public scrutiny over the years but the coming on board of Kyari has changed all of that opacity in the system, the statement added.
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
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.
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