News
‘C’River Got N1.7bn’ …Delisting As Oil Producing State
The Cross River State Government received the sum of N1.7bilion in June from the federation Account following its delisting as an oil producing state.
The Governor, Liyel Imoke disclosed this while receiving members of the children’s parliament during the international Day of the African Child celebration in Calabar
He said that of the amount N1.2billion was spent on salaries, N.3 billion to run the government while N.2billion was spent on infrastructure.
The governor observed that the only way out of the financial quagmire was for corporate bodies and citizens to pay their taxes to help in the provision of qualitative education for the children.
Imoke said that issues of street children should be handled collectively because a lot of children and parents do not know their rights, stressing that it is annoying to see children hawk as government would take punitive actions against parents or guardians who allow their children or wards to hawk on the street.
He disclosed that government intends to give mission schools some subventions to enable them provide infrastructure, but will not extend same to private schools and warned that private schools that do not meet Cross River Standard in Education will be closed down because they are expected to give good value for money collected.
The Governor said the State spends about N5 billion on the renovation of the first 60 secondary schools across the state excluding the provision of furniture, while the Special Education Centre in Calabar has been captured under 2006 renovation programme of UBE which Ministry of Social Welfare will also intervene, assuring that government will continue to keep promise made as it intends to undertake its programmes in phases
Imoke remarked that he was encouraged by the children’s performance and presentation which shows that there is hope for the country and congratulated those that participated in the interactive session because they have the right to ask questions.
Mrs Obioma Imoke wife of Governor Liyel Imoke in a welcome address, said the International Day of the African Child was inaugurated by the African Union (then Organization of African Unity) in 1991 to commemorate the killing of African children in Soweto, South Africa during a demonstration in 1976.
Mrs. Imoke, who was represented by Mrs Glory Efiok Cobham wife of Mr. Efiok Cobham, Deputy Governor called on stake holders to ensure the survival of children as well as engage in the fight against all forms of child abuse, adding that the state’s programme on A State Fit For A Child (asfac) has achieved tremendous success as the governor was one of the first persons to have responded to the plight of children because the challenge posed by the out come of an investigation carried out by asfac
revealed the need to invest in the child, adding that asfac in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs had rehabilitated many children.
Mrs. Imoke disclosed that a lot of programmes were earmarked for children across the state on varied issues of interest, adding that no amount spent on a child should be regarded as a waste because such an investment prepares them to be what they will become in future while urging parents to pull resources for the good of the children.
Mr. Endurance Agbo, Speaker of the Cross River Children’s Parliament commended the governor on the passage of the Child Rights Act into Law and his wife for initiating A State Fit For A Child (asfac) while calling on Stake holders to key into it to get it right.
Agbo urged the State government to publish the Child Rights Law for everyone to understand it as well as translate it into the local dialect.
Highlights of the celebration included an address by Master George Urunwoke, winner San Marino Award 2008, mock session by the Children’s parliament, Poetry by Hope Leaders Children Foundation, Calabar and a dance sketch by Young African Stars, Enugu,
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
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