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Jonathan To Grace PH Int’l Power Roundtable
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan would on Wednesday declare open a two day International Power Round Table Conference organized by the Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Power, in conjunction with the state ministry of power as well as the Federal Ministry of Power.
In a statement, in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the chairman House of Assembly Committee on Power, Hon Henry Ogiri said the Senate President, David Mark, Minister of Power, Dr Olanrewaju Babalola and the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi and other dignitaries are expected at the two day event.
Also expected in the power roundtable conference are the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, Group General Manager, NNPC, Dr Mohammed Bakindo, Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry, State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Augustine Wokocha and a host of other personalities.
According to the release, the theme of the conference is “Maximizing Investment Opportunities in Power Projects in Nigeria through Public Private Partnership” and would take place at the main auditorium of the state House of Assembly, between November 25 26, this year.
It further stated that the aim of the round table conference is to engender private sector interest in power projects and to also showcase investment opportunities in Nigeria as well as to provide platform for government and corporate bodies to showcase their progress report and efforts at achieving steady power supply in Nigeria.
He stated that to attract private investment in the Nation’s power sector, government needs to aggressively market her various power projects, initiate opportunities and policies that would encourage and sustain potential private investors within and outside the country.
According to him, emerging facts showed that Europe, America and Asia which have about 97.5% of power investment achieved that through Public Private Partnership (PPP) with government providing the enabling environment through appropriate legislation and policies adding that it was disheartening that while many nations across the world have gone beyond 1,00,0000 megawatts, the country he said, was still struggling to achieve 6000 megawatts.
He maintained that the roundtable conference would offer the enabling opportunities on how the stakeholders would scintillate ideas on how to network and come up with a framework to achieve a synergy in the development of the power sector in the country and commended the efforts of the state government in power generation hoping that the distribution component would be liberalized.
The lawmaker opined that active participation of the private sector in power projects would compliment the federal government efforts to provide 6000 megawatts by the end of next month adding that such height if achieved, would greatly stimulate the manufacturing sector, increase employment opportunities as well as reduce poverty in the country.
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