News
Games Village Contractors Get One Week Ultimatum …Ahead 17th NSF
Contractors handling various projects at the new Garden City Games Village in Port Harcourt have been given up to June 18, 2011 to complete their jobs and vacate the site or lose five per cent of their outstanding payments.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State gave the directive last Wednesday after a meeting with the Local Organizing Committee of the National Sports Festival at the games Village in Port Harcourt.
The governor explained that apart from the main bowl, “we have told the rest contractors that they must quit site on June 18, 2011, and if they did not, whatever money we are owing them, we would deduct five per cent from their outstanding payment”.
Governor Amaechi said the contractors have been communicated and they have agreed to it, pointing out that the Swimming Pool contractor is to leave site on Sunday, while a committee has been set up to ensure compliance.
The State Chief Executive, who had met with the committee to fine tune strategies for the smooth hosting of the games, disclosed that the choice of the games village as venue for the meeting was to enable members of the committee see things for themselves.
On the gains of the festival to Rivers people, the governor said the micro-economy of the people would be greatly enhanced, stressing that the state government may not have tangible gains in terms of cash flow, but there would be improvement at the micro economy which would rob off on the macro level.
He noted that already some companies have contributed to the hosting of the sports festival while the state has used the opportunity to improve on its infrastructure, including power supply.
Commenting on Team Rivers, the Governor said the athletes have been motivated enough to deliver gold medals to the state and the state would be glad to win the festival because the athletes are going to compete based on their performance capacity.
According to the governor, we are working hard to deliver the facilities; you can see the swimming pools which are ready, basket ball, volley ball, lawn tennis pitches completed, while efforts are on to complete Hockey and football pitches before the games commence.
Governor Amaechi said the state is putting finishing touches to the facilities as everything appears to be ready for the festival.
Also speaking, former Super Eagles Captain, Mr Kanu Nwankwo who was on the entourage of the state governor, said Rivers people are lucky to have Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi as Governor as he is the first governor in Nigeria to put the kind of structures found in the games village in place.
Mr Nwankwo explained that the quality of facilities indicate that the sports festival would be successful and beneficial to the Nigerian athletes as the facilities are among the best in the world.
“From what I have seen, we are going to get the best from our people, they have good facilities and therefore, they cannot give excuses, but to do their best and from here we can see those we can pick and help to send abroad to bring the best from them” Nwankwo said.
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