News
… As Author Flays Withdrawal
Nigeria may not achieve the United Nation’s set Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),which emphasises gross reduction in infants and maternal mortality rates if current government decision ordering NAFDAC operatives out of the nation’s seaports nationwide is not urgently reversed”, Public Affairs Analyst and Author, Martins Ikhilae has warned.
Ikhilae who spoke with The Tide in a telephone chat on Friday, warned that if government went ahead to withdraw NAFDAC officials from the sea ports,it would endanger the lives of the citizens.
The analyst who described the planned decision as ill conceived,unpatriotic,untimely and outright unnecessary asserted that it was a time bomb which when exploded, would have a disastrous effect on the nation’s healthcare delivery system which was currently being laboriously overhauled by the nation’s rejuvenated health boosting organ, the National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The Analyst who is the author of the Nigerian Maritime further warned against hasty implementation of retrogressive policies which, he said were capable of retarding the nation’s long desired economic and socio-political development. He said that the pronouncement was indicative of the policy’s lack of adequate and broad based consultations before its adoption and subsequent implementation.
Ikhilae urged Nigerian Government not to allow itself to be misled by some self centred individuals merely masquerading as patriots by daring to toy with the nation’s life saving agency whose dynamic and selfless contributions towards efficient and effective healthcare delivery system was being ideally applauded both locally and internationally.
He maintained that although he was not against government decision to rationalise security agencies at seaports, he was out rightly opposed to the inclusion of NAFDAC in the list of agencies to be withdrawn adding that the scientific and very sensitive nature of the agency’s operations automatically exempt it from the list of withdrawable agencies.
The analyst argued that experience has shown over the years that the nation stands to loose enormous financial resources by withdrawing the agency from seaports pointing out that combating illicit importation of counterfeited pharmaceuticals and unwholesome processed foods at the pre-entry stage was easier and less expensive than the very strenuous, time consuming and highly capital intensive post-entry approach and therefore implored government to have a rethink by reverting to the statusquo.
According to him, ample evidences abound that operations of the agency in Nigerian seaports over the years has been highly revealing and marvelously rewarding having successfully curtailed influx of counterfeited drugs and unwholesome processed foods into the country.
Mr Ikhilae commended the agency’s management team for their patriotic efforts which brought about the introduction and adoption of ideally co-ordinated anti-counterfeiting strategies like the Electronic Clearance procedure, deployment of cutting edge technologies such as the Truescan,the GSM SMS text messaging system, the Radio Frequency identification system as well as the Black Eye machine to mention a few in a bid to ensure speedy clearance of imports.
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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