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Senator, Commissioner Task NIPR On Perception Management
Members of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have been challenged to come up with a blueprint on how best to communicate government policies to achieve the objective of such policies.
Speaking as chairman at the 2012 State Conference and Annual General Meeting of the NIPR at the Rivers State Horse of Assembly complex auditorium last Thursday, Senator George Sekibo, said the misperception of public policies and programmes has destroyed the expected gains of such policies and urged NIPR members to come up with refreshing ideas on how to deal with the problem.
According to him, Public Relations practitioners are specially trained and equipped to appraise challenges and strategise to meet the purpose of effective communication of policies in any organisation.
He remarked that theme of the conference, “communicating government policies” was well conceived as failure to communicate policies has led to unwarranted opposition of very good government policies in the country.
Senator Sekibo who is also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence and Army stated that legislators are committed to making good laws that will improve the lives of those they represent, adding that there is need to educate ourselves on the duties and responsibilities of elected representatives as well as our privileges for the benefit of all stakeholders.
In her speech, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Ibim Sementiari, urged the NIPR to partner with the Ministry on the best way to ‘ communicate policy.
She noted that the state Governor has adopted an effective means of communicating its policies through the use of Town Hall meetings and advised the NIPR to brace up for the emerging digital media.
The commissioner who is also a council member of the NIPR stated that public relation deals with truth and verifiable facts and added that the performance of the present administration is evident as it has attracted investors to the state.
In his address, the chairman of the NIPR, Rivers State Chapter, Barrister Karibi George observed that that there is need for adequate stakeholder engagement before policies are executed.
He condemned the spate of bombings in the country by the Boko Haram sect and the growing incidences of corruption. The NIPR chairman said “the Pension Fund Scan and the Petroleum Subsidy Probe by the National Assembly are unequivocal examples of corruption with impurity” and urged the culprits to be justly visited with the full weight of the law.
Delivering a keynote address, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman of the Amnesty Programme, Hon. Kingsley Kuku who was represented by Mr Larry Pepple disclosed the various efforts to rehabilitate and re-integrate ex-militants, noting that many of them are in the best institutions undergoing training in skills that are required aviation, marine, oil and gas and other critical areas of need.
He said amnesty was not a cure-all therapy but a strategic intervention of the federal government to restore peace in the Niger Delta.
Alpheaus Paul-Worika
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