News
Brown Tasks Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Leaders On Economic Integration
Political leader of Andoni and Opobo-Nkoro Local Government
Areas of Rivers State have been advised to discard divisive politics and work
towards the economic integration of the zone for the benefit of their peoples.
Ama Opu-Senibo Bobo Brown made the call at the 1st
Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Economic Zone Development Summit which began yesterday at
Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt.
Brown, a former President of the Nigeria Institute of Public
Relations (NIPR), noted that in this time of global economic recession, the summit
was timely as it would put the zone in a position to be competitive in the
state and national economy.
According to him, investments cannot come to the area except
the people initiate them.
Commending the foresightedness and industry of King Jaja of
Opobo and other founding fathers of the area, who he said, did not convene an
economic summit before strategically positioning themselves in the oil palm
business of the pre-independence era, Brown noted that the over 300,000 people
of the area have over the years become economic refugees.
He commended the member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro
Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dakuku Peterside for
his foresight in convening the summit, and berated the financial institutions
doing business in the zone for failing to invest in the summit.
In his speech, the State Commissioner for Budget and
Economic Planning, Mr. Gogo Levi Charles stated that the state government will
next year set up an Enterprise Fund to promote investment in the state, and
stressed the need to support small and medium scale enterprises in the zone.
The Budget Commissioner also noted that the completion of
the Bori-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road by the Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led
administration will promote tourism and investment in the area.
Earlier, Prof Okey Onuchuku, an economist and lecturer at
the University of Port Harcourt as well as a representative of Stanbic IBTC,
had each spoken on the local economy for Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro.
The summit was attended by the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom
and Chairman, Opobo/Nkoro Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson D. Jaja,
Chiefs and eminent personalities from Andoni Local Government Area, including
Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Hon Orom Nte Erefereokuma and his Opobo/Nkoro counterpart, Hon. Maclean Uranta,
among others.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.
