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Amaechi, Akinyemi Hail Ekwueme At 80 …As Fiscal Federalism, Nat.Confab Top Discourse
Former Minister of External Affairs Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi says a national conference to dialogue on Nigeria’s future is pertinent in view of challenges currently rocking the country.
Prof. Akinyemi made his position public yesterday while speaking at a special lecture to commemorate the 80th birthday of former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the topic,’’ Strengthening the Foundation of Peace and Stability, ‘’ the professor of International Affairs and Diplomacy also said the present federal system being practised in the country needs dire restructuring.
He believed that,’’ Nigerian federalism has been driven by the agitation for identity recognition by nationality groups ‘’.
Akinyemi who served as external Affairs Minister during the regime of military president, Ibrahim Babangida re-echoed Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s position earlier in the church thanksgiving service, where he recommended that some powers should be given to the federating states in areas concerning fiscal federalism, state police and equal representation.
The former minister who flayed the present federal structure opined that its not working hence the rising agitation among the different nationalities.
He asserted,’’…national groups continue to agitate for states of their own even though embedded in each new state will be minorities that will agitate for new states of their own. Does this mean that endless creation of states is the only way to ensure peace, equity and stability in Nigeria? The answer is no’’.
Prof. Akinyemi called for a restructuring based on equity,’’ Just as Dr. Ekwueme came up with ingenious idea of zonal federalism, we must come up with ingenious new ideas to address our own realities. We cannot have state for each national group in Nigeria,’’ he said.
Rather than creating more states to satisfy regional demands, Akinyemi suggested the need to engender trust based on what he called the ‘principle of reciprocity and mutual respect’ where all ethnic groups will have a sense of belonging in the polity.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has extolled former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekuweme for being a detribalised and passionate leader for a better Nigeria.
Amaechi made the commendation at the 80th birthday thanksgiving service organised by Ekwueme’s Committee of Friends in collaboration with state government yesterday at St Paul’s Cathedral Diobu in Port Harcourt.
The governor said the Second Republic number two citizen has demonstrated great zeal towards having a better Nigeria, and promised to follow in his steps.
The Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum noted that Ekwueme’s lifestyle is a challenge for the younger politicians like him, saying” be rest assured that some of us who look up to you after looking to God, will continue the struggle as you are still struggling for, and see whether there will be a better Nigeria. And I pray that there will be a better Nigeria’’, he added.
He continued,’’ the best birthday gift we have for you is to reassure you that we will support you in this struggle’’.
While congratulating him for the milestone of clocking 80 years, Amaechi wished the former Vice President well in the future.
Responding, Dr. Ekwueme expressed elation for the honour accorded him.
He expressed delight that so much honour was coming from all parts of the country, adding that’’ as I told everybody I’am not in a hurry and I think every one will have a memory of me to celebrate’’.
The former vice president thanked the government and people of the state for the honour done him, and prayed for more years ahead.
Earlier in his sermon, Bishop of Niger Delta North Province, Rt Rev. Ignatius Kattey had said the birthday marks the beginning of a new era in the life of Dr. Ekwueme and prayed God to continue to use him as an instrument of change.
The cleric reminded the celebrant of the need to be grateful to God at every stage of life, stressing that,’’at every stage of our life, God gives us a task to accomplish ‘’.
Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has sued for better federalism through constitutional amendment.
He made his mind public while speaking at the thanksgiving service in honour of Dr. Alex Ekwueme in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Amaechi maintained that Nigerians should use the current constitutional amendment exercise to seek for better polity.
‘’ It is important that we get the unity of the country in a proper way that the country will move forward and I will join in that ‘’, he observed.
Said he,’’as usual, Nigerians have started dealing with cosmetics and not the reality…not the reality of power devolution, not the reality of the structure of the country, but the reality of how much is shared and who is sharing what.’’
He maintained that it is pertinent to bring into proper perspective issues addressing the unity of the country, so the country can move forward.
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