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Lawmaker Wants Women’s Rights In New Constitution
Lawmaker Wants Women’s Rights In New Constitution NEWS The Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly,Hon.Leyii Kwanee, has described women as cardinal to the development of any nation. Hon.Kwanee who is also the chairman,Parliamentary Exchange and Mentorship Programme ( PEMP) of the Pan-African Parliament also called on the National Assembly to take seriously issues of gender equality in the proposed constitution amendment. The Deputy Speaker who made the call when a delegation of Women Initiative for Transparency and Social Justice, paid him a courtesy visit in his Office in Port Harcourt, said that issues such as 35 percent affirmative action plan should be constitutional matters, adding that the present understanding on the matter was not enough. He explained that gender issues are not only of national concern but international stressing that in Africa, action plans have been set up to address gender inequalities, citing that gender equality was one of the four thematic issues of PEMP workshop in South Africa. Hon Kwanee further called on women to continue to fight to contain trafficking in women and children noting that these nefarious actions belie our under development. He urged the women to organise a summit on the challenges affecting their development in Nigeria to draw the attention of the nation to the seriousness of their developmental constraints with a view to addressing them on a national discourse. Hon. Kwanee commended the Women Initiative for Transparency and Social Justice for finding time to visit him and urged them to come up with ideas that will enhance participatory and good governance in the Niger Delta region and at grassroots level. He reiterated his determination to continue to interface and rub minds with constituents in order to ensure mutual understanding with them about good governance. The Deputy Speaker assured them that the Rivers State House of Assembly under the Speaker Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Amachree has a soft spot for women development. On the request for the provision of water for their community, the Deputy Speaker promised to provide a bore hole for or community in Khana LGA to address the challenge of lack of water faced by the community. Earlier, the National Coordinator of the Women Initiative for Transparency and Social Justice (WITSOJ), Dr. Princess Jennifer Spiff, said that the group decided to identify with the Deputy Speaker because of his commitment to the promotion of democratic ideals. She informed the Deputy Speaker that the group is a coalition of NGOs, CBOs, Union and Professional with focus on canvass for participatory governance, social accountability especially at LGA level, engage in proper budget advocacy and participatory budget process as well as enhance good governance in Niger Delta. “We are organising women to know their rights from the communities and educating them on how to go about them to be able to voice out their needs”. “ We make women understand it is their right to interface with their government and other public office holders and assist government to ensure that they reach their grass roots in terms of development “, she said. She commended the Deputy Speaker for his developmental initiative in his Ogoni ethnic nationality in the areas of health, education and being responsive to the needs of the people. Dr. Spiff further told the Deputy Speaker that the group was willing to engage him in conferences and workshop. Among the delegation was the General Secretary, Barr. Sarah Apia, women from Khana and Gokana Local Government Area branch of WITSOJ.
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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