News
Yakowa For Burial ‘Morrow …Bayelsa Holds Valedictory Session
Governor Patrick Yakowa who died along with General Patrick Azazi and others in an helicopter crash in Bayelsa, Saturday will be buried tomorrow in his hometown Fadan Kagoma in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The remains of former Governor Patrick Yakowa arrived Kaduna yesterday amidst tears by thousands of sympathisers that thronged the Kaduna Airport.
The corpse and that of Dauda Tsoho arrived the airport at 2:45pm accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Rear Admiral John Jonah. Jonah expressed sympathy with the family and the people of the state.
He said the Bayelsa Government had held a Valedictory Executive Session in memory of the late governor, and described Yakowa as a bridge builder, whose career was dedicated to ensuring peace and development.
He urged the people in the state to support the new governor to enable the state forge ahead.
Receiving the remains of the late governor, Governor Mukhtar Yero expressed appreciation to the government and people of Bayelsa for their support and prayers.
Yero assured the people that he would continue with the foundation laid by the late governor for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress in the state.
Archbishop Mathew Ndagoso of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocess, Bishop George Dodo (Zaria Diocess) and Bishop Mathew Kiakh (Sokoto Diocess) led prayers at the airport.
The usual praises, hails and songs of supports from bystanders that usually accompany the late governor’s convoy was missing as solemn residents in clusters gathered by the road side to bid farewell to the deceased.
The late governor left behind a wife, Mrs Amina Yakowa and four children: Peter, Kyola, Rose and Benedicta.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government yesterday held a valedictory session in honour of the former governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa who along with former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi including four others died in a Navy helicopter on Saturday.
The corpse was brought to Banquet Hall at about 8.30am for the ceremony and for onward journey to Kaduna State for burial tomorrow.
The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and other eminent Nigerians in their separate speeches extolled the virtues of Late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, describing him as a bridge builder and true democrat.
Late Yakowa and five others lost their lives in a Naval Helicopter crash on Saturday in Tombi community, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State while returning from the funeral ceremony of the father of the Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation, Late Pa Tamuno Obebera Douglas in Okoroba community.
In attendance, at the valedictory session were the wife of the Governor, Mrs Rachael Dickson, the Service Chiefs, traditional rulers, representatives of the Kaduna State government and others.
Describing the death of Late Yakowa as shocking, Hon. Dickson said the deceased contributed in no small measure to the unity of the country.
His words: “we have lost a great friend, a great leader and a great patriot who believed in the possibilities of a united Nigeria. He came building the bonds of unity and fraternity in our country. He was a bridge builder in life and died doing so. May his death motivate us all to do more to unite this country and its people.
With his untimely and unfortunate demise, our nation has lost a servant and patriot. The good people of Kaduna have lost a great leader and Governor. The family has lost a great husband, father, grandfather and a patriarch. Bayelsa State has lost a great friend and I have personally lost an elder brother, colleague and friend.”
The governor assured the immediate family of the deceased of the support of the government, stating, “Bayelsa will always be there for you now and in the future and you can call it your home too. Here in Bayelsa, we do not forget our friends.”
In his tribute, the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha described Kaduna State as the epi-centre of Northern Nigeria politics, adding that during his life time, the former governor was able to unite Northern and Southern Kaduna.
According to him, he was a celebrated democrat who believed strongly in his people and was a pillar of trust and support to President Goodluck Jonathan, adding “let his departure be a source of encouragement to those who value peace, justice and equity.”
Also, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Edmund Allison-Oguru said the names of the late Governor truly reflects the various ethno-religious groups in the country, adding that he had successfully built bridges linking Northern and Southern parts of the country.
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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