News
Jonathan, Others Pay Achebe Last Respects …As FG Declares May29 Public Holiday
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday enjoined all Nigerians to put all hands on deck to transform the country.
Jonathan made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the funeral service for the late Prof Chinua Achebe at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Ogidi near Onitsha, Anambra State.
He said that Achebe in his books philosophically reflected on the ills bedevilling the progress of the country and that the present generation of politicians, business moguls, and thinkers should find a way to change negative attitudes for the progress of the country.
“That means that those of us who are political leaders, business moguls, I have seen quite a number of them who have business empires; our religious leaders, our traditional leaders, all of us must work hard to change this country.
“So that when our grand children like Achebe junior would write, they would say there is a country.
“And one thing for those of you who had read this book that I would like to appreciate Achebe is that, if you listen to what I have read, he was overtly critical about the elections.
“But one thing he appreciated at least is that the 2011 election had seen significant improvement. That means that we can change.
“What we inherited about the 60s that Achebe wrote as far back as 1958 about things falling apart, feeling that we have lost our moral values and he criticised the elections that happened in 1959 and so on.
“If we can fix our electoral process and we the politicians, believe that this is our country and we don’t have any other country than Nigeria; then work together, we would work with the religious leaders, work with the traditional leaders, work with the businessmen and women; we can have a country that our grand-children would write in their own books – there is a country.’’
Jonathan, however, commiserated with the family of Achebe especially the wife, Prof Chinwe Achebe; while thanking the various international dignitaries that graced the occasion.
The President later announced that he and President John Mahama of Ghana would rebuild the dilapidated St. Philips’ Primary School, Ogidi where Achebe attended his primary education.
In his remarks, President John Mahama of Ghana, said that Prof Achebe’s life was a great inspiration to Africans.
Mahama said that Achebe would live-on not just only in his literary works but for his forthrightness and candidness to issues of life as it affected his people, his country and the African World.
In his homily, Most Rev. Ikechi Nwosu, Archbishop of Aba Anglican Province, urged Nigerians to be determined to succeed even in difficult and rough times.
Nwosu, who represented Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, the Primate of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria, noted that the late Achebe succeeded even in the face of present day challenges.
The cleric, who titled his message: “Prof. Chinua Achebe: A Parable to the Nigerian Nation’’, enjoined all Nigerians to be focused and steadfast with the truth and fear of God.
He advised Nigerians not to lose hope, saying: “God shows how strong He is to His people during rough and difficult times“.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, who spoke on behalf of the elders of the South-East, thanked President Jonathan and his Ghanaian counterpart as well as other foreign national dignitaries for gracing the occasion.
Anyaoku said that Achebe had made Ndi-Igbo and Nigerians proud with his literary works and life-style.
Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, described the late Achebe as a man of many parts, whose legacy would live beyond many generations.
“Prof. Achebe accomplishment only ranks 2nd to the accomplishment of the Great Nelson Mandela of Africa,’’ Ihedioha said.
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who spoke on behalf of the governors from the South-East and South-South present, said that the people of the two zones, “now united are very grateful to Mr President honouring the invitation’’.
“With the love you are showing to the South-East and South-South, we would remain with you and make sure we project all your programmes and policies.’’
The eldest son of the deceased, Dr Ikechukwu Achebe, thanked the Presidents, foreign delegations, dignitaries and personalities as well as the media for attending the burial service and making the event a success.
Highlights of the event was a presentation from the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Achebe family and Ministry of Foreign Affairs volumes of signed condolence registers from Nigerian embassies abroad to the Achebes and a special song rendered by the Old Boys of Federal Government College, Umuahia in Abia State.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 29, as Public Holiday to celebrate the 2013 Democracy Day.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Annesthesia Nwaobia, yesterday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, declared the Public Holiday on behalf of the Federal Government.
Moro urged Nigerians to deepen their participation in democratic governance to enable them pass on the baton of credible and good governance to upcoming generations.
Moro urged the citizenry to support Jonathan’s efforts at deepening democratic governance in 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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