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Tai Leaders Tackle Wike On Banana Farm
L-R: United Bank for Africa (UBA) Director of Consumer Banking, Mr Ilesanmi Owoeye, a customer, Ms Gladys Ugwuagu and Uba Head, Retail Products Division, Mrs Olumide Osunyomi during UBA launch of U-Gold Banking Product in Enugu, last week. Photo: NAN
The Federal lawmaker representing Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency, Chief Barinada Mpigi and leaders of Tai Local Government Area have cautioned the acting Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike and Senator Lee Maeba over their comments on the Banana Farm owned by the Rivers State Government.
Reacting to the comments by former Senator Lee Maeba at the inauguration of Grassroots Democratic Initiative in Kpite Community in Tai Local Government Area to lead a protest to destroy the farm Chief Mpigi said, the plot is targeted at destroying and sabotaging the economy of the state and render thousands of youths, women and men in the area useless and unproductive.
Mpigi stated this Monday, at a media briefing at Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to him, ‘Now, they are talking about Banana Farm, and many of our sons and daughters, including men and women engaged in the farm will be rendered useless. Some of them were paid huge sums of money for their crops that were bought for the farm, some of them were paid very little amount in the past, but what they were paid currently has been in millions. But let me assure them that the people of Kpite Community in Tai Local Government Area have resolved that they are ready to follow Governor Amaechi”, Hon. Mpigi said.
The Federal Lawmaker flayed Chief Wike on his inability to resolve the ASUU strike that has crippled academic activities in the nation’s university system, and urged him to dump his electioneering campaign and return to Abuja, where he is most needed.
“The comments by Nyesom Wike last Sunday shows that he has lost direction and bearing. Instead of Wike to concentrate on how to resolve ASUU strike, he is busy in Rivers State jumping from one local government to the other to inaugurate GDI. I think he should start going back to Abuja and sit down with President Jonathan and other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the ASUU strike. Nyesom Wike also mentioned my name during the GDI inauguration, but let me remind Wike that since I became council chairman in 1999 and later appointed as Commissioner, I was not forced on anybody. I was also duly elected by the people of Eleme, Tai and Oyigbo Federal Constituency,” Hon. Mpigi said.
He strongly condemned the planned hiring of thugs, hoodlums and militants to terrorize his people during the upcoming general elections, stressing that the people of Tai, Eleme and Oyigbo have already thrown their weight behind Governor Amaechi.
“Last Sunday, our people saw how hired thugs, hoodlums and militants were roaming the communities, but when the chips are down, they will see. Amaechi has built 22 Model Primary Schools and Health Centres. Everybody in Tai will allow the votes casts at the poll to count”, Hon. Mpigi maintained.
Speaking further, Hon. Hycinth Dike, former Chief of Staff of Tai Council said, Nyesom Wike and former Senator Lee Maeba and their supporters were strangers to their land since they were not conversant with the level of infrastructural and human capital development instituted by the Governor Amaechi led administration in Tai local government area of the state.
Hon. Hyacinth Dike challenged former Senator Lee Maeba to tell the people of Tai and the people of his senatorial district how many constituency projects he attracted to the area during his tenure of office, and warned Lee Maeba and his cohorts to avoid the banana farm and other development projects put in place by the Governor Amaechi led administration.
One of the leaders of Kpite community, in Tai Local Government Area, Sir Mbakpone Okpe noted that the community has benefitted immensely from the Amaechi led administration, including the appointment of their sons as commissioners, award of overseas scholarships to indigenes, and the construction of solar power light project in the area by Chief Barry Mpigi.
Another political leader in Kpite Community, Hon, Mgbo Innocent advised Chief Nyesom Wike and Senator Maeba to withdraw their repulsive statements, and seek ways to end the PDP political impasse in Rivers State, and allow peace to prevail.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Amaechi, Mr David Iyofor said that the state governor will not be drawn into joining issues with Nyesom Wike and his insignificant group of court jesters.
“That Banana Farm in Tai Local Government Area employs over 250 indigenes of Tai and millions of Naira were paid monthly to this people. It is one of the biggest employer of labour in that area. It’s economic benefits to the Tai people and the state is enormous,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rivers State governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi says his administration is gradually moving the state from an oil -based to an agro-based economy.
He made the revelation in a press chat with a group of foreign journalists who visited him and undertook tour of projects last weekend in Port Harcourt.
The governor while calling on foreign investors to come and invest pointed out that Rivers state is virgin for any investor. He maintained that the state is ready to give out more lands for any agricultural investments
He stated that already foreign investors have taken over the former RISONPALM estate of about 10,000 hectares of palm, and that an Israeli company has also agreed to commence Farm Settlement in Etche worth about N50billion naira.
According to Amaechi Africa is a virgin land and has huge potentials, especially Nigeria with its huge population.
Even the huge untapped natural resources in the state according to the governor provides enough potentials for any investor, saying that the policy of government is to move the state from oil to an agro-based economy.
Amaechi also stressed that “one way of moving the country forward was through education and if you don’t have it you are in problem.
So far, he submitted that the effort has started yielding results following success recorded by indigenes who went abroad for scholarships.
Commenting on why the people still love his administration despite the political problems he said, “ I think Rivers people have been patient enough…you can see that despite the political problems they are still rallying behind government because they are seeing things on ground ‘’
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