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RVHA Approves N50bn Bond For RSG
L-R: Principal Manager, Training, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Patricia Aboh, Vice-President, Membership Development, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr Emeka Nwakpa, Vice-President, Trade Fair, Mr Jasper Nduagwuike and representative of NPA Managing Director, Mr Lawrence Oladele, inaugurating NPA atand at the 25th Enugu International Trade Fair, recently.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has given its approval for the state government to go ahead and take a bond of the sum of N50 billion for the completion of ongoing construction of infrastructure projects in the state.
The House, which gave the approval on Monday during its sitting said, the bond which would be obtained from the Access bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc would help the state government complete on-going projects in the state during the drying season.
The House had received a leter from the State Chief Executive, requesting the Assembly to grant it approval to able it procure bond of N50 billion from Access bank Plc and Zenieth Bank Plc for the completion of some on-going projects in the state.
During the debate, Hon. Josiah John Olu, representing Eleme said the letter from the State governor was in order and was self-explanatory.
Olu, who is the chairman of Finance Committee in the House said the state is known for its huge infrastructure projects, adding that the approval from the House would help the contractors complete the projects before the rains set in.
Hon. Augustine Ngo, (Abua/Odual) urged the state government to make available list of some of the projects to be completed with the bond, as he urged the Ministry of Works to consider the Odual road which has not been attended to.
The lawmaker noted that the people of Odual have no road and would be happy if the new approval would include the road, among others.
Hon. Nname Ewor, Ahoada East constituency 1, however, said the bond was necessary since the interest rate is the same with the bond already acquired and would be paid back from the same source.
The House, however, approved the bond to allow the government complete the projects before the end of its tenure.
Speaking with journalists after the plenary, the Chairman, House Committee on finance, Hon. Josiah John Olu said it is wise for the executive to request for the bond, stressing that when the budget was passed, it had deficit of N100 billion.
He said, “we have since realized that the bond market is not where you work in and out with money. You have to file in your papers with the Securities and exchange Commission (SEC) and they have to issue you with all documents.
“From our projections, we are hoping to have access to the bond in August or September”, he said.
The lawmaker commended the governor for having the foresight to open a window, adding that this move will enable the government meet all her contractual agreements with road and other infrastructure projects in the state pending when the N100 billion bond would be ready for the state to access.
He noted that the process of issuance of bond required the SEC to look at the state’s debt profile.
The House Committee chairman said the Executive has negotiated an interest rate equivalent to that of the bond.
However, the bill for a law to provide for the classification of chiefs and recognition of chieftaincy stools also scaled first reading.
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