News
…Congratulates NGE President, 15 Others
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has congratulated the Editor-In-Chief and Managing Director of New Telegraph, Mrs Funke Egbemode on her election as the President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The governor also congratulated a Director at The Tide Newspapers, Juliet Njiowhor and others who emerged victorious, during the 2017 edition of the NGE Biennial Convention.
Wike urged the NGE President and the new executives to work towards promoting media professionalism, objectivity and development of the country, and wished the NGE President a fruitful term in office.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), late Saturday, inducted no fewer than 57 new members into the elite club of editors in the country.
The new members are the acting Editor, The Tide Newspapers, Donald Mike-Jaja; 18 from News Agency of Nigeria; eight from Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria; three each from Nigerian Television Authority, The Guardian, and New Telegraph newspapers; two each from African Independent Television, Union Newspapers, and Voice of Nigeria; and one apiece from Channels Television, Leadership, Daily Times, SUN, PUNCH and National Mirror, among others.
Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph Newspaper, Mrs Funke Egbemode, was returned unopposed as president, just as two Vice Presidents – East and North – Fred Fabor and Hajia Sani, General Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, and Social/Publicity Secretary, Ken Ugbechie, were also returned unopposed at the convention.
Other officers elected include Mr Suleiman Uba Gaya, who scored 97 votes to beat Ali M. Ali (96 votes), and Chooks Oko (69 votes), to emerge deputy president; Mustapha Isah scored 172 votes to beat Bolaji Tunji (78 votes), thereby emerging vice president, Weast.
The post of treasurer went to Ray Echebiri, who garnered 133 votes to defeat Sabastine Abu with 127 votes, just as Mary Atolagbe, retained her position by scoring 128 votes to beat two others – Sam Egbala (99 votes), and Casmir Igbokwe (21 votes).
For the seven Standing Committee positions, Juliet Njiowhor of The Tide warded off oppositions by scoring 140 votes to emerge winner, along with new entrant, Ikpong Essien-Udom, who scored 116 votes, to beat Ken Njoku (112 votes), and Eze Anaba (44 votes) for East, while Ibrahim Mamman and Catherine Agbo beat two others with 132 votes and 125 votes, respectively, to emerge representatives of the North.
Similarly, Austeen Elewodalu, Steve Osuji and Steve Nwosu scored 136, 135 and 127 votes to emerge Standing Committee members for West, beating four others in the keenly contested election.
The election committee led by veteran Journalist, Mr Ray Ekpu, supervised the hitch-free exercise, and declared the officers as winners.
In her acceptance speech, Egbemode said she would work hard to effect positive changes in the guild in two years.
“I regard this election as an investment and I will ensure that this confidence is treated with respect.
“I am truly humbled, lucky because of the numbers of editors that decided that one person is good and nobody should run against me,” she said.
The president assured that she would not disappoint her colleagues because they gave her an uncommon trust.
Inducting the new members during the dinner/gala night to round off the three-day 2017 Biennial Convention of the guild in Lagos, former president of Nigeria Union of Journalists and fellow of the guild, Bonnie Iwuoha, challenged the editors to maintain high level of integrity and discipline in the discharge of the professional duties, especially at this period of recession.
Nelson Chukwudi
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