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We’re Building Better Future For Rivers – Wike
As activities to mark the state Golden Jubilee anniversary gathers momentum, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says his administration was on the path to achieve a new vision for posterity.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee Traditional Rulers Day celebrations tagged: “Traditional Institution In Nigeria and the Challenge of Re-Engineering Viable Local Economies”, at Obi Wali International Conference Centre, last Wednesday, in Port Harcourt, Wike held that plans have begun to give the state a better future.
He said, “This celebration provides us opportunity to plan where this state will be in the next 50 years, and it’s the best way to immortalize the sacrifices of our founding fathers.”
The governor asserted that the celebrations underscore the liberation of the people from oppression, as it gave them the opportunity to be free and assert themselves in the polity.
Wike said traditional rulers played great role in the state’s creation and development of the state, arguing that they still have greater role to play since they exert influence on their subjects at the grassroots.
It’s against this backdrop, he explained that his administration was ensuring that the status of the traditional institution was upgraded to ensure that government policies and programmes are embraced at the local areas, and therefore, enjoined the local government councils to incorporate them in their activities.
Urging royal fathers to remain apolitical, Wike pointed out that they have huge responsibilities to develop the youth and drive local economy, while decrying the rising use of illicit drugs and violence at the rural areas.
He nonetheless submitted that his administration was working hard to put the state on the path of development, emphasizing that, “We are on the way to achieve a new vision for Rivers State.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and Amayanabo of Opobo Kingodm, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, described the celebrations as a dream come true for River State.
As drivers of the local economy and development, Jaja suggested that government can exploit the roles of the traditional institution to transform the state.
He thanked the governor for the people-oriented projects done over the years, as he urged him not to relent in the quest to move the state forward.
In his remarks, the first governor and military administrator of Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, assured that the state has come to stay and was of age now.
The Amayanabo of Twon Brass sued for unity among the people, and wished the governor and people of the state a great future.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has sued for unity among traditional rulers in the state, just as the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, challenged traditional rulers to partner government at all levels to engender peace and sustainable development for the betterment of all.
He said, “We must be ready to explore new avenues and ideas as veritable tools of peace and engagement and traditional rulers need to be fully engaged.”
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