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Artisans Want Representation In Sanwo-Olu Cabinet
The Association of Lagos State Artisans and Technicians (ASLAT) has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to include their members in his administration to improve the association’s prospects.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the association, Mr Jacob Fayeun, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Lagos.
Feyeun said that artisans had been suffering many setbacks in Lagos state as a result of lack of recognition from the state government in the past.
According to him, artisans have not enjoyed proper recognitions and essential benefits from the state government for some years back.
“Artisans are part of the wheel of progress in any state, we also contribute large proportions of development through our various chapels in Lagos state.
“We have over five million artisans in Lagos state with different lines of specialisations where we pay taxes regularly to the state.
“The state government should come to our aid by appointing our members into public offices at the state level for good representations and progress of our members and the association as a whole.
“Artisans in Lagos state can not afford to lag behind among its counterparts in the country because this is the state of excellence.
“We beg the government to create positions at state level such as Special Assistant to the governor on Artisans, this will create a healthy relationship between the government and the association in the state.”
He said that through such office, his members would be able to present their challenges to the governor.
Fayeun who is also the Chairman, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) Lagos State Chapter implored Sanwo-Olu to provide mechanic villages for NATA members in the state.
The NATA state chairman added that auto mechanics is one of the vibrant artisans in Lagos state in which its progress could not be over emphasised.
“It is unfair that as vibrant as Lagos state is in the country, there is no provision of mechanic villages for over two million mechanic artisans in the state.”
He said that there were such provisions in neighbouring states of Ogun, Osun and Oyo.
“In Ogun, the government made provisions for mechanic villages in the three Senatorial zones and they have been contributing to the progress and development of the state,” he added.
According to him, the large members of the association are also proactive in participating in politics and electioneering.
He said that the government should consider their plights by providing necessary site for NATA members for effective service delivery.
“That is why we artisans need good representations at the state level, we want progress and we are working toward it.
“It was during the Alhaji Lateef Jakande’s administration in Lagos in 1981 that we got an approval for the establishment of mechanic villages in parts of the state.
“ They had been hijacked by land grabbers at a point in time in the state.
“We appeal to Governor Sanwo-Olu-led administration to assist us at this point in time and crown our efforts of the full support given to him during the election period.”
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