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Rivers Monarch Advises Youths To Shun Social Vices
An apex youth body in the country, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter, has honoured a renowned monarch of Wakirike nation and Amanyanabo of Ancient Ele Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRH King Felix Tamunosipiriala Okuru, with the prestigious award of “Grand Defender of the Youths, for his immense contributions to youth development in the state and selfless service to humanity.
This is even as the King advised the youths in the state to shun all forms of social vices.
Presenting the award to the monarch in Port Harcourt recently, the leader of the delegation and state Secretary of NYCN, Comrade David Apiafi noted that the award was the highest in the council, stressing that it was conferred on the monarch to encourage him to continue to do more for the society and humanity.
According to him, King Okuru was the second traditional ruler in the state to be bestowed with such an honour, the first being the Amanyanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Michael Tom Loko.
While describing the monarch as a youth-friendly personality and philanthropist par excellence, Comrade Apiafi noted with satisfaction that the paramount ruler spends his personal resources in the human capacity development and empowerment of the youths in particular and humanity in general.
He said the apex youth body in the country only conferred the Grand Defender of the Youths Award on personalities who are youth- friendly and complement government’s efforts by providing employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the state.
In his welcome address, the Personal Assistant to the King, Mr Biebele Emmanuel had earlier explained that the Ele Clan was among the nine clans that make up the Wakirike nation, adding that the ancient stool of the Amanyanabo of Apina was renowned and highly respected within and outside the Wakirike nation.
He commended the youth council for identifying with the good legacies of the monarch, who he said was also the Chairman of the Maritime Union in the state, and described him as a loveable King with a humane disposition.
In his response, the visibly elated paramount ruler, King Felix Tamunosipiriala Okuru said he was surprised that his modest contributions to society were being noticed, and expressed appreciation to the body for finding him worthy of such honour, promising that it would spur him to do more.
The Amanyanabo admonished the youths to stay away from all acts that are inimical to their development and that of society, and to always remain peaceful and law-abiding.
He promised to support the programmes and activities of the youth body which have direct bearing on the development of the state and the society.
In his vote of thanks, the Palace Secretary, Hon Philmon Omubo thanked the body for the honour done the monarch, and appealed to the members to continue to reward selfless service to humanity which he noted King Okuru epitomised.
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