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Wike Praises Burna Boy’s Exploits As Pride Of Rivers
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has praised the exceptional exploits of Grammy award-winning Afrobeat artiste, Burna Boy, real name Damini Ogulu, as the pride of the state.
Wike made this assertion when Burna Boy, his parents and management team paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
The governor said the state was proud of Burna Boy for the rare distinction of becoming a winner of the prestigious Grammy Award.
“There is no Rivers person that will say he or she is not happy with the kind of pride you’ve brought us. I am very happy, and I can tell you, whatever you think we can do to promote you, we will continue to do it.”
Wike congratulated Burna Boy for the honour he has done to the people of the state all over the world, and explained that when news broke that Burna Boy was the winner in the Best Global Music Album category with his ‘Twice As Tall’ album, the entire state was elated.
“You’ve done us proud, and we owe you a duty to show you love. Wherever you are, your people appreciate you,” the governor said.
The governor urged Burna Boy not to relent in his musical endeavour as the state government would continue to give him all the necessary support he requires.
Earlier, Burna Boy had said he was deeply grateful and incredibly humbled by the reception and honour conferred on him by the Government of Rivers State.
“I really appreciate being here. This is probably the biggest honour that will be bestowed on me since I was born. It is one thing to win the Grammy, and to be applauded everywhere else in the world, and another thing to be loved in your own home, and that, to me, is worth more than anything I can get. So, I appreciate you my governor for taking your time out to do this”, he said.
It would be recalled that Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category with his ‘Twice As Tall’ album at the 63rd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, United States.
It would be recalled that Burna Boy was received by a large crowd of fans and supporters after he landed at the Legend Business Jets Terminal at the Port Harcourt Airport, Omagwa.
The fans and supporters, who were super excited and overwhelmed by the musician’s success story, hailed him by the title of one of his songs, “Odogwu”.
His Homecoming, organised by the Rivers State Government to celebrate him for making the state proud at the international scene by winning the Grammy at the 2021 Grammy Awards ceremony, witnessed superlative musical performances, during which the ace musician thrilled fans to all his hit songs, including “Odogwu” and “Onyeka”, along with other artistes.
After all the artistes had performed on stage at a reception, Saturday night, the governor thanked them for honouring the invitation, and said that the state was proud to be associated with the artistes.
He also announced a gift of a plot of land at the prestigious Old GRA to Burna Boy and money to enable him build a house of his choice on the land.
The excited Wike also decorated the Afrobeat superstar with the second highest state award known as the Distinguished Service Star of River State (DSSRS), which is the same honour bestowed on deputy governors.
The DSSRS is the second highest distinction in Rivers State Order and is conferred on individuals in recognition of their exceptional service/performance in any field of human endeavour.
The governor’s wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, who hails from the same Ahoada West with the musician, presented the award certificate to Burna Boy while the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, gave him the award medal in the presence of top artistes such as Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Omah Lay, Mosey B, among others.
The governor recalled that the state once produced the Most Beautiful Girl in the World, Agbani Derego, insisting that Rivers State was blessed with talents.
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