News
Wike Assures State Burial For Late Oba Of Ogbaland
A grand state funeral is to be held in honour of late Oba Ogbaland, Dr. Chukumela Nnam Obi II, who died recently at the age of 80.
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, said the revered King, who reigned as Oba of Ogbaland for 50 years and served three times as the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, would be given full state funeral.
The governor made the announcement when the family of the late king, chiefs and opinion leaders from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, led by the late King’s son, Nwachuku Nnam Obi III, visited him at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, to formally inform the state government of the death of the late first class monarch.
Wike, who recalled moments he spent with the late revered King, described him as an enigmatic monarch who made the state proud in terms of promotion of the culture and tradition of his people.
According to him, the late Oba of Ogbaland was not only a man who cherished tradition, but was also an embodiment of knowledge.
The governor commiserated with the people of Ogba and the immediate family of the late Oba, and declared that his demise was a loss to the entire state and the nation.
“As a people, we will miss his fatherly advice. God will give all of us the fortitude to bear the loss of a great man of Rivers State. As a former member of Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council, it is incumbent that the state must play a role in his funeral.”
As the preparation for the funeral of the king gets underway, the governor said the state government would appoint people to liaise with his family for a hitch free state funeral.
According to him, everything must be done to give the late Oba a befitting burial because he had served the state and the nation meritoriously.
Wike sued for peace in Omoku and the entire Ogba Kingdom.
He called for unity, cooperation within the immediate family, Omoku town and the entire Ogba Kingdom.
In his remarks, the Leader of the Ogba delegation and son of the late king, Nwachuku Nnam Obi III, explained that they were in the Government House to formally inform the governor and state government of the death of his father.
“Your great friend, one who stood almost like a mentor to you and who stood by you through trying times, my father and the leader of our people, Sir Chukuemela Nnam Obi, has passed on.
“His passing is going the natural way that all men must tread to return back to the maker when your assignment is due. That is why with mixed feelings, with the pomp and pageantry that begets the passing of such a person, that we are here to tell you officially, as the leader, the father of Rivers State, that he is no more.”
He said his father, who had been chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers and served the nation in various capacities over the last 50 years plus, deserves a befitting burial, adding that the family would be depending on the state government to achieve this.
Nman Obi III thanked the governor for his developmental strides across the state.
According to him, the people of Ogbaland are beneficiaries of his legacy of leadership.
“We need to say thank you as a kingdom for the many things that you have done to impact the lives of our people.”
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
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