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Insecurity: Nigerians Living In Fear, Akeredolu Tells Buhari
The Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has raised the alarm that Nigerians are living in fear over the unending insecurity across the country.
Akeredolu said this while receiving members of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) led by the Chairman, Amb Godknows Boladie Igali to his office in Akure, the state capital.
He lamented that, “The people are living in fear and something must be done urgently to address the situation and restore hope to the minds of the people.
“Look at what is happening in Zamfara. They try to clothe it and call them bandits. They are terrorists. So, the growth in science cannot be based on just your charge but the conducive environment in the country,”
Akeredolu emphasized the need to make the country livable for the people so as to harness their talents for national growth.
“To achieve Nigeria’s goals for science and technological advancement, the country must be made conducive for living, particularly for the young ones.
“For us in science and technology, we need to do more. Japan, China, and other developed countries send people to where science is the best. We have heard of countries that send their people to the USA to train in science and technology.
“They didn’t stay there. They went back to their country to develop it. Commitment to one’s country is key. But we need to make this country a livable place so that the young ones will be confident and have hope to live in this country.”
Speaking on open grazing, Akeredolu emphasized the need for the country to embrace modern ways of animal husbandry, describing open grazing as old and now illegal in the state.
“Today, I can say there are modern ways of animal husbandry and we have to take the bull by the horns.
“We are not afraid to take decisions. Modernity has taught us that you can extract more milk from cows in a modern way better than when you take them from one place to another. It is about science. People have developed that science.
“I’m happy when I see Mr. President go to Katsina and visit his cows. They are well kept. The technology of animal husbandry, we must embrace it.”
The governor described FUTA as one of the leading Universities in the country, particularly in terms of research.
“We take pride in FUTA and its achievements over time. And I have had serious connections with FUTA not only as a governor.
“We have a strong relationship with FUTA. FUTA for us is one of the leading universities of technology in Nigeria if not the leading. One of our lecturers won the best researcher award in the country. I congratulate you.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Godknows Boladie Igali, who was accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Adeola Fuwape, lauded the strides of Akeredolu.
Igali said, “Seeing the transformation, especially the urban renewal, it is tremendous. Your focus on education, we know what you are doing at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OAUSTECH).
“Since you assumed office, you have done a lot and you have shown yourself to be a friend of the university. You helped us established the tech hub. You have helped the university in terms of some external works.
He lauded the governor, “For all the efforts that were put in to get the approval for the medical college. We will be able to get serious research into the medical science,” he said.
Igali reiterated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the growth of science and technology in the country.
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
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.
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