News
Ondo: Council Boss Raises Alarm Over Incessant Criminal Attacks On Border Towns
The Chairman of Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Ayo Akande, has expressed worries over incessant attacks by criminals of border towns in the Northern part of the state.
Akande stated this yesterday in Akure, at a press conference to herald the 30th anniversary celebration of Akoko Northwest Local Government.
The celebration is scheduled to start today at Oke-Agbe Akoko, the local government headquarters.
Akande commended Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his efforts at restoring peace in Akokoland with the aid of Amotekun corps.
He, said that there was also ongoing collaboration between the state and the neighbouring states of Edo, Ekiti and Kogi to curb insecurity in those troubled border towns.
“It is only the deaf and dumb that will not appreciate what the governor had been doing in the state.
“If not for his position to fight insecurity in the whole state, the story would have been different, we appreciate what he has been doing with the Amotekun Corps.
“I must also thank the traditional rulers and community leaders for their support and cooperation to ensure that the state is peaceful.
“Though, some people and media have labelled Akoko land as criminal hideout, I want to tell you that, things have totally changed and tranquility had been restored in the whole land,” he said.
He, however, noted that in spite the efforts the problems still remains in Akoko Northwest Local Government border towns with other states.
Akande explained that Akoko land specifically has borders with Ekiti, Kogi and Edo states and the criminals from the states usually come for operations, strike and move back to their base.
“And security agencies seemed not to have power to pursue them to those states.
“We have registered this complaints to the appropriate authority and security agencies for them to strengthen their collaboration with the neighboring states. I want to assure you that matter is being addressed.
Meanwhile, the chairman said the weeklong programme would involve many activities like economic summit with the theme; Enhancing local government economic stability in the post pandemic era – Challenges and Prospect.
“We have invited seasoned and international resource personalities in person of the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Akoko-Edo Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Peter Akpatason as well as Dr Deji Akinwalere to come and address us on that day.
“Government resource allocation cannot take us to the next level. So we are trying to think outside the box to see what we can do to invite the private sector to join our government to move the local government forward economically,” he said.
On his part, the Akala of Ikaram, Oba Andrew Momoh, said the issue of security in Akoko land was a reflection of security in the country.
“This country as of now is experiencing security challenges and it is important that all tiers of government intensify efforts to address insecurity.
The Oba lamented that the crisis in the middle belt was already moving south and Akoko being in the northern part of the state needs urgent attention before it engulfed the region.
The traditional ruler later thanked the state government for the establishment of the Amotekun corps that had been of tremendous help to the state.
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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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