News
Repentant Cultists Take Oath To Maintain Peace In Andoni
Repentant cultists in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have taken part in a traditional oath taking ceremony to maintain the existing peace in the area.
The different rival cult groups in the area, who were granted amnesty by the Andoni Traditional Rulers Council in support of the local government council took turns to swear to the deity of Andoni land – York-Obolo, promising never to indulge in any form of hostility and criminality or any act capable of undermining and truncating the prevailing peace in Andoni.
The move comes barely two months after the misguided youths underwent a 3-day reorientation programme to change their mindset from violent behaviour and criminal intentions with a view to reintegrating them to the society and making them useful to themselves.
Speaking to newsmen at the end of the traditional oath of peace ceremony in Agwut-Obolo, the Traditional Seat of Andoni, the Andoni Council Chairman, Barrister Erastus Charles Awortu, said the ceremony was the climax of sustained efforts by the traditional rulers and his administration to address the root causes of insecurity in Andoni and restore an enduring peace in the area.
He noted that the traditional oath of peace was to formalise the commitment to peace by the repentant cultists, while expressing optimism that Andoni would not be known for violence anymore.
“I am highly delighted that in spite of the odds and huddles that we faced, we have been able to get to this climax where we can now hope that we have respite. Since we made oral commitment to peace, we have seen that the place have calm down, this is just a way of formalizing it according to their belief and we believe we will have an enduring peace. Andoni will not be known for violence anymore. It is a thing of joy, honestly speaking”.
Awortu also said his administration was reaching out to companies operating within the Andoni territory to engage some of the repentant youths as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and contribution towards the sustenance of the existing peace in Andoni.
He hinted that some of the repentant cultists would benefit from the Forest Reserves Initiative of his administration which aims at preserving wildlife in Andoni forest, and harnessing it’s full potentials for the socio-economic development of Andoni.
Awortu also promised that his administration would explore other ways to engage more of the repentant cultists as well as other youths in meaningful ventures within the available limited resources of the council.
“If you see the number of people involved in this circle of violence, you know the number is huge, we will try to engage companies operating within the Andoni territory to see whether they will engage a few of them. On our part we will see how we can create sanitation jobs and engage them so that they can channel their energy to something more positive.
“As you are aware very soon we are going to pass the bye-law restricting hunting and felling of trees in Andoni, and as a consequent of that we need Forest Guards, so, we are going to engage some of them in that regard. We are also going to explore other areas within our limited resources to engage the former deviant youths as well as other youths to make meaningful to themselves and to the society”.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Andoni Traditional Rulers Council and Okaan-Ama Ngo, King Okruket Nnabiget, who led other traditional rulers to witness the oath taking by the repentant cultists, expressed joy at the return of peace to Andoni.
“Today, we are here in Agwut-Obolo the traditional seat of Andoni people to see the final end of the oath taking of our sons who engaged themselves in cultism, the group leaders are here, they have already taken the oath, we are here as committee handling the peace initiative to administer and supervise the oath taking process and this is the final stage. Personally, I am very happy because finally peace has returned to Andoni now, to God be the glory”.
The monarch also assured the repentant cultists that they will not be left idle as he promised that the Andoni Traditional Rulers Council would work assiduously with LG chairman to secure training and employment opportunities for them in companies operating within the Andoni territory as well as other areas of job opportunities.
“When I resumed office as chairman of the Andoni Traditional Rulers Council by June this year, and I promised that as far as I am concerned, the repentant cultists will not be left idle, if they embrace peace. I promised to engage companies operating within the Andoni territory to secure training and employment opportunities for them to earn legitimate income to maintain themselves so that they will not return to cultism anymore. I and members of the traditional rulers’ council as well as the local government chairman have promised to get them something doing so that they will not return to crime”, he added.
By: Enoch Epelle
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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