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People With Disabilities Seek Enforcement Of Rights …As Obomanu Emerges New JONAPWD Chairman
The newly elected Chairman of the National Forum of State Chairmen of Joint National Association of People Living With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Mr KieObomanu, hascalled for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of people living with disabilities across the country.
Obomanu said this in his acceptance speech shortly after winning the election of the association which took place after the closing ceremony of the 3rd Anniversary of National Disability Rights Act in Abuja, last Wednesday.
He said “I thank the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and their partner, Ford Foundation, for hosting leaders of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) drawn from all the clusters and from all the geopolitical zones of the country, to brainstorm on 2023 general election and the future of Nigerians With Disabilities.
“PWDs have the fundamental rights to vote and be voted for during the forthcoming general election in the country. With the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) blazing the trail in advocating and mainstreaming on issues of Persons With Disability, a lot will be achieved in the advancement of the cause of PWDs and in the implementation of the National Disability Rights Act 2018,” Obomanu said.
He commended the efforts of CCD in the quest for the actualisation of the inclusion of PWDs in the process of governance in Nigeria.
While congratulating Obomanu and JONAPWD state chairmen for the peaceful election, the Executive Director of CCD, Mr David Anyaele, applauded the election of Obomanu, who he noted was a very fearless and irrepressible leader, bound to record a lot of achievements for the forum and the entire disability community.
“The election of KieObomanu, who is a broadcaster, journalist and disability rights advocate signals the beginning of the cohesion and unity of purpose amongst the chairmen to form a formidable group in the quest for the realisation of laudable objectives garnered towards launching JONAPWD into a new sphere of achievements at the state level.
“The need for synergy between the Chairman of the National Forum of State Chairmen of JONAPWD,KieObomanu, and the President of JONAPWD, AbdullahiAliyu, to accelerate the development of the association, and for the overall transformation of the entire community of PWDs cannot be over emphasized”,Anyaele said.
While calling on stakeholders to continue to push until all state governments in the country domesticate the Disability Bill Law, and expedite action on its implementation, Anyaele reassured the commitment of CCD to continue to support JONAPWD at the national and state levels to ensure the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Earlier at the event, the President of JONAPWD, Mr. Abdullahi Usman, had stated that JONAPWD was proud of efforts made by CCD in promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
He affirmed that JONAPWD would consistently collaborate with CCD in future engagement that pertains to issues of inclusion and PWDs.
“I want to on behalf of the disability community of Nigeria thank and appreciate David Anyaele for this wonderful gathering, what is in the agenda, we know that if we are able to listen carefully to the lecture that are going to be delivered to us, it will be very important for all PWDs in Nigeria.
“I want to urge the other organisations of persons with disabilities to copy what CCD is doing by gathering all PWDs in Nigeria because it covers all the states in the country so that they understand more, when we go back we step down to our community to have more knowledge on what they are suppose do”,Usman stated.
In attendance was the President of JONAPWD, Mr. Abdullahi Usman and state chairmen of JONAPWD cut across the six geo-political zones of the country.
The election of Obomanu, who is also the chairman of JONAPWD, Rivers State Chapter is one of the positive outcomes of the celebration of the third Anniversary of the passage of the Nigerian Disability Rights Act 2018 organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) with support from Ford Foundation.
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