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Wike, Buhari, IBB, Jonathan, Obasanjo, PDP, Others Mourn Shonekan
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike; President Muhammadu Buhari; former military President, Gen Ibrahim Babangida; former Presidents, Dr Goodluck Jonathan; and Olusegun Obasanjo, have joined millions of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to mourn the demise former head of interim national government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, who passed on the glory, yesterday, after a brief illness at the age of 85.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Wike said he received the news of the sudden demise of Shonekan, who succeeded the former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, with shock and great sorrow.
In a message of condolence signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Kelvin Ebiri, the Rivers State governor said Shonekan was a dedicated Nigerian, who was committed to the peace and stability to the country.
Wike noted that Shonekan’s strong credentials as an astute administrator enabled him to steadfastly steer the country through one of its most turbulent times.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Rivers State, I offer our deepest condolences to the family, relatives of the former chairman, Interim National Government and the people of Nigeria.”
Wike said Nigeria has lost an elder statesman whose wisdom, foresight, and steadfast commitment to the country will always be remembered.
Also speaking, President Muhammadu Buhari said he received with profound sadness the news of the death of a great statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.
In a statement, yesterday, the Presidency said, “On behalf of the Federal Government, the President extends deepest condolences to Chief Shonekan’s wife, Margaret, loved ones, as well as the government and people of Ogun State.
“As an internationally-respected statesman, President Buhari affirms that, with courageous wisdom, Chief Shonekan left his flourishing business career to become the Head of Government, at a delicate time when the country needed someone of his calm mien and pedigree to save the ship of state from sinking.
“The President notes that Chief Shonekan demonstrated to all that the love for country and commitment to her development, peace and unity transcend the trappings of office and the transient nature of political power.
“President Buhari believes that Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his life time never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country.
“The President prays that the memory of the departed Head of Government will remain a blessing to Nigeria even as he finds perfect peace with Almighty God”, the statement said.
Reacting, the former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) described ex-Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan has “an uncommon patriot,” following the demise of the latter, yesterday, at the age of 85.
In a condolence message personally signed by the retired general and circulated by his media aide, Kassim Afegbua, Babangida expressed shock at the tragic development, saying, “the shocking news of the death of one of Nigeria’s finest brains and patriots came to me this morning with helpless awe.
“I hadn’t the faintest idea that Chief Ernest Shonekan would depart this sinful world too soon, even at 85.
“He was a man, a leader and an uncommon patriot who had a presence of mind and whose understanding of Nigeria was profound and remarkable. It is indeed a personal loss to me.”
According to Babangida, “Chief Ernest Shonekan was one of our cerebral minds during our time in government.
“He was the architect of our principle of free-market economy which helped to open up the system for a robust participation by the private sector.
“The liberalisation of the economy, the investment and boost in the agricultural sector and budget management approach were part of his brainchild. I recollect very vividly how he used to give us tutorials on budget, planning and management of national resources, each time he was invited to our session.
“At each budget year, Chief Shonekan would be invited to critique our budget proposals, and gave us further input to enrich the final budget. He was a man of ideas and ideals. He was prudent and preached so much about fiscal discipline.
“It was, therefore, timely for us to appoint him as Head of the Interim Government to help stabilise the polity at a most trying period of our country’s political evolution. He was a calm personality whose managerial skills were foretold in the way and manner he managed a lot of blue chip companies.
“As Head of the Interim Government, he was able to consult with a broad spectrum of the Nigerian populace in charting a roadmap out of the political impasse at that time. His brilliance and meticulous interrogation of situations helped in large measure to forge ahead during the period. I owe a personal gratitude to him throughout his sojourn on earth as we maintained very robust mutual relationship after his exit from the corridors of power.
“Given the achievements we recorded during our time in government in the area of infrastructure, economy and social rebirth, I owe a word of gratitude to him for his experienced intervention in helping to dissect our policy frameworks each time we called upon him to do so.
“He was an engaging personality whose sense of patriotism was total. He was friendly and sociable. He understood economy and made so many projections that helped us to bail the country out of economic conundrum. We benefited from his immense knowledge, experience and brilliance,” the condolence message read in part.
On his part, ex-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan described Shonekan as “an elder statesman, well-loved for his sincerity and sense of purpose.”
He said: “As a leader, Chief Shonekan was well respected because of the enormous goodwill he brought into governance. He was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and bridge builder who stepped in to lead the nation at a very difficult time in the history of its political evolution.
“Before he assumed office as the Head of the Interim National Government in 1993, Chief Shonekan had become a boardroom guru, having established himself as a foremost industrialist and one of the leaders of the business world.
“He left enduring legacies, part of which was his considerable effort towards mainstreaming the private sector in the development drive of the nation, especially with the institutionalisation of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), which he founded.
“He will be remembered for his great wisdom, peaceful disposition, the goodwill he extended to all as well as his significant contributions to the growth the economy of the nation.”
Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said former Head of the Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan, died at a time when Nigeria was in dire need of his leadership to tackle the challenges facing the nation.
According to his family, Shonekan passed, yesterday morning of natural causes at the age of 85.
Obasanjo said that Shonekan’s contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
In a condolence letter to Mrs Margaret Shonekan, copy of which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said the late business mogul was “a role model and an epitome of the good in the nation’s business firmament of mixed blessings”.
Obasanjo, who received, while currently on international assignment as the High Representative of the African Union for the Horn of Africa, “with great shock, the news of the death of one of the illustrious sons of Africa, a community leader, a distinguished business baron and an exemplary leader in the private sector and, of course, the former Chairman of UAC Nigeria Limited, Chief Ernest Shonekan, with an admixture of joy for a life well spent and sadness for the loss of a beloved man after God’s heart.”
On the political scene, Obasanjo noted that, “Chief Shonekan, as the Interim National Government in Nigeria in1993, though short-lived for the period of three months through the palace coup orchestrated by General Sani Abacha, rendered outstanding service to our country, and we will never forget that.
“It is also worthy of note that as Special Envoy on the Implementation of the Abuja Agreement on Zimbabwe in 2001 under my administration as the President of Nigeria; and Chairman, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission under Yar’Adua’s administration in 2008, he was forthright, dedicated and showed great patriotism in the discharge of his duties.
“He was a unifying force for the nation and his contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria cannot be forgotten in a hurry. In all situations, he lived nobly and he died in nobility. He was an achiever. Indeed, Chief Shonekan died at a time the country is in dire need of his leadership, wealth of experience and wisdom to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing the nation,” Obasanjo was quoted as having said.
Similarly, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar described the demise of the former ING boss as saddening and shocking, saying his exit “at a time when the country would need his skills and global connections in finding solutions to many of our intractable challenges is quite saddening.”
He said: “Either as a politician or a boardroom guru, Chief Shonekan possessed a unique set skill of bringing stability to a tumultuous situation.
“That obviously was the consideration that made him become Head of the Interim National Government following the crises that greeted the events after the June 12 Presidential election.
“Although his reign as Head of State was interim, Chief Shonekan’s contribution to the peace and development of Nigeria in those days and later years, remain enduring.
“My condolences go to his immediate family, the people and government of Ogun State and the entire nation for the loss of a man of industry and intellect, who lived a life of service to the country and humanity.
“It is my prayer that God almighty receives his soul in a peaceful repose.”
In the same token, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, mourned the death of former Head of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, describing his death as a national tragedy.
This was contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba.
The statement said, Chief Shonekan was a very courageous, humble and patriotic leader; a bridge-builder and an extraordinary statesman, who dedicated his life.
It said Chief Shonekan made immense sacrifices to ensure the unity and stability of Nigeria in the heat of the political crisis that threatened the nation’s corporate existence following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
The statement said, “The late Head of the Interim National Government was an accomplished personality and a visionary leader, whose efforts in applying his vast experience as a consummate lawyer and businessman to reposition our nation, despite the daunting challenges faced by his three-month regime between August and November, 1993 cannot be forgotten.
“Chief Shonekan’s commitment to the entrenchment of democracy was evident in his determination to restore the rule of law and transparency in governance”, the statement said.
He said, even outside office, Shonekan remained committed to the unity, stability and development of our nation.
“Our party grieves that he left the stage at the time the nation needed his wealth of experience and wise counsel the most”, the PDP said.
The PDP commiserated with the Federal Government, the government and people of Ogun State and the Shonekan family.
The party prayed to God to grant the nation and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the huge national loss.
Further reacting, the governors in the South-West described the death of elder statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, as a huge loss to the country.
They said Shonekan was committed to the peace and unity of the country.
The Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu said this in Akure, yesterday.
Akeredolu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said the governors “received the news of the death of elder statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan with a heavy heart”.
The governor noted that the vast experience of the elder statesman was an asset to the country, particularly with the array of challenges confronting the nation.
He said the late Shonekan was committed to the peace and unity of the country and pursued it with vigour and dedication as a patriot.
Akeredolu noted that the service of the former Head of Interim National Government would never be forgotten in the annals of the history of the country.
“Chief Ernest Shonekan was a nationalist per excellence.
“His belief in a united and peaceful Nigeria was unparalleled. He was dedicated to the progress and development of the county. He will be sorely missed.
“His historic and patriotic role in maintaining the unity of the country was one of the many things that endeared him to many.
“He was true, an asset, his counsels were useful for national cohesion and progress”, the governor said.
The chairman prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest while commiserating with his wife, the government, and the people of Ogun State.
A Professor of Human Anatomy, with specialty in Physical and Forensic Anthropology at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Gabriel Sunday Oladipo, has expressed delight over the successful delivery of the 207th Inaugural Lecture of the university, describing it as a significant milestone in his academic career.
This is even as he commended the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Owunari Georgewill for his tremendous support in achieving the feat.
Speaking in an interview following the lecture in Port Harcourt, the scholar said presenting an inaugural lecture represents one of the highest achievements in a university career, particularly after attaining the rank of professor.
“I feel good. It is a form of achievement. An inaugural lecture is one of the peaks of an academic career in the university, especially after becoming a professor. By the grace of God, I was able to achieve that and also let the world know my area of specialization and what we have been doing over the years. It makes me feel elated,” he said.
Prof Oladipo, who was elevated to the rank of professor in 2018, noted that the journey to the inaugural lecture was built on years of focused research and dedication to his field.
Tracing the motivation behind his research trajectory, he explained that his interest was sparked and rekindled as far back as 1998 during his undergraduate studies.
According to him, he observed that much of the data used in his area of medical research were sourced from foreign populations.
“I noticed as a medical student that most of the data we used were foreign data. I felt we needed local data that are ethnicity-specific. That was the genesis of the whole journey,” he explained.
He said the realization guided his academic pursuits through his master’s and PhD programmes, as he consistently worked towards generating research findings relevant to local populations.
On the reception of his inaugural lecture, the professor expressed satisfaction with the feedback from colleagues and attendees.
“I was happy because I was able to drive home my points, and people clearly understood my presentation. I also received very encouraging commendations from some colleagues,” he said.
The academic also acknowledged the support of the university’s leadership, describing the Vice Chancellor as “highly supportive” of his aspirations and professional growth, saying, “the way the university system runs, if the Vice Chancellor does not approve your inaugural lecture, you cannot present it.”
Inaugural lectures at the University of Port Harcourt provide a platform for newly appointed professors to formally present their research contributions and academic journey to the university community and the wider public.
Prof Oladipo, however, clarified that the Head of Department(HOD) of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt currently functions in acting capacity, in the person of Dr J S Hart.
The Africa Global Development For Positive Change Initiative (ADIAfrica), in collaboration with Stephen Igwe and Judith Igwe International Educational System, has concluded a free eye screening outreach for residents of Rivers State.
The outreach, which was flagged off in Port Harcourt, targeted more than 300 individuals with various eye conditions. Speaking at the event, the International President of ADIAfrica, Prince Dan Mbachi, said the initiative was designed to provide access to essential eye care services for underserved communities.
According to him, the first phase of the exercise commenced in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and is expected to extend to Etche and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, while the second phase will cover other parts of the state.
Mbachi described the outreach as part of the organization’s commitment to promoting quality healthcare, equity, human dignity, and sustainable development. He emphasized that vision challenges go beyond medical concerns, noting their impact on education, economic productivity, and family wellbeing.
“At ADIAfrica International, we recognize that vision is not merely a medical issue; it is also economic, educational, and social. A child who cannot see clearly struggles to learn. A trader with impaired vision struggles to work. When sight is compromised, opportunity is limited,” he said.
He explained that the exercise provided eye tests, medications, visual field assessments, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and related accessories, stressing that the intervention was aimed at transforming lives rather than serving as a mere charitable gesture.
Mbachi further noted that the initiative aligns with ADIAfrica’s broader mission of advancing sustainable development through practical and people-centered solutions.
Also speaking at the event, a chief from Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chief Livingston Akaninwo, commended the organisation and its partners for supporting vulnerable members of society. The traditional ruler expressed concern that many people with eye conditions suffer silently due to poverty and limited access to healthcare.
He called on the government and well-meaning individuals to support ADIAfrica’s efforts to enable the outreach to reach more communities across the state.Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Veronica Peters Olera Pere, expressed gratitude to the organizers for the initiative and appealed for the programme to be extended to other parts of Rivers State to benefit more residents.
By: John Bibor
A three-day intensive training programme aimed at empowering adolescent girls with knowledge, life skills, and advocacy tools to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and promote their wellbeing has ended at Okogbe Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The programme, which held from February 26 to February 28, 2026, was organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation. It brought together adolescent girls aged between 10 and 19 years drawn from five communities in the area, including Ubeta, Okogbe, Okaki, Akinima, and Akoh.
The training was designed to reactivate and strengthen girls’ clubs across Ahoada West, Abua/Odual, and Emohua Local Government Areas, with a strong focus on ending harmful traditional practices and equipping participants with knowledge to improve their health, safety, and social wellbeing.
Throughout the three days, facilitators engaged the girls in interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics such as menstrual hygiene, puberty education, communication skills, gender-based violence, child rights, personal hygiene, emotional intelligence, and the importance of empathy and peer support. Particular attention was given to the dangers and long-term consequences of FGM, which experts described as a serious violation of the rights of women and girls.
One of the facilitators, child protection advocate, Inyingi Irimagha, specifically of the Child Protection Network(CPN), emphasised the need to challenge harmful cultural practices that negatively affect girls, noting that culture should evolve when it threatens human dignity and health.
UNICEF Desk Officer at the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Victor Iseberetonma, also stressed that empowering young girls with knowledge and confidence remains one of the most effective strategies for eliminating FGM.
He attributed the successful organisation of the programme to the doggedness and commitment demonstrated by UNICEF, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, and others in making sure that no stone was left unturned for the smooth take-off of the programme, and particularly thanked UNICEF for the great work it is doing in the State.
Other facilitators, including Mr Unah Uchenna and Miss Lucy Uzodinma shared similar sentiments, and called for total elimination of FGM in the society.
Many of the participants described the training as enlightening and transformative, saying, it exposed them to important life lessons they had never received before. One of the girls said the programme helped her understand not only the dangers of FGM but also how to support others emotionally.
“It has educated us about what is wrong, especially about FGM and other issues affecting girls.
“We learned how to talk to people, how to empathise, how to console someone, and how to make others feel relaxed and understood,” Morrow Onisokien Burebure said.
Another participant explained that the programme went beyond discussions on harmful practices to include personal development and daily living skills.
“We learned about our values and how we should live our lives,” she said. “They taught us about menstrual hygiene, how to use sanitary materials properly, how to keep our bodies clean, wash our hands, and how to be friendly even with people we don’t know,” said Dowel Victory Bakewari of Community Secondary School, Akinima.
The participants also pledged to become advocates for change in their communities. One of them stated that she would share the knowledge gained during the training with others back home.
“I will tell people about the effects of FGM and how to stop it.We need to create awareness so that people will understand why it should not continue,” Ake Beauty enthused.
Another participant noted that the training gave her a better understanding of her body and the responsibilities that come with adolescence.
“It is good because we were taught what we need to know about our bodies as girls,” she said. We learned things we should do and things we should not do, and the dangers of FGM. I will tell people in my community that they should stop practising it,” Ebere Testimony Kenneth of Akala-Olu Community Secondary School, Ula-Upata said.
Some participants also expressed appreciation to the organisers for bringing the programme to their in communities, describing it as a life-changing opportunity. One of them simply said, “We thank the organisers for what they have done so far. They have helped us learn things that will protect our future.”
Facilitators at the programme explained that FGM remains deeply rooted in cultural traditions in some communities, which makes sustained awareness and community engagement essential. They noted that while culture plays an important role in society, harmful practices must be abandoned once they are recognised as dangerous.
According to the organisers, the programme successfully met its objectives by equipping participants with practical knowledge, leadership skills, and the confidence needed to speak out against harmful practices. They emphasised that the girls trained would serve as peer educators and change agents within their communities.
The organisers furthermore reaffirmed their commitment to continuing advocacy in efforts, strengthening girls’ clubs, and expanding grassroots awareness campaigns across Rivers State.
As the programme came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and determination. For the young participants, the training was not just an educational exercise but a call to action — one that has placed them at the forefront of effort to protect the rights, health, and future of girls in their communities.
By: Donatus Ebi
