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Rivers, Number One State In Security, Investments, Wike Declares
The Rivers State Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike has reiterated the determination of his administration to continue to provide the enabling environment for the Ease of Doing Business in the state.
Wike restated this during the Maiden National Conference of the Guild of Optometric Directors of Nigeria (GOODON), last Friday, in Port Harcourt.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the governor said, “Rivers State is the number one state in terms of safety, security, investments coming in. We will do everything possible to keep the position because we are doing everything possible for lives to keep getting better. We are, indeed, delighted to have you here, and we know that this is the place to be, if you want to do business. So, we are not surprised that you are here.”
The governor, who urged them to always keep to the ethics of their profession, disclosed that a loan facility was provided for private medical institutions in the state, adding that it was not political as it was done across the board for all who needed to upgrade their facilities and their practice.
He said he was desirous to ensure that quality assessable and affordable healthcare services were available for those who live and do business in Rivers State, stressing that the health sector must work as a team for the public to respect and have confidence in them and avoid patronising quacks.
In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who spoke through the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Dr. Dennis Allagoa said they were meeting at this time to preserve and advance the profession of optometry through the promotion of high-quality optometric care, in the private sector in Nigeria.
He added that it was coming at a time in the nation’s journey towards attaining world-class service delivery.
Ehanire expressed the hope that as the AGM progresses it’s discussions and resolutions would bring to the fore, issues and action steps that would drastically improve the landscape of optometric care in Nigeria, especially in the private sector.
Also speaking, the Registrar of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria, Prof Ebele Uzodike had said the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria was committed to the delivery of quality eye care services to Nigeria by ensuring that only qualified optometrist and dispensing opticians were allowed to practice according to the ethics of the profession.
She said the fight against quackery in eye care delivery was a continuous one, adding that “we can only achieve a total eradication of quacks in the profession if all hands are on deck to fight the menace”.
Earlier, the President of the Optometric Association of Nigeria, Dr. Obinna Awiaka, charged all members to do everything possible to make GOODON that powerful voice they could use in defining and shaping the desired direction of private sector optometry practice in Nigeria.
Awiaka said across the world, the private sector drives change and innovation, noting that in Nigeria, optometry would also tow that path and set standards and heights that would be emulated.
The theme for the inaugural conference is, “Business of Eye Health in a Changing World”.
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