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End Gas Flaring Now, MOSOP Tasks Buhari

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The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People in the United States (MOSOP USA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the discontinuation of gas flaring in Ogoniland and Niger Delta area.
In a letter signed by the President, MOSOP USA, Elder DineBari Augustine Kpuinen noted that gas flaring contributes to the causes of climate change.
In the letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, and tilted, “The Appointment of an Ogoni and the Ogoni Clean-up”, the group said, “As a matter of urgency, MOSOP USA demands to stop all gas flaring in Ogoni and the Niger Delta area to achieve desirable results during the clean-up.
“Gas flaring is the primary cause of climate change and is identified as the silent killer of Niger Delta inhabitants”.
Also, they group demanded for the revalidation of the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) report, a template used in the clean-up of Ogoniland in Rivers State.
They stressed that since 2011, the environment has witnessed several spills, which has damaged the area more than twice as contained in the UNEP report.
“In 2011, the United Nations Environmental Programme finalised a study of the Ogoni environment, submitted a report to the Federal Government, and classified it to demand urgent attention. Yet, 11 years after, nothing has been done. Not even one of its several recommendations has been satisfactorily implemented.
“The report issued by the UNEP in 2011 on the Ogoni environment and the various tests conducted is now obsolete because they have only 10 years lifespan. Illegal bunkering, fresh oil spillages, and pipe blowouts have devastated the area twice more than reported.
“In addition, black soot now rains in the area. Black soot is the poisonous, dangerous chemical that rains in Ogoni and the Niger Delta. This black soot causes internal bleeding, which is one of the fundamental reasons Ogoni people die more.
“The increased death rate in Ogoni is because of more deadly diseases and infections traceable to the drinking of infected hydrocarbon water, eating poisonous acid infected vegetation and crops, and breathing polluted air.
“The recent oil spills in our rivers, creeks, swamps, and sea; and the illegal manual refineries make the UNEP Report of 2011 obsolete. Ogoniland desires to be thoroughly and promptly reassessed”.
The Ogonis in Diaspora further called on Buhari to invite UNEP to carry out the second reassessment of Ogoni.
However, the group thanked the president for the appointment of Dr. Ferdinand Giadom, an Ogoni as the project coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
They noted that the clean-up of Ogoni land was far more critical, and should be given the attention and financial support it deserves.
“Unfortunately, shreds of evidence abound whereby such appointments amount to window dressing and funds allocated for the clean-up project grossly mismanaged.
“Therefore, your push for the return of oil production in Ogoni through NNPC in violation of the UNEP guidelines is unacceptable. The pollution in Ogoni is real and has negatively impacted the lives of our people in every way, hence your timely intervention.
“So far, and on your watch, an estimated $360million have been spent on the so-called clean-up in Ogoni with nothing to show for it. While on the other hand, BP has spent an estimated $71billion on clean-up and compensation for the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico over 10 years ago”.
The group added, “Mr. President will agree with MOSOP USA that occasional cosmetic appointments to massage the ego of selfish politicians are not synonymous with implementing the UNEP Report recommendations, or solving the problems of the Ogoni people.
“Therefore, Ogoni earnestly deserves a Marshall Plan that encapsulates the complete and uncompromising implementation of the UNEP Report, the Ogoni Bill of Rights, and the exoneration and immortalisation of the Ogoni Nine. Anything short of this will amount to window dressing – a time bomb that will devastate the Niger Delta area and beyond if not pre-emptively detonated”.

By: Beemene Taneh

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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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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