News
NEMA Distributes Relief Materials To Stampede Victims’ Families
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), last Friday, distributed relief materials donated by the Federal Government to the families of victims of Polo Club stampede in Port Harcourt.
The stampede, which claimed 39 lives, occurred on May 28 at an event organised by the Kings Assembly Church.
The Director-General of National of NEMA, Mr Mustapha Ahmed, handed over the relief materials to the lead pastor of the church on June 9 during a condolence visit to the Rivers Government and victims of the stampede.
Ahmed, who was represented by the South-South Zonal Coordinator for NEMA, Mr Godwin Tepikor, stated that President Muhammadu Buhari directed NEMA to distribute the materials.
He said: “What we are witnessing today is a direct distribution of those items given by the Federal Government through NEMA to the families that were affected by the stampede”.
He said that the food and non-food items donated by the Federal Government were given directly to the families of the victims on Friday.
The items included 1,000 bags of rice (10kg), 50 kegs of vegetable oil, 30 cartons of seasoning cubes, 20 bags of salt, 21 cartons of tin tomatoes, 1,000 pieces of nylon mats and 1,000 pieces of towels.
Others are: 1,000 pieces of mosquito nets, 50 cartons of bath soap, 500 pieces of mattresses, 500 pieces of blankets, 500 of brocade, 500 pieces of wax print, 100 packets of diaper, 100 packets of sanitary pads, 100 bags of detergents.
He said the items were given to 10 families that suffered various degrees of injuries, who were treated and discharged, and 39 families of those who died.
“Nine males and 30 females died, while we have three males and six females treated; the church treated and paid their bills. A total number of 49 persons were involved,” he said.
He also condoled with the families of the deceased.
Some family members of the deceased in an interview with newsmen expressed their gratitude to Federal Government through NEMA for its gesture.
Mrs Silvaline Emesokwu, the elder sister to one of the deceased, Patience Emesokwu, who spoke to newsmen, also expressed her gratitude to the Federal Government over the items given to them.
Emesokwu said that her late sister left behind two kids who would now be added burden to the family.
“My late sister’s children were on scholarship in their school before their mother died, now they are supposed to continue their studies if the society get it right.
“But we know that when death occurs people lose a lot due to the absence of the bread winner in the family.
“We are now looking for money to bury her; I am using this opportunity to appeal to state and Federal Government to assist us to bury our people.
“We also appeal to Federal Government to tell those in charge to release the corpse for us instead of telling us to go and swear affidavits, go to police to get police report, all these processes involve money.
“I’m pleading with government and the church to help us in their burials,” she said.
Mr Boms Emmanuel, who lost a nine year old daughter during the incident, appealed to Federal Government and the church to assist families of the deceased with fund to bury the dead victims.
The Lead Pastor of the King’s Assembly, Port Harcourt, Mr Chris Ugoh, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government through NEMA for assisting the church and the families of the victims.
“We are deeply sorry for what happened because since 2014 that we started serving the city every year, seeing to the needs of orphans, the less privileged, we have not experienced such an ugly incident or any problem.
“We pray that such a thing will never happen again, I’m particularly touched that the director-general can make out time to come and see us today.
“Everything will be safe and appropriately distributed so that the people that should get this will get it,” Ugoh said.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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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