News
Omehia Advocates RSG, NIESV Synergy To Dev State
Former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, has restated the willingness of the state government under the leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike to partner stakeholders in the development of the state.
Omehia made this known at the formal opening ceremony of the 52nd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
In his speech, the former governor said that the state was open to ideas and contributions by individuals and groups towards the improvement of Rivers State and its cities.
According to him, “The government of Rivers State is ready and willing to join hands with any institution, anybody in the development of the state”.
He went on to say that the development of the state and city is not in the hands of one person and that the outcome of the conference would be historical.
“It will go down in history that decisions, plans, ideas and efforts to elevate Nigerian cities to a higher level of cities like New York and other cities of the world are taken here in Rivers State by NIESV under the presidency of Emmanuel Wike”, he said.
He further challenged the institution to play active role in the development of the state.
“Your role is enormous and it is needed in the development of the state. As a body, you can go beyond the task given to individual members to correct the ills in the development efforts in the state. The body has the right to either advise government or take legal action against persons defacing the city or building on waterways”.
Also speaking earlier, the outgoing president of the body, Emmanuel Wike, expressed delight over the fact that the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in about 53 years of its existence has promoted the general interests of the profession, while maintaining and extending its usefulness for the public good by advising members of the public, government departments, statutory bodies, local governments, associations, institutions and such like bodies on all matters coming within the scope of the profession, whilst also initiating and supporting any legislation relevant to the objects of the institution.
He added, “We have also made valuable contributions to the development of the nation in the areas of Policy Formulation, Land Administration, Asset Management and Administration, Housing and Project Development. We have positively impacted the Nigerian landscape with several achievements and contributions, so numerous to mention here.
“We are gathered here for the very important purposes of promotion and sharing of knowledge, acquisition of competencies, expansion and deepening of professional development. Conferences provide opportunities for these. Let us, therefore, make a good use of this great opportunity to learn, acquire and share with one another new ideas and new techniques of practice, especially in this fast changing world”, he told members.
“The depth of knowledge, competencies and exposure of the resource persons who have been invited to share ideas with us in this epoch gathering tells me loud and clear that we are in for exciting moments. I sincerely appreciate your presence here. I enjoin my noble colleagues who registered for the conference to attend the plenary and all the other sessions, physically or virtually as the case may be. It’s going to be highly impacting and enriching. Ensure that you learn, unlearn and relearn many things at this conference”, he added.
The conference, with the theme, “Cities of the Future: Development, Infrastructure and Sustainability”, which began last Monday, ended on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the newly elected president of the institution (NIESV), Johnbull Amayaevbo, said that his tenure would be predicated on four-point agenda of rebranding, research and development, capacity building and welfare of members.
He stated this Port Harcourt shortly after being inaugurated as the 25th president of the NIESV alongside other executive committee members.
Amayaevbo promised to take the Institution to a different level, anchored on the rule of law and order, while insisting that discipline would be the watchword.
According to him, “We will run our tenure based on law and order, with strict compliance to discipline. If you cannot substantiate any fact, there will be consequences for it.”
He revealed plans to roll out programmes and policies that would advance the cause of the institution in diverse ways, whilst soliciting the support of all to succeed.
By: Gabriel Nwanetanya
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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