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Buhari Seeks Conducive Climate To Execute Projects In N’Delta
President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the people of the Niger Delta region to exercise restraint and allow a conducive atmosphere for implementation of the several governments’ developmental projects and programmes initiated for the area.
He noted that the essence of the retreat was to sensitise and educate the management of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on how to function collaboratively to achieve their respective mandates targeted at improving the living conditions of the Niger Deltans.
He gave the warning while declaring open a retreat for management of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, Buhari, Buhari said the Federal Government had made huge commitments to the Niger Delta region in line with his administration’s resolve to give the people a new lease of life.
He added that his administration has been proactive in response to issues of the region, stressing that it has been adopting and implementing more prudent policies and programmes that will bring about a better Niger Delta region.
Buhari said, “I urge all well- meaning Nigerians, especially the Niger Deltans, to exercise restraint and ensure a conducive and secured environment for implementation of the several developmental projects and programmes in the region.”
He particularly cited the ongoing East-West Road project, stressing that, it is one of the largest infrastructure in Nigeria, and “strategic” in connecting the country’s busiest and foremost commercial cities, in the region.
He noted that the project was priority to the administration and assured it would be completed before the end of his tenure as president next year.
Buhari said it was heart-warming to note that, the ministry has prioritised the repositioning of the NDDC to ensure they deliver on their objectives and mandate.
In pursuance of his administration’s determination to curb corruption and in response to the call of the governors of South-South for a Forensic Audit of NDDC, the president explained that he undertook some critical reforms and requested a Forensic Audit of NDDC from inception to 2019.
According to him, the report of the audit has been submitted and implementation of its recommendations has commenced in phases.
He assured that the process would soon usher in a new management and board for the commission.
The president directed the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited and its subsidiaries to step in, with a view to fixing the Section 4 of the East-West Road (Eleme Roundabout to Onne junction) through the Tax Credit Scheme.
“This should be expeditiously addressed considering the importance of the road to our national economy,” he added.
Buhari declared that, henceforth, fraudulent practices and violation of the procurement laws will be meted with appropriate sanctions as stipulated in the Public Procurement Act.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to stamp out the menace of graft, vowing that “henceforth, fraudulent practices and violation of the procurement laws will be meted with appropriate sanctions as stipulated in the Public Procurement Act.”
He further enjoined the stakeholders to take advantage of the gathering to “correct whatever irregularities that existed in the past, and thereby attain an effective and prosperous working relationship for the best interest of the region, and the nation at large.”
In his welcome remark, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Umana said, the retreat was an eloquent testimony of the unflinching commitment of the Federal Government to redressing the under development, unemployment and inequalities pervasive in the region due to the lack of collaboration, synergy and coordination among the agencies, development partners and stakeholders participating in the development and transformation of the Niger Delta region, which the retreat will address.
He said the treat would come out with a better positioned to work harmoniously to drive the Federal Government’s strategic mandates in the region through the formulation, implementation and coordination of all policies and programmes geared towards the overall rapid and sustainable development of the region.
He called on stakeholders in the region to support the government in achieving its vision for its development and consolidate on the gains so far achieved.
Also speaking, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma said that Buhari’s call will bring about the needed development of the Niger Delta.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Dr Jimmy Imo, the governor said, “I definitely believe the president called for synergy between the Niger Delta states and all the development partners. I believe the president’s call, if heeded, it will bring about the needed development, especially infrastructural development in the Niger Delta, that’s what the Niger Delta area needs.”
The expanded retreat had the governors of oil producing states, chairmen of the relevant committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, oil companies, ministries, departments and agencies in attendance.
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