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Obio/Akpor Begins Issuance Of 100 Post Graduate Grant Forms
Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, last Wednesday, commenced the issuance of forms to prospective students who wish to apply for grants to enable them obtain their Masters and PhD degrees.
The council disclosed this in a speech by the Secretary of the Post Graduate Grant Committee, Barrister Kelvin Akani, at the council’s secretariat, Rumuodomaya.
He said that the disbursement of funds to awardees would be on the basis of merit, credibility, impartiality and not on party affiliation.
Akani emphasised that the Post Graduate Grant, which was initiated by the council Chairman,Barrister George Ariolu, in 2021 to cushion the effect of the challenges associated with studying in most higher institutions in the nation, would not just carter for indigenes who were studying in any of the state-owned institutions but also include residents in the area, irrespective of their tribe, religious background or state of origin.
The Post Graduate Grant, he said, would create a sense of belonging and also encourage a high level of political participation amongst residents in the area.
He further restated the council’s desires towards the constitution of the Post Graduate Committee, adding that the rationale behind the grant was to ensure that the local government produces about 150 Master’s Degree and 150 PhD holders that would contribute meaningfully to the society.
He described Ariolu’s approach towards educational advancement as Chinese magic, commending him for initiating a long-term plan which would enhance sustainable development and ensure that the local government had a place in the league of elite researchers and philosophers in the state.
Although, he pointed to the state of the economy and paucity of funds, Akani declared that Ariolu’s administration would sustain the programme through his prudent management of scarce resources and effective policies.
He explained that Obio/Akpor Local Government was one amongst others whose programmes and policies had been effective, especially under the leadership of Ariolu.
While urging other local government chairmen in Rivers State to emulate Ariolu’s priority attention on education, and said that it was the right way to go.
He said, in the wake of the economic meltdown, high level of insecurity and poor educational system in the nation brought about by the harsh leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), students and the electorate should continue to garner support for the administration of Ariolu and Governor Nyesom Wike.
Residents of the local government who spoke earlier, expressed delight over the commencement of the second batch of Obio/Akpor Post Graduate Grant which was announced last Monday by the council authority.
In an interview with some of the applicants who hailed Ariolu’s contribution to the advancement of education in the society, they described the initiative as a powerful investment and smart move for economic growth and development.
They also extolled Ariolu as a smart leader, whose efforts in education had put citizens on a pathway of employment, wealth, success, and decision making, urging the electorate to shun personal interest and elect leaders whose vision and policies would effectively benefit the masses.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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