News
RSG Charges Unity Road Contractor To Speed Up Work
The Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dax Alabo George-Kelly, has asked the construction firm handling the Andoni stretch of Ogoni-Opobo-Andoni Unity Road to speed up work because there was no much time left.
He bemoaned the slow-pace of work in spite of the fact that the state government has paid over 90percent of the contract sum.
George-Kelly made the charge when he visited the project site as part of his routine project inspection tour in Rivers South East Senatorial District.
“When you juxtapose the amount of money we have paid and the level of work done so far, you would see that your pace is not proportional to our effort. We are almost done with payment, and you are still at just about 65percent.
“You don’t have to put all your workforce and equipment in one section of the road, split them to about three sections, and tackle the work from all sides simultaneously.We do not have much time left.
“CRE, please do a site instruction, tell them to speed up because their pace is not encouraging, and then, sit down with them and map out a work programme that will ensure the completion of this project in six months because that is what we agreed.
“We must have activity-by-activity that will be running each week, and for us to be able to achieve this speed, certain activities must occur concurrently,” the commissioner added.
The Unity Road has a total length of 43.40KM.
The already completed and commissioned Opobo axis is 11.15KM long.
The remaining 32.25KM on the Andoni stretch of the road, which is currently under construction,is expected to be completed in six months’ time.
It has a total of 11 bridges, 10 have been completed, one is still under construction.
Earlier, the commissioner and his team had inspected the ongoing construction of the 17.2KM 2nd phase of Saakpewan-Bori-Kono Dual Carriageway, which starts after Bori Divisional Police Headquarters and terminates at Konowaterfront.
The 1st phase, which begins at Kira Junction and ends at Bori, is 16.06KM, and had been completed and commissioned.
George-Kelly commended Chinese Civil and Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the quality of job done,saying that the pace at which the construction work was going; the project has attained about 83percent completion.
However, the commissioner cautioned host communities to desist from harassing contractors, advising instead that they should channel every genuine complaint to the Ministry of Works, not contractors.
“It is wrong to attempt to stop contractors from working, if you have any genuine complaints or observations, kindly write to the state Ministry of Works, our doors are always open, we will look into it and address it, if necessary and possible.
“You have no business going to the contractors to tell them about the structure of the project, they are only answerable to the state government that contracted them to do the work for your own good. Trying to stop their work for any reason is harassment, and we will not tolerate that.
“When you go to them and start making certain demands that were not captured in the scope of the project, they will not listen to you because they did not sign any contract with you.It is the Rivers State Government that they know. And when you keep disturbing them instead of writing to us, that may cause issues that may lead to project abandonment, which would be entirely to your own detriment.
“Like when the issue of drainage structure and flooding came up in Kono axis of the road, the community leaders wrote to us, we looked at it and saw that it was a genuine concern. We instructed the contractor on what to do. Today, the drains have been channelled to terminate at the river, and everybody is happy at the end of the day,” he said.
Botem-Ggbene-ue-Horo Road project in Tai Local Government Area that is being constructed by Rivers State Government was also inspected by the works commissioner.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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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