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Ariolu Bags Newspaper’s Best LG Chairman Award
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Barrister George Ariolu, has been presented with the “Best Local Government Council Chairman” Award by the National Network Newspaper, Port Harcourt.
Speaking while presenting the award at the Banquet Hall of Hotel Presidential, the Chairman Editorial Board, National Network Newspaper, Prof Barigbon Nsereka, said the award was presented to Ariolu following an impressive run, outstanding performances and remarkable achievements as local government chairman.
Receiving the award, Ariolu expressed joy on behalf of his family and good people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He appreciated the National Network Newspaper for identifying the achievements of his administration.
Ariolu, who spoke to newsmen after recieving the award in Port Harcourt, discosed that the focal thrust of his administration remains, adding value to the people, noting that it is the motivation for which he has continued to achieve more for the people.
“I want to thank you for identifying and recognising the little we have done so far for our people.
“For us, we believe that governance is all about adding value no matter the dimension of the life of the people we govern. And that has been our focal thrust, that has been out motivating factor.”
According to him, the recognition is a testimony that the people-oriented programmes and policies of his administration have continued to improve the lives of citizens who are primary beneficiaries.
Ariolu charged the leadership of the National Network Newspaper on consistency in ensuring adequate propagation of information to the masses devoid of biasness.
“It is an indication that people are observing and taking note of the little we’ve been doing within this very short period. So, its a thing of joy, and I think it will serve as a platform to spur us to do more for our people.
“If you look at the history of the National Network Newspaper, you’ll see that it is a mark of resilience and doggedness from where they’ve started to where they are today. It is just a hint of hardwork that has lifted them up to this level. So, kudos to them and other media organisations, steadfastness is the word.”
Also honoured at the event is the Rivers PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Sir Similanyi Fubara and Bro Felix Amaechi Obuah, Rivers PDP Campaign Chairman.
Others include, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor, member, Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency; Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante, member, Federal House of Representatives; Barrister Ben Eke, Chairman, Ahoada East Local Government Area; Sir Friday Mbakpone Okpe, Chairman, Tai Local Government Area; and Barrister Sam Kalagbor, Rector, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.