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Honour Those Who Have Impacted Society, Wike Tells Rivers People
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has recommended that chieftaincy title should only be bestowed on individuals who have impacted positively on society.
Wike made the remarks at the conferment of chieftaincy title, ‘Eze-Enwa-Gbaganu-Oha of Obio,’ on former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Onueze Chukwujinka Joe Okocha, SAN, in Rukpakwolusi town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, last Saturday.
The Rivers State governor observed that one of the major challenges confronting the chieftaincy institutionwas the conferment of chieftaincy titles on individuals whose background was shrouded in mystery.
“The problem we have in chieftaincy institution, sometimes, you don’t even know where they go and bring chiefs and give them titles. You don’t even know the background. What is the contribution of the person to the community, to the kingdom, local government? You don’t know what he or she has contributed.”
Wike, on behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, most sincerely congratulated the legal luminary on the conferment of the chieftaincy title, ‘Eze-Enwa-Gbaganu-Oha of Obio on him, describing it as well deserved.
“I was one of those OCJ consulted and I say look you don’t even have to take permission, it is an honour well deserved. You have contributed to the development of not only Obio, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre ethnic nationality, Rivers State and Nigeria. And so, all of us will be there to celebrate with you and your family.”
The governor noted that based on Okocha’s status in society, the conferment of the honour on him would not generate unnecessary friction.
According to him, Okocha would rather be duty bound to defend the interest of his community for the honour done him.
Wike lauded Okocha, who as an elder statesman has remained unwavering in his support to the government and people of Rivers State.
“He is one of the greatest supporters we have in this administration. There is nothing we do, that he has not given us support.”
The chairman of the occasion, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, advised communities in the state to bestow chieftaincy title only on their eminently qualified sons and daughters.
He described Okocha as a worthy son of Ikwerre land, having been recognised at the highest level of governance in the country for his contributions to national development.
In his remarks, Onueze Chukwujinka Joe Okocha, SAN, said he cherished the conferment of the title, Eze-Enwa-Gbaganu-Oha of Obio on him.
The former NBA president assured that he would carry himself with respect and honour that dignifies the title.
The occasion was graced by former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili; his wife, Hon. Justice Mary Odili rtd); former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudum Nwuche; Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi Owaji-Ibani; Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara; and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu.
Other dignitaries include, Nne-Nwe-Eli Emohua XIII, Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse; Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Emeka Woke; the Lord Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo; among others.
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.
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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.