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Rivers Diasporans Insist On Naming PH Airport After N’Delta Indigene
Ogbakor Ikwerre USA/Canada (OIUSA/Canada), a socio-cultural organisation of Iwhuruohna indigenes of the Niger Delta who are resident in North America, has faulted the re-naming of Port Harcourt International Airport after a non-indigene of the Niger Delta.
The Muhammadu Buhari administration, in its last days, re-named the airport Obafemi Awolowo International Airport.
This was contained in a press release signed by a Professor of Journalism, Department of Communication Studies, 339 Lang Building, University of Northern Iowa, Chris W. Ogbondah, on July 10, 2023.
The North America-based Diaspora organisation rose from its international emergency meeting on Monday, June 12, 2023, wondering why the airport was not named after a prominent indigene of the Niger Delta geo-political zone where the airport is located.
Members of the organisation recalled that OIUSA/Canada and other Diaspora organisations had made appeals in the past for the naming of the airport after late Senator Obi Wali, a prominent citizen of the area where the airport was located.
The President of the USA/Canada-based organisation, Mr. Patrick Anyawoke, recalled that as far back as September 6, 2021, the North America-based Niger Delta indigenes’ forum forwarded a proposal and a letter to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Executive Council, urging the government to name the airport after Senator (Dr.) Obi Wali.
He recalled that OIUSA/Canada made a similar appeal to the Federal Government in 2004.
Anyawoke said that naming the airport after Wali was the proper thing to do in view of the late Senator’s extensive and remarkable contributions in the creation of Rivers State, as well as his immense and enormous self-sacrifices, even at the expense of his life for the unity of the country during the Nigerian Civil War.
Wali was among the prominent indigenes of Rivers State who vehemently opposed the secession that led to the Nigerian Civil War, 1967-1970.
A member of the North-America-based organisation, Mr. Adolphus Omodu, noted that: “By his unequivocal opposition of secession, Senator (Dr.) Wali put his own life on the line during the period of hostility when few had the courage to do so.
“Naming the airport after Senator (Dr.) Wali will be a befitting posthumous reward to brave a nationalist?”
Another member of OIUSA/Canada, Mr. Chindah Wami, noted that: “Most airports in Nigeria are named after prominent indigenes where those airports are located. For instance, Enugu Airport is named after Akanu Ibiam.
“Owerri Airport is named after Sam Mbakwe. Kano Airport is named after Aminu Kano and Calabar Airport, after Margaret Ekpo.”
He wondered why the airport in Omagwa would not have been named after such a prominent figure as Senator Wali.
Another member of the North America-based organization, Mrs. Vera Ezeronye, recalled that Senator Wali risked his life on several occasions for the unity of Nigeria during the civil war.
She added that: “OIUSA/Canada strongly and unequivocally believes that naming the airport at Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area after Senator (Dr.) Wali is the most appropriate thing to do.
“This is especially because of his contributions to the development of Nigeria and in drafting the 1979 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as being a member of the Constituent Assembly.”
Anyawoke contended that other compelling rationales for naming the airport in Omagwa after Wali include the fact that he was not only a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee, but also a member of the Constituent Assembly that ratified the Constitution.
He added that being the Senate minority leader during the Second Republic, the senator contributed to the political stability and democratic development of the country.
Members of the Diaspora organization further argued that naming the airport after Wali was more appropriate in view of the late lawmaker’s contributions in the Federal Government’s rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation initiatives in Rivers State which was affected by the civil war.
Anyawoke argued that it is in view of these compelling rationales that OIUSA/Canada was dismayed that the airport should be named after Senator Obi Wali.
He said, “This is why we are calling on the Federal Government to reverse the renaming of the airport,” adding that: “It is not late or unusual to rename this airport properly. University of Lagos which was at one time named Moshood Abiola University was later reversed and named properly as University of Lagos.
“This is the more reason why the government should reverse the naming of Port Harcourt International Airport immediately.”
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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