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Rivers CJ Advocates Child Justice Administration In Nigeria
The Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, has called for the strengthening of the child justice system to ensure a more robust and efficient justice delivery in the country.
Justice Amadi made the call while presenting his address at the opening ceremony of the second annual conference of the National Association of Family Court Judges, Magistrates and other Family Court Practitioners (NAFCJMPN) held at the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute Port Harcourt, yesterday.
He noted that children are indispensable part of the society that needs to be protected, stressing that their importance can not be overemphasized as the key to the future of every society.
He stressed that justice administration system in Nigeria needs to conform with the international standards by accommodating international rules, standards and laws as enshrined in various international legislations and conventions for the protection of children and their rights.
The State Chief judge noted that the children are vulnerable, adding that their peculiarity calls for specialized court to be in tandem with their nature.
He said it was in line with that the State government created family court in accordance with Section 150(1) of the child’s law of Rivers State, 2022, which was pari materia with Section 149(1).
According to him, the family court specializes in addressing the complexities and challenges that arise mainly within the family especially as they relate to children.
“It, inter alia, provides for fair, just and speedy resolution of issues pertaining to children in conflict with the law while not compromising the need for adequate reformation, rehabilitation and re-integration of the child. It ensures that matters relating to children are handled with utmost sensitivity, efficiency and in the best interest of the child”, he stated.
The CJ said that the conference would afford practitioners in the family court the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas on how best to foster and strengthen child justice administration, adding that it will serve as avenue to explore innovative approaches and best practices for repositioning of child justice administration in the country..
In her welcome address, the Acting President of the association, and wife of the former governor of Rivers State, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike, said the primary mission of the association was to advance the effective implementation of the Child’s Rights Act 2003 and all other related legislations through advocacy, capacity building, knowledge sharing and effective judicial actions.
Justice Wike disclosed that six out of 10 children in Nigeria reportedly experience emotional, physical or sexual abuse before age 18 with half experiencing physical violence.
She said that the theme of the conference, “Repositioning Child Justice Administration in Nigeria” was meant to rub minds, dissect the issues and find common grounds for collaborative efforts to advance the effectiveness of the family and child justice system in the country.
Declaring the conference open, the former Justice of the Supreme Court and Chairman of the occasion, Justice Mary Odili, urged members of the association to leave up to the expectations and ensure that every child is honoured, protected and showed love.
She said as role models, members should strive to ensure that every child was not left behind in the justice administration system.
Our correspondent reports that there were goodwill messages from the State Police Command, state correctional centre, Nigeria Bar Association and FiDA, among others at the conference.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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
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