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Community Marks 34th Anniversary Of Monarch’s Reign
Oronijah Community in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has rolled out the drums to celebrate the 34 years of the enthronement of its Paramount Ruler, King Bartholomew Ikan Egopyork vii.
It would be recalled that King Ikan ascended the throne of his father as the Okaan Ama of Oronijah Town on the 28th of October, 1989.
A community source also told The Tide that the enthronement was without challenges as there were series of litigations which were eventually settled in favour of King Bartholomew Ikan Egopyork.
Speaking with newsmen during the celebration, King Ikan said he was grateful to God for making him celebrate 34 years on the throne, stressing that at the time he was enthroned, the community was torn apart by factions but eventually all of them have collapsed by forming a united Oronijah Community.
“The whole factions of the community are now united and speaking with one voice”, he said.
Speaking on the development of the community, the traditional ruler said the greatest challenge facing Oronijah at the moment is lack of land.
He said the lack of available land has made it difficult for the area to develop, stressing that even the cost of building houses in the community is beyond the reach of the people because of the swampy nature of the island.
Ikan said the community’s primary and secondary schools have no teachers, while the Primary Health Centre, which is the only health institution in the community, is in dilapidated condition.
He further said the solar panels approved for the community by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in collaboration with the Andoni Local Government Council has not been fully installed and pleaded with the commission to ensure the community enjoys the benefits of the solar panels.
The traditional ruler used the occasion to call on both the Rivers and Federal Governments to come to the aide of Oronijah Town through: the reclamation of more land and shore protection.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC), Oronijah Town, Elder Tamuno G. Arunga, said the reign of King Ikan has brought peace and development to the community.
He said the community is more united now than before because of the leadership qualities of the paramount ruler, adding that King Ikan has ensured that no part of the community was neglected.
Assuring that the CDC will continue to work with the paramount ruler to promote peace in the area, Arunga used the occasion to call on the government to come to the aid of the community through the construction of shore protection to save the community from tidal erosion and reclaim more lands for the people.
Also speaking Elder Blessing Jackson Tiko, said the people are happy with their King.
He said King Ikan has for the past 34 years endeared himself to the people because of his humility.
“He is a peaceful and humble king. That’s why the people like him”, he said.
Tiko prayed God to grant the traditional ruler more years to reign over the community.
Also speaking, Women Leader of Oronijah Town, Mrs Helen Conerlius, said the women are happy with the manner in which King Bartholomew Ikan Egopyork has rule over the community for the past 34 years.
According to her, Oronijah is more united now than before, adding that the women are now speaking with one voice.
She said the women will continue to pray for long life for King Ikan to enable him take the community to greater height.
On his part, Engr Andason Otowo, a concerned youth of the community, said the youths are happy with the reign of their King.
Otowo said youths of Oronijah Town never allow cultism to thrive in the community because of the leadership qualities of its paramount ruler.
The celebration, which lasted for three days, was rounded up with a Thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Oronijah Town.
By: John Bibor
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