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40 Indigent Students Get Chapel’s Scholarships
Chapel of Redemption, a non-denominational chaplaincy at Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwu in Port Harcourt, has awarded scholarship to 40 indigent undergraduate students in the university.
Chaplain of the church, Rev. Maxwell Ehirim said the gesture was part of the Church’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to her immediate environment.
Rev.Ebirim, said the church came to realization that many parents are finding it difficult in paying their children and wards school fees, because of the prevailing harsh economic realities in the country today, hence the scholarship award programme of the church was instituted.
“We need to assist some members of the church who are studying in the university. As a church, we don’t only indulge in prayers; we also take care of our member’s welfare to make life easier for them. My joy is that the students are doing well in their studies”.
According to him, the church is targeting 100 students in the nearest future, as he lamented the dearth of funds.
“This is the 3rd edition of the scholarship scheme of the church and it has been run back to back non-stop. We therefore call on corporates bodies and philanthropies to take some students on scholarship to finish their studies.
“We don’t joke with the welfare of our members, especially the students. Every Friday after mid-week service, we feed them before they leave the church premises. However, the university authority under the leadership of Prof. NlerumOkogbule, has been very helpful and supportive to us. The V.C, is like a father to us,” Ehirim stressed.
Preaching at the Sunday service, the Guest Preacher, Rev. Tunde Godwin, emphasised the need for the students to take their studies seriously and avoid social vices and always endeavor to obey the rules and regulations of the university, because basically that was what brought them to the university.
He commended the church leadership for spotting out 40 indigent students who are members of the church and decided to award scholarships to them in pursuit of their educational aspirations was very commendable and inspiring.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor, Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, ably presented by the deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) Prof. Valentine Omubo-Pepple, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the church for putting smiles on the faces of the indigent students of the university by reason of the scholarship given to them.
He however warned the students to make proper judicious use of the money for which it was given by paying and supporting their academic work in the university.
Prof. Omubo-Pepple promised on behalf of the university that next year, the management of the university, would key-in and support the scholarship programme of the church because its very laudable.
Omubo-Pepple, noted that the school management has of recent, been very much worried about the plights of some indigent students in the university; probably because of the prevailing harsh economic in the country and once more praised the church authorities for such laudable programme and expressed profound appreciation to the chaplain, Rev. Engr. Maxwell Ebirim, for his fore-sight and his desire to always help the poor in the society.
While appreciating the church authorities for the gesture done to their children and wards, one of the parents, Elder, Joseph Ojiwiri, from Omoku community, urged the students to always embrace God in their lives and be appreciative to God and to the church authorities.
He noted that it has not been easy for parents in training their children in higher institutions because of prevailing harsh economy in the country.
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