News
RSG Recommits To Children’s Welfare Urges Partnership In Upbringing
The Rivers State Government has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 International Children’s Day with a wake-up call on parents/guardians, teachers, organisations and multinationals to collaborate in building the children of today for a resilient and better Nigerian future.
To this end, the state government said it is commited to creating and recreating an enabling environment that prioritises the welfare and development of children.
Delivering her speech at the occasion held at the Sharks Football Stadium, PortHarcourt, the wife of the State Sole Administrator, Barrister Theresa Ibas, said that the administration places children at the centre of the State with a continued efforts in ensuring that every child in the State has a reason to hope and platform to grow.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs Ruhuoma Kejeh, Ibas said the year’s theme: ‘Children: Our Future And Our Responsibility’ could not be more timely as it reflects on not only the dreams of the children but also the sacred duty of parents/guardians to nurture those dreams into reality.
She said, “It is a profound call to action, reminding us that the children we see around us today are not just playing, learning or growing. They are quietly carrying within them the seeds of tomorrow’s society. Every child, no matter the background, is a potential leader, innovator, caregiver or visionary. Their laughter today is the foundation of a joyful nation, tomorrow.
“While their future holds promise, it is shaped by the choices we make today – the quality of education we provide, the values we instill, the love we show and the protection we offer. Our children’s future is inextricably tied to how seriously we take our responsibility to guide, nurture and empower them. We must never take that responsibility lightly.”
Describing every child as beautiful and full of promises, Ibas said, “ the journey to their full potential cannot and must not be walked alone. No child becomes great in isolation”.
She therefore called on parents, teachers, guardians, leaders and members of the society to be deliberate in recognising the sacred role of building an environment where every child is safe, educated and empowered.
“As we celebrate today with music, dance, games and joy, let it also be a time of recommitment – for all of us to build a Rivers State where every child can become what they were born to be”, Ibas stated.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Prof. Justina A.Jumbo, said this year’s celebration was marked with a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s commitment to providing inclusive and equitable education, ensuring access to healthcare and nutrition, protecting children from abuse, neglect and exploitation and promoting child participation and empowerment.
Jumbo, who noted that the Ministry, through its Department of Child Welfare, has been working tirelessly to ensure the protection and well-being of state’s children said, “Some of our notable efforts include:, providing shelter, healthcare, education and support for vulnerable children at the Port Harcourt Children’s Home-Borokiri, implementing programmes to prevent child abuse, gender based violence and collaborating with stakeholders to promote child rights and welfare as well as offering counselling and rehabilitation services for children in need”.
“May I also use this forum to call on corporate and private organizations, multinational companies, and philanthropies, as part of their corporate social responsibility, to continue investing in our children’s futures, upholding our responsibility to nurture and protect them.
“I appeal to you all to see it as your duty to supplement government’s efforts, knowing that the government cannot do it alone in putting the future of Rivers State Children first. Let us work together to create a society where every child can grow, learn, and flourish.
“To our dear children, we say: your voices matter, your dreams are valuable, and your futures are bright. Keep reaching for the stars and shining your light!
Never let anyone or anything dim your light – your potential is limitless, and your future is full of promise”.
Highlights of the celebration included dance and drama presentation by the Ministry of Arts and Culture (Arts Council), match pass by selected schools and voluntary organisations, presentation of trophies and cutting of cake.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu
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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