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Bodo Agog Over N25bn Shell Compensation

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APC supporters at a campaign rally in Rivers State, recently

APC supporters at a campaign rally in Rivers State, recently

Bodo community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State appears to be enjoying a new vista following the payment of N25 billion oil spill compensation by the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
Our correspondent, who visited the area, last Thursday, said the community was agog with construction of new buildings, massive renovation of old houses, and the emergence of a lot of small and medium enterprises.
Chairman of Bodo Council of Chiefs, Chief Livinus Kiebel told The Tide that “massive transformation is going on in the area. Poor women who have never had N10,000 before in their lives are now receiving at least N600,000.00 individual claims”.
Describing the compensation as a big blessing to the people, he said, “Everybody is happy and in every corner of the community, you see a lot of new houses being constructed, massive renovation works are going on in old buildings. New businesses, new vehicles, fishing gears, canoes, among others, are being acquired daily.
“This economic boom in Bodo at this period when Nigeria is passing through ‘austerity’ has also impacted on traders in the area”, said an Igbo trader who deals on building materials in the community, as according to him, daily sales are impressive.
A woman, who identified herself as Mama Lebari, said the life of her family has changed as she and her five sons put their claims together which has brought about a turn around that was never envisaged.
The chairman of the chiefs council, also said “as I speak to you, people have paid tithes and appreciation to God such that my church, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Bodo, has received about N20 million from tithe and other forces of appreciation to God.
Kiebel said the people were happy with Leigh Day & Company, the United Kingdom-based firm for assisting the community win its suit against SPDC and the ultimate payment of the compensation, unlike what it used to be in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
According to him, after a long drawn legal battle with SPDC over the major crude oil spillage in the area that resulted in high scale destruction in 2008, at least, SPDC was defeated and had no option than to pay N25 billion for the damage.
The chief, however, decried what he termed negative impact of oil politics, which frustrates development in the region.
He accused SPDC of always denying responsibility when spills occur from its aged pipes, thereby reducing the economic fortunes of the people.
“The company would always apply divide and rule system, and link the spills to third party and bunkering activities even when such spill was occasioned by its negligence”, he said.
Kiebel also accused the Federal Government of not coming to the aid of the people by wielding the big stick on the multinationals.
“There is too much oil politics frustrating people from getting justice in the Niger Delta over oil spill. No matter how gracious, Federal Government would not come out with the big stick, but would rather make noise while the victims of the spill keep suffering “, he said.
He called for immediate abrogation of the Land Use Act, saying the law is against all norms in modern world.
“Because they see oil as everything, the military people came up with the decree in the 70s”, he stated, and urged the National Assembly to emulate advanced nations of the world and repeal the Land Use Act.

 

Chris Oluoh & Lydia William

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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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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