News
‘End Blackmail Against Rivers’
Shell Nigeria and other multinational companies operating in Rivers State have been advised to change the discourse on Rivers State in the light of current realities that have made the state conducive for business.
Head of the Civil Service of Rivers State, Rufus N. Godwins made the call at the 2016 SPDC Relationship Building Forum organized by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for leaders of the Civil Service in Rivers State, yesterday.
Godwins said the companies owe the state the duty of telling the world the developments in Rivers State, and participate in resolving any challenge as the State has provided the needed environment for them to do business.
The Head of the Civil Service, who was speaking on building synergy for business in Rivers State, said that it was time the companies in Rivers State dropped old tales of Rivers State not being safe, because despite the use of a section of the media to paint Rivers State black, the State was very safe.
According to him, the peace in Rivers State is proven by the hosting of many national and international conferences that ran through without hitches, adding that not many states could host the NBA, the Architects, the Nigerian Editors the Rotary International, among others, the way Rivers did.
He said that the change in Rivers State started when Chief Nyesom Wike took office as governor when he immediately opened the courts that were closed for one year, re-opened the House of Assembly that was sitting in Government House, and developed a security architecture that is next to none in Nigeria, He told SPDC to take advantage by arresting and prosecuting pipeline vandals, though he said, there were no records of such vandalism in Rivers State.
Godwins further charged SPDC and the oil majors to also search their hearts and see if they have been truly fair to Rivers State.
“Apart from the near absence of Rivers sons and daughters at the management level of these companies, even the law that mandates the oil firms to give 60% of their junior staff to Rivers is also not obeyed” he said.
Godwins said Rivers people would no longer accept the negative psychology of fear that takes business to other states or fly in workers from Lagos adding that the world now knows better that Rivers State is safe for business and tourism as never before.
Earlier, the Relationship Manager, SPDC, Dr. Alice Ajeh, said Shell operates under four companies and has supported the economy of Rivers State and Nigeria in no small measure.
She said that Shell contributes 90% of export for Nigeria and also makes social investments in terms of community health, entrepreneurial programmes, Education and Global Memorandum of Understanding, among others.
Ajie, however, lamented the vandalisation of Pipelines, illegal bunkering and refining, which had threatened hychocarbon production and actually made production impossible for two months.
She decried the misadventure of some youth whose activities had resulted in environmental pollution, vandalism of oil facilities and economic waste at large.
About a 100 leaders of the Civil Service cutting across the Ministries and extra-ministerial departments attended this year’s Relationship building Forum, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt.
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