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Int’l Youth Day: End Cultism, Violence -Obuah
The Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro Felix Obuah, has urged Nigerian youth to shun all vestiges of cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, violence and other forms of criminality, and join hands with government to advance the course of peace, good governance and sustainable development.
Obuah, who made the call in a goodwill message to mark the 2017 International Youth Day celebration in Port Harcourt, last Saturday, also the felicitated with the Nigerian youth for the successes recorded so far, describing them as indispensable drivers of democratic stability and national development.
A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, quoted the PDP chairman as lauding the Nigerian youth for their support in the sustainability of the nation’s democracy, as well as their peaceful disposition in ventilating their demands and aspirations.
Obuah particularly, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State youth, who took advantage of the magnanimous gesture of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to embrace the amnesty offered to cultists and criminals by renouncing their anti-social behaviours.
He noted that by so doing, they have demonstrated their love for the state and preference for peace, as well as cooperation with the development efforts of Governor Nyesom Wike across the 23 local government areas of the state.
The PDP chairman used this opportunity to appeal to all those who accepted and participated in the Rivers State Government amnesty programme to commit themselves to the tenets of the amnesty offered them, rather than going back to their former ways of perpetuating criminality in the land.
Obuah, while expressing optimism that the youth will continue to toe the part of peace and shun all attempts to lure them back to cultism and crime, reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Government to fulfil its responsibilities regarding the amnesty programme.
He noted that even though the PDP was aware of deliberate actions by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), to sabotage the genuine efforts of the Rivers State Government, it behooves the youth to maintain their ground, by refusing to be deceived to take up arms again.
The PDP chairman warned the youth of the consequences of involving in criminality, stressing that the full wrath of the law will not spare anyone caught perpetrating crime or breaching the hard-earned peace in the state.
“Anyone who conducts himself or herself well, by not indulging in cultism or criminality, will continue to benefit from the various laudable empowerment initiatives of the Rivers State Government without discrimination”, Obuah emphasized, assuring that the PDP-led government was committed to the massive empowerment of all qualified persons, including the youth in the state.
He also said that the government was doing all within its powers to create employment opportunities for the youth as well as ensure conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
“What we all need to do is to encourage the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to do more for Rivers people,” Obuah stated.
He, therefore, called on the youth to use this year’s International Youth Day to change their orientation by channeling their youthful energy into productive ventures, rather than engaging in acts capable of embarrassing their families.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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