News
Bomb Blasts British Govt Pledges To Support FG
The British Government has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government in bringing the October 1 bombers in Abuja to justice.
The British Minister for Africa and the United Nations, Mr Henry Bellingham,, gave the pledge during a presentation on Nigeria by the All Parties Parliamentary Group (APPG) at the London Parliament.
The Tide correspondent who covered the event, quotes Bellingham as saying that the British Government would also cooperate with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism in any form.
“We will support the Nigerian Government to bring to justice the bombers of October1. We know what it is like, to be on the receiving end of terror attack,” he said.
The minister explained that Britain believed strongly in values and was passionate about human rights, pointing out that the intention was not to lecture any country on human rights, rather “we will work as friends”.
He said further that the people would be included as part of the ongoing review of bilateral agreements between the two countries.
Bellingham said Britain intended to intensify its bilateral relations with Nigeria and expressed delight at the volume of trade between the two countries.
He, however, noted that trade was a two-way phenomenon and for it to prosper and succeed, relations must be bright.
Bellingham suggested that the Federal Government should utilise its nationals in the Diaspora to boost the trade relations.
He commended Nigeria on its achievements so far, noting that the two countries had always been on the same pace on several issues at the UN Security Council.
The minister also applauded Nigeria for its contribution to global peace, especially in countries such as Somalia, Zimbabwe and Sudan.
He expressed hope that Nigeria, being the largest democracy in Africa, would set an example by conducting free and fair elections in 2011.
Earlier, Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Amb. Dozie Nwanna (OON), had given assurance that the Abuja bombings would not affect the electoral processes.
He reiterated government’s commitment to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections next year.
To achieve this, he said all tiers of government must collaborate, institutions strengthened and opposing views tolerated.
Nwanna noted that the country had survived a civil war and a series of military interventions, hence the resolve by Nigerians “never again to go down the unfortunate path”.
He said that though critics had expressed the view that the country should have achieved more in the past 50 years with its abundant human and natural resources, “development goes with several factors, including discipline and ideological orientation”.
The envoy explained further that the country’s overdependence on oil had led to the non-sustenance of previous economic development, especially in the agricultural sector.
“Nigeria’s economy experienced an economic boom in the 1960s and 70s but by the 80s, the country experienced economic problems which stemmed largely from two main factors.
“Firstly, the oil boom of the 1970s and early 80s brought an early financial windfall for the country.
“Secondly, it brought about an unjustified neglect of the agricultural sector which was then the strongest and most viable sector of the economy,” he said.
Nwanna, however, said that the present administration was willing to attain and sustain a high rate of economic growth.
On the country’s foreign policy, the high commissioner reiterated government’s commitment to national interest, regional stability, global peace and security.
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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