News
Wike Hails FG On New Enhanced E-Passport
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has commended the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for introducing the Electronic Passport (e-Passport) with 10-year validity, saying it would enable Nigerians acquire long-term visas.
Speaking during the roll-out of the enhanced e-Passport in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike also lauded the service for the improved security features on the new passport.
The governor said: “Let me thank the Nigeria Immigration Service for their giant strides in the area of the Electronic Passport. It will help towards security and other trends.
“The introduction of E-Passport, is indeed, commendable because of its improved security features and other key features of the passport.
“The extension of the validity period is also important as it will allow holders to access lengthy visas. The 10-year passport affords most people the opportunity to have longer visas.”
The governor noted that the requirement that all those seeking to obtain the International Passport must have National Identity Number (NIN) is key.
“The integration with the National Identity Number is very important. It is an innovation which is encouraging,” he said.
He commended the Comptroller-General for taking Port Harcourt first in the commencement of the issuance of e-Passport in the South-South and South-East.
Wike, however, said that the requirement that Nigerians must supply their BVN before obtaining the e-Passport was not necessary.
According to him the inclusion of BVN as a requirement for acquiring the e-passport will deprive children from getting their international passports.
He said: “I was surprised, yesterday, when I was told to bring my Bank Verification Number (BVN). Assuming I have a child, who is one year old, and I want to travel with my child, are you telling me that my child cannot travel, perhaps, because he does not have a bank account?
“I told them, you have my salary account, go and check my BVN. I don’t know how the BVN has become a factor in the issuance of international passport. That is not acceptable. If this is the only way that we can check corruption, then, we have failed.
“As a governor, you know my salary; you know my account, and this can be collected from the Code of Conduct Bureau. It is not hidden”.
The governor advised federal agencies to stop depending on state governments for their operations, adding, “Federal agencies should stop depending fully on state governments for their operations. The responsibility is too enormous.
“Today, you have asked. The police will ask, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will ask, the Army will ask, and other federal agencies will also ask. How are we going to survive”? he said.
He appealed to Rivers people to take advantage of the facility to obtain their international passports.
Wike said: “I want to thank you for this innovation. I know that since you launched it here, I should also do something good, but not today.
“I urge our people to take advantage of this facility to ensure you come to get your international passport. Also, go and register for your National Identity card, it is very important”.
Earlier, the Rivers State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Segun Adegoke, had said that the essence of the e-Passport was to reposition and improve the passport issuance regime and tailor it towards best global practice.
He said the new regime now offers the options of five years and 10 years validity to save bona-fide Nigerians from frequent visits to replace their passports.
Adegoke disclosed that the service has allowed the present booklet to run concurrently until it is gradually phased out.
He noted that after the enhanced e-passport was issued to President Muhammadu Buhari on January 15, 2019, the service had made efforts to carry out a systematic launch of the passport across the nation.
Also speaking, the Passport Officer, Rivers State Command, A.J. Umoh said that the new e-Passport has new security features like multi-laser image (MLI), pre-printed features, UV light, infrared, laser engraving, Polycarbonate Technology that eliminates damage and forgery, and is International Civil Aviation Organization compliant.
Highpoint of the event was the capturing and presentation of the new e-Passport to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike.
Iragunima Benice
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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