News
nesty Programme Debuts In Delta
Delta State yesterday witnessed its first success in the presidential amnesty deal with militants as large cache of arms and ammunition were surrendered to the amnesty team at Obotobo 1 community in Ogulagha kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of the state by a coalition of militant groups.
The arms which included two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 23 AK 47, four FN and 14 G3 rifles were yesterday turned in by a coalition of militants in Delta state in line with Federal Government’s amnesty programme.
Other weapons are one Sub Machine Gun (SMG), seven single barrel Pump Action guns, 12 pieces of dynamites, 69 assorted magazines, 84 cartridges and array of 7.62 mm special and ordinary ammunition.
Leaders of the three militant groups are ‘Gen.’ Bonny Gawei of Gawei Camp, in whose house the arms surrender took place, ‘Gen.’ Nabena Young of Seashore Freedom Fighters and ‘Gen.’ Aboy Francis of the Niger Delta Liberation Movement, whose arms surrender ceremony was earlier scheduled for last Tuesday but did not take place as government’s amnesty team failed to show up.
The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters, Mr. Timi Alaibe, who praised the groups for their exemplary courage said the event which is the first in Delta state since the proclamation of amnesty by President Umaru Yar’Adua in August would further deepen the concern of the President on the Niger Delta situation.
He said, “These young men have done a noble and right thing. They have not shown weakness but courage because the strong are the courageous and I bring Mr. President’s message of sincerity and commitment to this process. Mr. President has challenged us severally to disarm and see “what I will do to develop the Niger Delta”.
“By what you have done today, you have keyed into the process of amnesty and now that you have disarmed, we have listened to your priorities as they were delivered in your speech, sustainable development priorities and we shall convey them to Mr. President”, Alaibe said.
Also, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Amnesty, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Lucky Ararile whille urging other militants in the region to emulate the courage of those who have dropped their arms posited that the only thing that denies the people of development is crises, adding that the time is now.
A representative of Delta state governor, Dafe Akpedeye stated that the only way to achieve meaningful development was the exemplary display of the youths who agreed to surrender their arms and the embrace the presidential amnesty deal, saying that the militants have been keyed into state government’s programme.
Earlier, a Spokesperson for the coalition of militants, Mr. Ebiware Opori, in a six-point demand called for practical development of the region, including road network, hospitals, schools, industries etc), human capital development via capacity training/ sustainable development programmes, provision of scholarships, genuine rehabilitation programme for freedom fighters by giving the youths the opportunity to manage the security of companies operating in their domain in order to avoid criminal elements sabotaging their sincere efforts.
Others are the allocation of slots for marine equipment and general supplies to them by companies operating in the region as they said this would create an atmosphere of harmonious relationship between the host communities and the multinationals, thereby alleviating the scourge of pipeline vandalism and checking illegal oil bunkering.
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