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AN ADDRESS BY RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR, RT. HON. CHIBUIKE AMAECHI, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF GARDEN CITY GAMES, 17TH NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL, SUNDAY 3RD JULY, 2011.
Today, we have the honour, privilege and joy to welcome you very distinguished athletes, officials and indeed the entire sporting community to our beloved Rivers State, as we very proudly showcase our welcoming, refreshing, and dynamic culture.
I must thank the National Sports Commission, the Federal Ministry of Sports, and our very own President for bringing the games to Rivers State a second time. It is a rare privilege and one, which we cherish most dearly. Rivers State as host of the l7 National Sports festival joins the league of states that have hosted the festival more than once.
The National Sports Festival was conceived as a balm to soothe the psyche of a nation much traumatised by a war. Before then, there hadn’t been no sporting platform that brought Nigerians together in the sense of being Nigerians. Yes, there were regional porting competitions as well as inter collegiate competitions but none of these took into cognisance the very essence of our nation —as captured in the nation’s first national anthem – “though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand”
Today more than ever, there is an urgent need to reinforce those values that the founding fathers of our nation and indeed this festival held so dearly.
Sporting events like the NSF provide the appropriate platform to reinforce and even build on these values. The keen competition, sportsmanship and camaraderie at these games are the fuel on which our youth can run very long distances. We must galvanize these potentials and must develop our sports in order to provide the right opportunities for our people. Truly we must redirect the energies of our people towards self-development as a precondition for the development of our country.
Since its inception in 1973, therefore, the National Sports Festival has remained a beacon and a reminder of our common destiny. With its twin objectives of promoting mass participation in amateur sports from the grassroots level and encouraging sportsmanship and friendly interaction, the National Sports Festival is a definite tool for strengthening our nationhood.
And Rivers State is proud to again help foster this unity. When we hosted the games in 1988, we raised the bar and set standards that I can proudly say no one has been able to beat. As we host the games again, we are mindful of the fact that we can only do better. It is this spirit and the desire to that propelled us to embark on the building of a brand new stadium for these games. The Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium complex, in the Greater Port Harcourt City is indeed a phenomenal facility, the first of its kind in our nation, and we are delighted that we are able to showcase a bit of this magnificent infrastructure during these games.
Even more, we would wish to use this auspicious occasion to invite everyone: the National Sports Commission, Federations, corporate organisations, and even schools to please come again and again to make use of this world class facility. I can assure you that what we have is a great offering.” But today is not about us. It is about you great Nigerians, the talented athletes many who might become the new discoveries that will change the face of our sports on national, continental and international levels. As you participate in the games, we encourage you to also find time to go round our city. If you haven’t yet done so, let me invite you to make the most of the legendary Port Harcourt nightlife and our most tasteful seafood cuisine, known for its ability to keep our people fresh and beautiful as even Mr. President himself will attest.
Once more, Your Excellencies, distinguished athletes, officials, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great delight that I very warmly, welcome you to the Garden City of Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State, Nigeria’s Treasure Base.
O bosa no, A nu biala, Waa lua, A nua
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