News
RSG Set To Flag Off Judicial Institute For Magistrates, Judges’ Training, Wike Assures
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has hinted that the state would soon become a centre for the training of magistrates and judges in the country.
The governor said this would be possible when the foundation stone for the National Judicial Institute would be laid during the next round of inauguration of projects in the state.
Wike gave the hint while speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting the Rumuola and G.R.A. Junction flyovers, and the Ezimgbu Link Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital, last Saturday.
The governor pointed out that the State Executive Council would soon meet to determine the specific projects that would be lined up for the next phase of inauguration, and those to invite as special quests to perform the functions.
“Frankly speaking, it’s not going to be road infrastructure alone, it will involve health, schools and other humanitarian areas.
“We believe that the Chokocho-Igbodo Road in Etche and the Oyigbo Road are key projects we think will be included. And then, we are also going to lay foundation for the Judicial Institute that will train our magistrates and judges.
“We will also lay foundation stone for the liaison office for the Federal Judicial Service Commission, which they have approved and should be sited, for the South-South region, in Port Harcourt.”
Speaking about the flyover projects just inspected, Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work that has been delivered.
He noted that from what has been seen, it was still reassuring that the projects would be ready for inauguration by the end of September, 2021.
According to him, the contractors have completed the asphalting work on both the flyovers and the service lanes of the road, with attention now focused on building up barricades that would prevent the people from trading directly on the road.
“You were aware the last time we were here, we saw the Rumuola flyover, G.R.A Junction, Ezimgbu Road, Tombia Extension, we were told that by September, 2021, they would have handed over these four projects to us.
“And as part of our routine job, we still make sure we have to go round to see the extent of work done; whether the stage they are will rhyme with our plans for the commissioning of the projects.
“From what is seen, I believe that all will be completed by the end of the month. You can see the beauty of the projects, the way the places look like. Everybody appreciates them.”
Wike, however, frowned at the aftermath of street trading activities that deface the vicinity of the projects that are to be handed over to the government by the contractors.
He, therefore, vowed to set up a task force that will make it difficult for such trading activities to take place around those projects since the traders have continued to litter the area with refuse.
“You know, so many people would talk about hunger, but the mere fact that people are hungry does not mean that you should dirty the environment.
“When we allow you to do your trading, it doesn’t mean that in doing your trading, you should litter the entire place. It is your responsibility after doing the trading or whatever economic activities that you’re engaged in, you should be able to clean up the area.
“So, one is compelled to set up a task force not to allow hawkers. By Monday, we will set up a task force that will never allow hawkers on these major projects that have beautified Port Harcourt and changed its landscape.”
The governor solicited the understanding of all residents because it was the duty of government to keep the state clean in order to promote good health.
According to Wike, it costs the government huge sum of money to rid the streets of refuse, adding that the people cannot be tolerated with their unhygienic activities.
“Everybody has to bear with us. It is our job to keep the place clean. I mean, some of these people come from neighbouring states, they litter the whole place, and in the evening, they take off.
“It is the government that suffers in spending a lot of money to clean them up”, he added.
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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