News
FG Closes N3.1trn 2021 Domestic Borrowing
With the latest N250billion Sukuk, the Debt Management Office (DMO), has successfully brought to close, the sum of N3.143trillion domestic borrowing contained in 2021 budget.
All of the domestic borrowings had been realised prior to now say for N250billion, whose offer was unveiled to both institutional and private investors at an investors’ forum in Abuja, yesterday.
Addressing investors and media in Abuja, Director-General of DMO, Ms. Patience Oniha noted that unlike previous Sukuk bond offer that had only Federal Ministry of Works and Housing as sole government’s agency to utilise proceeds for road construction, the N250billion Sukuk has two other ministries, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
Amongst roads listed for construction by Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, include, Abuja-Lokoja road section iv (Koton Karfi-Lokoja); dualisation of Obajana junction to Benin phase 2: section 1 (Obajana junction to Okene); construction of Oju/Loko-Oweto bridge to link Loko and Oweto with approach roads; Makurdi–Naka–Adoka–Ankpa Eoad in Benue State; construction of Baro Port to Gulu town in Niger State and reconstruction of Nasarawa-Loko road in Nasawara State section, amongst others.
The ministry has road projects to construct across the six geo political zones of the country.
For FCT, some of the road projects to be constructed with its share of N37billion Sukuk include, to construct southern parkway from Christian Centre (S8/9) to Ring Road I (RR I); completion of roads B6, B12 &Circular Road, Abuja Central Area, rehabilitation and expansion of outer southern expressway from Villa Roundabout to OSEX/Ring Road 1 and (RR1) junction, among others.
Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, with N75billion Sukuk proceeds will carry out dualisation Of East-West Road (Section II-I) Port Harcourt-Ahoada, 47Km; dualisation of East-West Road (Section II-II) AhoadaKaiama, 54Km; upgrading of 15km of section III from PortHarcourt-Eleme Junction to Onne, Port Junction, amongst other roads to be constructed.
Giving background to the Sukuk offer in an interview with journalists, Ms. Oniha gave overview of current and previous Sukuk bond issuance by DMO.
“The purpose of today’s event is to achieve two objectives: sensitise the media on issuance of fourth Sukuk as well as to invite investors within and outside Nigeria to tell them about sovereign Sukuk we are about to issue.
“By a way of background, the DMO had issued three Sukuk previously- 2107, 2018 and 2020, raising a total of N362.57billion to finance road projects across the six geo political zones of the country. That has been extremely successful and has both the DMO as the face of government for borrowing and others. The average citizen on the road has been impressed with what the Sukuk has contributed to the economic growth and development.”
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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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