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Bring More Cultural, Arts Events To PH, Fubara Tasks Abuja Carnival Organisers …•To Launch Talent Hunt For Rivers Youths Soon

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has challenged organisers of the just-concluded Abuja International Carnival 2024 to prove their conviction as true by bringing mega cultural and arts events to the city of Port Harcourt.
The organisers had said that their visit to Port Harcourt was first-hand experience to correct the negative media framing of Rivers State, which they described as orchestrated to deny the State of the benefits of culture and tourism-related activities.
The Governor vehemently pointed to the heritage-rich and blossoming hospitality of Rivers people, prevailing peace, the abundant infrastructural components, beautiful public facilities and ongoing regeneration of neighborhoods that can offer unforgettable experience to participants of such shows when organised in the State.
Governor Fubara gave the challenge when the Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Israel Lebura Ngbuelo, led organisers of the Abuja International Carnival 2024 and delegation of the Rivers Team to the carnival, to present the trophy they clinched as the overall winner of the festival, and other laurels at Government House in Port Harcour, last Tuesday.
Rivers troupe topped the medal list with the ‘Best Carnival Float’, ‘Best Carnival King’, ‘Best Carnival Queen’, ‘Best Performance’, ‘Best Carnival Costume’ and ‘Best in Indigenous Nigerian Fashion Parade’, and emerged as the Overall Winner of the 2024 Abuja International Carnival competitive events.
The Governor said, “This is one of the most peaceful States, that is the truth. Apart from the political propaganda that you hear and read on social media, we are a very peace-loving and accommodating people.
“So, we want to thank the organisers too for organising this wonderful festival in Abuja. Over the years, Rivers State has always been outstanding when it comes to these festivals.”
Governor Fubara stated: “To the organisers, when you are coming again, come with more things. You have seen that Rivers State is a fertile ground for events, bring good events that will engage our youths. Don’t bring those things that will create problems for us. Bring things that will promote the good side of the State. So, we will be expecting to hear from you.
“Just let it be a package that will be educative, motivate our people positively, and also help us economically. It is important because I need more money to do more things for our people while we are here.”
Governor Fubara, on behalf of the State Government, congratulated the Rivers troupe for being worthy ambassadors of the State and doing it proud with the prizes they won, saying that it is often not enough to sponsor participants to a carnival, insisting that the outcome must justify the spending.
Governor Fubara noted that the Rivers troupe conquered the festival and returned home gloriously, noting: “And I also believe that it will not be in our own administration that things will now start falling apart in our hands. You need to do better and better. So, I am happy that we came back with the overall best and with a lot of other awards. It shows that we were really prepared, and we showed our preparedness in that event.”
He expressed delight at the kind words used by the Chief Executive Officer, Abuja International Carnival, Mr Kehinde Adegbite, when he described the rich experience of a peaceful Rivers State, enviable night life, hospitable and courteous people, serene and clean roads, and lovely environment.
Governor Fubara challenged the media to rise above the deliberate injection of negativity on the minutest one-off sad episode in Rivers State which they used to represent the State consistently, urging that the negative portrayal of Rivers in the media must stop because it serves as a disservice to the State.
He explained some of his plans towards giving culture and tourism a boost with platforms created to discover talents, saying, “What is the duty of government? Is it not to provide the enabling environment, give the necessary support, and make the people happy?
“You can imagine what we have done here. We didn’t make announcement, and we didn’t advertise it. But the number of youths from our State that were involved in that Abuja International Carnival was overwhelming. Within that period, some little stipends were paid to them and they also showcased their talents.
“That brings me to that part of our story, which you will start hearing soon. We intend to start a talent hunt programme where some of our youths, those of them gifted in the field will come and showcase their talents, and when you do well, from there, we can begin to push you higher.”
Governor Fubara also charged the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism not to rest on his goal but think outside the box and come up with an enduring programme that can further promote talents and showcase the rich culture of the State.
He said: “So, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, your duty is not just going to win awards for us in Abuja carnival. Look for a way to bring our best talents together. In this State, we can bring our best together, have one TV programme or, and it can be in series that will showcase the culture of Rivers State. It will become legendary.”
Governor Fubara said the success that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is celebrating is also a success to reckon with his administration, and thanked the Commissioner for working cooperatively with his Permanent Secretary to achieve the feat.
In his speech, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Israel Lebura Ngbuelo, informed the Governor that the support he provided the ministry energized them to attend the carnival, and emerge as overall best.
Also speaking, the CEO/Executive Director, Abuja International Carnival, Mr Kehinde Adegbite, who is also known as Mallam Yankee, said from the day they arrived to the very last day of the carnival, Rivers Team distinguished itself, was outstanding and adjudged the overall best.
Mr Adegbite promised that his experience of Port Harcourt has erased all negative portrayal of the State, adding that he is more determined to bring more shows to the city of Port Harcourt because it is alluring than most of the cities that international and national shows are staged.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of the prizes won by the State Team in different categories, the Overall Best State, and Best Supportive Governor to the State Chief Executive.

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Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

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Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

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College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

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The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

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Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

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