News
Forge Unity For Progress, Fubara Urges Nigerian Youths …Accepts Beacon Of Hope Award
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has advised Nigerian youths to discard animosity among themselves and embrace those things that unite them more so that they can impact communities and the country positively.
The Governor maintained that if youths are united in love, and committed to national growth holistically, without being sectional about it, they would have contributed immensely to solving half of Nigeria’s myriad of problems.
Governor Fubara gave the advise when he received in audience a delegation of National officers and State Chapter Coordinators of National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN), led by their National President, Amb Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Monday.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria also conferred on Governor Fubara the “Beacon of Hope for Nigerian Youths” award, and the Award plaque was presented by Amb Sukubo.
He said youths represent a strong voice, adding that if they tackle the disunity that often factionalised their organisations, their importance, not only in number but value addition, will crystalise how Nigeria navigates its development and achieves enduring growth in all ramifications.
The Governor said, “You (Sukubo) are doing the right thing; you are bringing the youths together. Look, if there is any problem that we have in this country today, it is the issue of youths. If you are able to bring them together, which is what you are doing today, and it is good.
“You can imagine, if this youth council is so divided, there will be trouble in this country, but because you are united, even if you are facing a difficult situation, even when the country is having any challenge that would warrant people to protest, when you come together and say look, for so, and so reason, we should not allow it this way, it will be so.
“You constitute a strong voice that is also contributing to the unity of this country. So, you don’t need to be scared. You are doing the right thing, but stand on the path of truth always.”
Governor Fubara said when the letter was got notifying the State Government about the 60th Anniversary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, there was no hesitation to ensure that it was a success in the State.
The Governor advised the leadership of the body, particularly Amb Sukubo, to be a good ambassador of the State.
He said, “My advice to you will be this: You said something about people fighting or attempting to frustrate the anniversary event. You don’t need to worry about it. Challenges make you stronger, and make you think faster.
“Just do what you know is the right thing. When you are doing the right thing, you don’t need to be worried. When you are doing something that you know that in 25 to 30 years coming, you can defend it, you don’t need to be worried. It is only when you are doing the wrong thing that you need to be scared.”
Governor Fubara noted with delight the determination of NYCN to host its 60th anniversary in Rivers State, which underscores the prevailing peace in the State.
He said: “What you have come to do in Rivers State is to tell the world that, Rivers State is safe, Rivers State is moving, Rivers State is friendly and above all, Rivers State is ready anytime to receive and admit people that are coming to make positive impact in the State.”
Governor Fubara stated that the success story of Amb Sukubo as a National President will not be complete without mentioning his contributions, beginning from 2007, insisting that he had built people or supported their achievements before even becoming a Governor.
The Governor noted, “I tell you, success is not about how large your head is, or the level of degrees attached to your name for you to be a successful person. But it is your ability to manage, to tolerate and to make sacrifices.
“You have brought this youth body together because you accepted to make sacrifices for the interest of the council. I am happy that everywhere today, we are feeling the effect of the unity that the National Youth Council is enjoying today.”
Governor Fubara said, he is accepting the award from NYCN on behalf of his family and good people of Rivers State because his performance in office truly has given hope to millions of people.
He stated that because he is their role model, he will not let them down but continue to do those things that will give youths hope in Nigeria.
He added, “I will be among the group that will continue to champion the course of the youths because you’re future leaders.
“I have shown it in my administration. A lot of youths are involved, if the opportunity comes to give more chances to them, we will do it.
“Some of you are so blessed. So, it is just to harness it positively, which will get Nigeria to that place where we want Nigeria to be.”
In his speech, National President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amb Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, recalled how the immediate past administration that promised to host delegates to his election in 2018, abandoned him with the hotel bill of N63million and never wanted any dealings with him anymore.
Amb Sukubo said this is the first time his State will do him honour, hosting the 60th Anniversary celebration of NYCN, and giving him a pride of place in the comity of youths across the nation.
He promised to continue to galvanize support of youths for the success of the administration of Governor Fubara.
Also speaking, Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Chisom Gbali, highlighted how Governor Fubara has mainstreamed youths in his administration by giving them strategic positions that can enable them transit into confident leaders in a virile society, and thanked him for his youth-friendly policies.
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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