News
Rivers Suspends Agip Operations In PH …Moves To Review Waste Management Laws
The Rivers State Government, yesterday, ordered the
temporary suspension of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s operations at its
headquarters at Rumueme, Port Harcourt.
The suspension which lasted for more than two hours,
followed the refusal by the management of the company to allow the Commissioner
for Environment, Dr Nyema Weli and his entourage access to one of its barges
conveying 200 litres of diesel which sank at the base, spilling the content
into the river.
During the period of the suspension, all activities in the
company were shut down while visitors were barred from either entering or
leaving the premises.
Addressing newsmen later, the Commissioner, Dr Nyema Weli
said that the situation was to show the company that there was government
exists in the state.
“We are not going to tolerate the situation where we want to
do our job and they will come and stop us”.
“Our job is not to stop Agip from doing business in Rivers
State, our job is when something like this happens, we see what we can do to
make sure our people are safe and happy”, he said.
Dr Weli, however, stressed the need for the company to adopt international
standard on the clean-up of the spill, pointing out that the ministry would
continuously monitor the clean-up process.
He commended members of Mgbuosimini community for their
peaceful approach to the issue, noting that his office was always open for
dialogue on the issue.
On the issue of compensation, Dr Weli said that the extent of damage would be determined after
the clean-up, and urged the people to always keep the government informed of
further development.
Some of the youth leaders of Mgbuosimini community told
newsmen that the spillage destroyed
aquatic lives in the area, and urged for remedial measure to contain it.
They alleged that the situation also affected Eagle Island
community.
Meanwhile, plans are underway by the Rivers State Government
to review the waste management laws in the state.
The plans were made public by the Commissioner for Budget
and Economic Planning, Mr Levi Gogo-Charles while briefing reporters on the
outcome of the 19th State Executive
Council Meeting yesterday in Port Harcourt.
He said, the new law was aimed at improving the waste
management and possibly privatise the sector for more efficiency.
Mr Gogo- Charles said,” we will have a better way of
collecting, disposing and treating refuse in a manner that would be hygienic
and productive to the people of the state’’.
The new bill would be sent to the State House of Assembly
for deliberations, Gogo-Charles further disclosed, noting that,, “ we want to
get back our Garden City status to the point that we used to know before. And
we think that an effective law would help the state in achieving that.’’
He also hinted that the State Executive Council approved the
commencement of academic programmes in three of the new model secondary schools
of the state by October this year.
The schools include the ones at Eleme, Tai and Etche as the
Ministry of Education had been mandated to conduct entrance exams for
prospective students, while emphasising that minimum intake was hinged on 700
students per school.
Kevin Nengia
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