News
‘Info Policy Must Ensure Liberty’
Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (middle) flanked by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria Uriel Palti(left) and his wife, when they paid a courtesy visit on the Governor at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC),Prof Chidi Kalu, has said appropriate information management in a society must guarantee democratic liberties by creating a deep sense of participation of the citizenry in the process of governance.
Prof Kalu gave the hint while delivering the keynote address at the first Rivers State Council on Information, organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Prof Kalu said a system that alienated the citizenry through denial of access to information, was doing a great disservice to the society. He decried a situation where the wielder of power who was supposed to serve the people, consider leadership as a favour to the people, and pointed out that absolute power belonged to the people.
According to the Prof, who spoke extemporaneously at the event, “government is only relevant when it energises the people to make meaningful contribution in the process of governance, as this fast tracts the prospect of development.”
Commenting on the Nigerian scenario, Prof Kalu said there was disparity between the government and the governed, and blamed the slow pace of development and societal growth on the trend.
He noted that there was a symbiotic relationship between education and information management, and stated that every child should be given an opportunity to aspire through basic access to education as a right.
Prof Kalu, who lamented the obvious lack of citizenship awareness, called on the people to check irresponsibility in governance by asserting their rights to know what was happening in the process of governance.
He commended the Rivers State Government for its initiative as the first state to domesticate the National Council of Information, and charged the state government to come up with a proper regulatory policy on information and communication that will make the state the voice of sanity at the national level.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the information and communication sector have applauded the Rivers State Government over its initiative to organise the first state council on information and communication, as well as domesticate the national council on information.
The stakeholders gave their views while speaking at the council on information and communication organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications at the Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Speaking at the event, a veteran media practitioner in Rivers State, Chief Olu Fubara commended the Rivers State Government over its policies on information and communications and hoped that the council would evolve a sustainable information management system in the state.
Chief Fubara, a pioneer chief press secretary to the governor in the old Rivers State, who chaired the event, said the proper management of information in the society would strengthen our democracy and enhance good governance.
He emphasised the need for training and capacity development among media practitioners to avert the prospect of being gents of disinformation.
Chief Fubara, a former General Manager of Rivers Broadcasting Corporation, also called for proper funding of state media houses to discharge their statutory functions effectively.
In his goodwill message, the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Mr Mohammed Garba, also lauded the Rivers State Government for engaging in a stakeholders platform to foster an effective information management system in the state.
The NUJ president, who was represented by the National Secretary, Shuaibu Leman, called on the Rivers State government to sustain the policy which he said , would boost transparency in governance.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Femi Adesina said, the theme of the event, “Public Information as tool for good governance”, was apt and called on media practitioners and information and communication managers to avail themselves of the opportunity to contribute to a more virile information management system in the state.
Earlier, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari had thanked the stakeholders for their participation.
The commissioner, said the council was geared towards evolving a policy that would conform with international best practices, and also enhance transparency and accountable stewardship in governance.
Taneh Beemene
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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