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‘How To Tackle Boko Haram’
What would have become a fanfare on Wednesday turned solemn as former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi turned the Port Harcourt World Book Capital celebrations to address the country’s worrisome security challenges.
Gen. Abubakar, who was chairman of the occasion, reiterated the call for peace and co-existence and among Nigerians.
“ Without peace, there will be no security to read books, without peace, there won’t be any opportunity for political and economic advancement. Therefore, it is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to fight this scourge called terrorism to an end,” he said.
He added, “ We need to work together to ensure peace in the country. All Nigerians must put hands on deck to maintain peace in this country.’’
On his part, Prof. Soyinka challenged Nigerians to rise up against terrorism, noting that the members of Boko Haram sect were in the people’s mindsets.
“They are not Muslims, for the Koran does not preach killing of innocent children. We must rise up to condemn the Nyanya bomb blast and abduction of our daughters. We cannot fold our hands to watch our innocent daughters become sex slaves to hoodlums and terrorists”.
The Nobel laureate enjoined Nigerians to stand up and face the horror that confronts them, pointing out that the country’s leaders must also rise to the challenge by emulating Algeria, adding that “bring back the pupils must replace bring back the book’’.
He criticised President Jonathan for embarking on a political campaign two days after the Nyanya blast at Abuja, reasoning that such attitude was a display of levity and concern for lives of Nigerians.
For Governor Amaechi, the solution to the menace of Boko Haram is in agriculture and education,” one thing that will change the Boko Haram people who are paid to shoot is to give them a different mindset…turn their vast land into farms which will give them economic mindset and also push the Boko Haram people far off,’’ Amaechi said.
Against this backdrop, he promised to admit any of the rescued girls from the Boko Haram into any of the new model secondary schools, noting that the state government had commenced a free education policy as part of measures to tackle the militancy in the state.
He attributed the hosting of the World Book Capital to the success recorded in the literary festivals organised by the state government in the past six years, and commended the Rainbow Book Club for their hard work and initiative.
He thanked all dignitaries, especially Gen Abdulsalami for honouring the invitation, while disclosing that already, plans have begun to build 23 libraries and a writers’ village as part of activities to promote reading and book culture in the state.
Former Minister of Education and World Bank deputy chief for Africa, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, who spoke onbehalf of Rainbow Book Club, used the occasion to call for replacement of oil economy with intellectual capital.
The highpoint of the occasion was the official handover of a scroll book from Banghok to Port Harcourt by the Deputy Governor of the Asian city to Governor Amaechi.
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