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Bring Down Cement Price, FG Told

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A former Governor of Lagos State,  Alhaji Lateef Jakande, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to bring down the price of cement to make housing affordable to the masses.

Jakande made the call, while speaking with newsmen at the closing ceremony of the 11th Lagos Housing Fair.

He stressed that Nigeria was blessed with abundant raw materials for cement production.

“The cost of building materials, particularly cement, is unduly high. The price of cement should be brought down as we have abundant raw materials for cement production in the country,” he said.

Besides, Jakande called for more investments in housing delivery to ensure that all the citizens were able to have decent accommodation.

“I wish Nigeria will transform into a country where everybody has good accommodation,” said Jakande, who executed one of the most ambitious low-cost housing projects during his tenure as Lagos governor.

He commended the organisers of the Lagos Housing Fair and urged them not to relent in their efforts, as housing still remained a major problem facing Nigerians.

Mr Rufus Akinrolabu, whose company fabricated brick block-making machines, said that the fair would ginger the key players in housing sector to do more.

He stressed that the use of stabilised laterite to produce brick blocks for cheap and affordable houses would aid the fulfilment of housing delivery programmes.

Akinrolabu said that the utilisation of stabilised brick blocks in mass housing programmes by governments and private developers would help in reducing the cost of houses, while forcing down the price of cement.

Reports from Rivers State indicate that in some parts of Port Harcourt a bag of cement is sold for as high as N2,300. In Calabar, Cross River State,  the price of cement which rose in February has remained high,

After rising to a peak of N2,000 a bag in January, it dropped to N1,700 the following month.

But since then, our investigation revealed that the price had hovered between N1, 700 and N1,800 for a bag in some areas of the city.

At 8 Miles, a suburb of the metropolis, a bag of cement is sold for N1, 800 while it goes for N1,750 at Ikot Ushie area.

At the building materials section of Watt Market, the city’s main market, a bag of UNICEM brand goes for between N1, 700 and N1, 750 for those buying large quantities.

Our correspondent also reports that the Dangote and UNICEM brands are the usual products sold by dealers in the city.

A cement dealer at Watt market, Mr Ndubuisi Egbo, said the current price of the product was high but added that it was tolerable when compared to the January rate of N2,000 per bag.|

“I believe the price is alright now because it has continued to slide and the product is available, which is an indication that the price may drop further,’’ he said.

The Tide  recalls that in 2010, a bag of cement was sold for between N1,300 and N1, 400 throughout the year.

Mr Okon Ephraim, a bricklayer, said the price of the commodity had been stable for some months but regretted that the current price was still too high for the average resident.

“With this high price, it will be difficult for a poor man to build his own house,” he said.

Mr Emmanuel Akpan, a building contractor, told newsmen that the price was “ high and unbearable.”

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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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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