News
NUJ Cautions Govt On Insecurity …Horsfall Warns Youth Against Violence
Worried by the growing spate of insecurity in the country, the National President of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Mohammed Garba has urged governments at all levels to be proactive in the fight against kidnapping and general insecurity in the land.
The president gave the charge Wednesday during the ground breaking ceremony of the new secretariat building of the Rivers State Council of the NUJ at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
The president decried the kidnapping of broadcaster and on-air personality, Anthony Akatakpo, alias Akas Baba.
Garuba, who lamented the increasing threat to the lives of journalists in the course of carrying out their duties, said the foremost responsibility of government was to protect the lives of the citizens, a task he said, should not be compromised.
The NUJ president also commended the developmental strides of the Rivers State Government, especially in the construction of brand new state-of-the-art secretariat complex for the NUJ in Rivers State.
In his remarks, the National President of Radio Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU), Dr Abel Gbamgbose, lauded the information and communications management policy of Rivers State Government, noting that Rivers State was the first to host the State Council on Information in Nigeria.
The RATTAWU boss also urged the Rivers State Government to upgrade the facilities of the state-owned media for better service delivery..
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari had stated that the gesture of the government to build a secretariat for the NUJ was in recognition of the role of journalists in the development of the society.
Meanwhile, a former Director of the State Security Service (SSS), Chief Albert K. Horsfall has cautioned the youth in Rivers State against being used by politicians to destabilize their communities during the forth-coming general elections.
Horsfall said at a peace and security conference organized by his foundation and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, that rather than taking guns from politicians to kill their people, the youth should ask for education and jobs from politicians.
He warned that Rivers State must never be allowed to descend to the pre-2007 period when anarchy was let loose in the state.
Horsfall, who attributed some of the crisis in the state to the refusal of people to tell the truth, said the time has come for Rivers people to stand up to challenge those who threaten the peace and stability of the state, stressing that having suffered so much in the past, the state deserves peace and tranquillity..
Horsfall said that the conference was necessitated by the need to avoid a breakdown of law and order during the forth-coming elections.
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Chukwudi D. Orike described the conference as timely in view of the present volatile nature of the state and the country.
While attributing the causes of violence to bad governance, injustice and inequality, he lamented the criminalization of politics, and stated that the lost glory of Rivers State as a peaceful state can be restored, if deliberate efforts are made to restore peace.
According to him, this can be achieved, if volunteers from the 23 local government areas work together with the A.K Horsfall Foundation to expel the forces of evil.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Mr Opaka Dokubo said that the conference has provided the platform for stakeholders to talk on the peace and security of the state.
Dokubo also commended the A.K Horsfall Foundation for the support, noting that for a long time, journalists across the state have been yearning for support to advance the cause of peace in the state.
Taneh Beemene
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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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