News
Umaru Dikko Dies At 78 …Jonathan, Northern Govs Mourn
A Former Minister of Transportation during the Second Republic, Umaru Dikko, is dead.
He died in the early hours of yesterday in a London Hospital at the age of 78.
Dikko, until his death, was the chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.
He, however, did not function well in the position as a result of his ill health.
Because of this, his deputy, who was also a former Minister of Transportation, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, had been the one briefing journalists anytime the committee sat and decided on any issue.
However, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he received with sadness, news of the death of a prominent politician and elder statesman, Alhaji Umaru Dikko.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President extended commiserations to the family, friends and political associates of the former Minister of Transport during the Second Republic who he said also played a leading role in the National Party of Nigeria which controlled the Federal Government in that dispensation.
Jonathan said he joined them in mourning the renowned political leader who, in spite of advanced age, continued to actively contribute to the nurturing and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria until the end of his life.
The statement read in part: ”President Jonathan firmly believes that Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s significant contributions, especially his life-long advocacy for stronger political parties, greater discipline within political parties and the supremacy of political parties have assured him of a place in the annals of Nigeria’s political development.
“He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s soul and grant him eternal rest.”
Meanwhile, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has described the death of Umaru Diko as a further depletion in the ranks of Northern state leaders.
The forum added that it is time for sober reflection and a time for the region and the nation to remain committed to building leadership inspired by service.
The Chairman of the forum and governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu who spoke on behalf of the forum in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, said the growing number of prominent Nigerians dying only suggests that the younger generation must step into the shoes of departed leaders.
Aliyu said the nation will sorely miss the late Diko especially in the direction of his wealth of experience as a politician which would have been a veritable resource for national discuss now that the country is passing through difficult times.
“This is indeed another sad episode to the already challenging times Nigeria is passing through as a country. The death of Umaru Diko and a few prominent Nigerians in less than two months is a reminder that the present generation of Nigerians must grow up mentally, morally with collective objective towards a common developmental destination within the confines of appropriate leadership tenets.
“The demise of our leaders, should remind us that the place of the youths is now, not tomorrow. The youths of today must therefore show signs of leadership by eschewing violence, steering clear of sentiments and avoid ethno-religious balkanization of the country so that we can grow Nigeria to attain its position in the committee of nations.”
The chairman of the forum, therefore, called on Nigerians to immortalize past leaders by ensuring that the continuous existence of the country is not compromised and the developmental aspiration cardinal adding that that’s all Nigerians owe the dead as the country journey through its turbulent route towards a better and greater nation.
He urged Nigerians to always work within the principles and practice of good service, good moral, and patriotism adding that at the end, people will be remembered based on how they lived.
The forum chairman, therefore, prayed that Allah (SWT) grants the late Umaru Diko Aljannah Firdausi. He also prayed Allah grants his family and the nation the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
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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