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#OurStateOurResponsibility: Banigo Endorses Campaign
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo has said that the state Ministry of Information and Communications has set the pace for youths and talent development through the #OurStateOurResponsibility Advocacy Campaign.
Banigo said this, yesterday, in Port Harcourt while declaring open a sensitisation programme with the theme: “Wind Of Change” organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications.
“Let me also congratulate the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications for organising #OurStateOurResponsibility from where the intellectual acumen of Sophia Awajibenem E. Oyibo was identified and unveiled. This is a great positive contribution to the development of our youth”, Banigo said.
The deputy governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Women Affairs, Barrister Uche Uriri, also described the event as an encouragement to the girl-child, and her pet project, “Protect The Child Initiative”.
She called on other ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), including the private sector to emulate the ministry, and chart a future for the youth with particular attention to the girl-child.
Banigo also called on youths in the state to take advantage of the huge investment in education by Governor Nyesom Wike to improve themselves academically.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim said that Governor Nyesom Wike has surpassed all his contemporaries interms of delivery of the dividends of democracy and clear performance in infrastructure development.
Nsirim, who spoke during the event, said Wike has changed the infrastructural landscape of Rivers State, makinghim the Number One Governor in the country.
He said it behooves everyone living and doing business in the state to support the governor to build the “Rivers State of our dreams”.
The commissioner said the #OurStateOurResponsibility campaign was conceived to gelvanise the people into understanding that all have a shared responsibility to promote and protect the state, adding that it was gratifying to note that the campaign, which started two years ago,was moving from one level to the other.
According to Nsirim, the ministry believes that the time has come when the virtues of hardwork, honesty, those values that make a nation, should be promoted.
He said the seminar was in line with the desire of the ministry’s Ambassador; Miss Sophia Awajibenem Oyibo to demonstrate that there was a brighter future for Rivers youths.
Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and Rivers State Head of Service,Barrister Rufus Godwins, said Miss Oyibo has proven that irrespective of the school one attended, one can actually develop his or her talents.
Godwins said the state was blazing the trail in infrastructural development, and urged all to key into the laudableNEW Rivers Vision programmes of the administration.
He said the task of changing the narrative of the state was collective one.
Also speaking, the #OurStateOurResponsibility Ambassador, Miss Sophia Awajibenem Oyibo, called on Rivers youths to create value for the society, and also urged them to be role models to others.
She said they must be determined, adding that the growth and development of the state depends on the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.
Oyibo said the seminar was to prove to the world that her emergence as the ministry’s ambassador was on merit, and not through any connection, adding that any of the youths can attain that height too.
The event was attended by representatives of the Rivers State Commissioners for Education and Youth Development and over 20 schools from both the public and private sectors.
By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama
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