News
Dep Gov, Others Eulogise Blessing Ahiazu At 70
Rivers State Deputy Governor Professor Mrs Ngozi Odu was among friends and well-wishers who came out to celebrate Professor Blessing Ahiazu as she turned 70.
In what would best be described as a captivating send off for a woman who spent the better part of her life in the academia, colleagues, friends, church members and a host of dignitaries converged at her residence for a warm reception.
Speaking at the event, the deputy governor of Rivers state, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu said the celebrant is a selfless contributor to humanity, and not just the academic environment.
“Having worked closely with her over the years, while she’s celebrating 70 today, I’ll add one and half to that one, yet I call her Sister Bless. She is worthy of emulation and congratulations are in order”, she said.
Laying emphasis on the words of the Deputy Governor, the Vice chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, described Prof. Blessing as a first class academic and dogged fighter, adding that her contributions to the university development would be indelible in the sands of time.
“Being the first professor of Rivers State Library, I am proud of her virtues.
“Having worked for 44 years and served under 6 vice chancellors without query, is commendable” he said.
Eulogising her prowess, other speakers from the university Department of Library Science spoke highly of her readiness and availability to service.
Speaking about the celebration, Prof. Blessing said that the university moulded her into the dynamic woman everyone was celebrating.
She advised those in the system and those who wished to go in to be diligent in carrying out their duties.
“Those still serving should defer gratification and work first, gratification will come later. And those who seek to go in, when they go in, they should focus on the job. Greed is a killer. Quick fix is not the best attitude in life. Slow and steady, they say wins the race. And with the backing of God, they will make it”, she said.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the lunching of her second autobiography titled “Seven Decades of Rainbow Path”
Joining a host of dignitaries and egg heads at the occasion to pay tribute and lunch the book, Professor Emeritus, and former Vice Chancellor of the then Rivers state university of Science and Technology (UniTech), Prof. Simon Achinewhu, said that the realisation that the celebrant had played her part in the Department of Library Science was soul lifting.
He prayed that she would live to see the goodness of God accomplished in her life.
Giving a review of the book, the author said, having worked in the university for over 44 years, the university environment moulded her into the woman she had become. Stating clearly, she said the book is written for her children and grandchildren
”I have sat down to write about myself. The good side and the not-so-good side of the story.
“The challenges and the exploits . So that on that last day, my children will pick it up and extract what they want and add what they will like to add and that becomes the biography of their mother.”
The author further stated that the book would encourage younger ones to learn diligence to be able to succeed in life.
John Bibor
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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