News

Governors, Lawmakers, Traditional Rulers Honour Governor Wike

Published

6 years ago

December 7, 2019

State Governors, Serving and former Federal Lawmakers, Council Administrators, Traditional Rulers and Religious Leaders joined thousands of Ikwerre people on Saturday to celebrate Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in a Grand Civic Reception organised by the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide to recognise the outstanding contributions of the Rivers State Governor to the national development process.

Chairman of Ikwerre Government Recognised Traditional Rulers, Eze Oha Apara Kingdom, Eze Worlu Wodo announced the conferment of the title: “Dike Oha Ikwerre “, covering the entire Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality.

Roughly translated, “Dike Oha Ikwerre” means Hero/Pillar of Ikwerre People.

He said that the title is in recognition of the outstanding contributions of Governor Wike to the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality and the rest of Rivers State and Nigeria.

One after the other, Leaders from all walks of life sang the praises of Governor Wike, a leader that has distinguished himself in the service to humanity since 1999.

They spoke at the Civic Reception in honour of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike by the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide at the Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Port Harcourt on Saturday .

Present at the event were: Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri,Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal and Taraba State Governor, Dairus Ishaku .

Also present were: Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, Former Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose , PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Chibodum Nwuche and Senator Dino Melaye.

Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili said Governor Wike has surpassed the achievements of all his predecessors..

He urged the Rivers State Governor to remain focused on God and Rivers people as he will continue to deliver .

He said: “Hold onto God and Rivers people. Keep your focus on the good people of Rivers State. Use your position to unite the people of Rivers State. “

President-General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization Worldwide, Prof Emenike Wami said the organisation is honouring a worthy and deserving leader.

He said: “He is a man with a heart of service for his people. He has distinguished himself as a performer. “

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara said Governor Wike has been honoured because his people trust his ability to lead.

He said: “He is a trustworthy leader. He is a leader whose words you can take to the bank. Appreciation is an application for more. This is a great honour. By this honour, Ikwerre people are applying for more.”

Senate Minority Whip, Senator Philip Aduba said that the outstanding performance of Governor Wike is appreciated by the members of the PDP Caucus of the Senate.

Former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi said that the achievements of Governor Wike are glaring for all to see.

“Everyone is seeing his achievements. We can only urge you to continue to deliver”, he said.

He said that Governor Wike’s leadership transcends Rivers State as he supports the PDP nationally.

PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus commended Governor Wike for his commitment to state-wide development. He said that Rivers people are happy with the quality of Wike’s leadership.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Opara said this is one way, Ikwerre people are showing that they are happy with Governor Wike for making Ikwerre ethnic Nationality proud.

He informed that Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality with four Local Government Areas, has over 50 percent population of the state and a major voting strength.

He said: “What Rivers State is to Nigeria is what Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality is to Rivers State.”

Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN) said that Governor Wike was recognised at this time because he has performed exceptionally well.

He urged the Rivers State Governor to keep up the good works as the Ikwerre people and other leaders will continue to recognise him.

In her address, Annkio Briggs said that the Rivers State Governor will continue to emerge victorious because Governor Wike works for the people.

Deputy Leader of Non-Indigenes in Rivers State, Obong Godwin said that Governor Wike has provided an inclusive leadership for Rivers people. He said that the non-indigenes have benefited from the outstanding leadership of Governor Wike.

Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja said since 2015, Governor Wike has done well for Rivers people. He called on the ancestors to continue to bless Governor Wike as he continues to deliver for Rivers people. They assured him of their support.

Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Monday Obolo said that the speakers of State Assemblies are appreciative of Governor Wike’s efforts at development.

Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike thanked the leadership of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality for the honour.

“I accepted this honour because when I look back from where we are coming from, I am a proud Ikwerre man. I am a Rivers man, but I am come from the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality”, he said.

Governor Wike declared that all Ethnic Nationalities must work together to ensure the emergence of a Rivers Governor that will carry the entire state along.

“We will continue the legacy of Odili. Anyone with the interest of Rivers State will be supported. Wherever you are from, you must show that you are a Rivers man.

“We must work with all Ethnic Nationalities to move Rivers State forward”, he said.

He urged Ikwerre people not to be intimidated, saying that there can be no political position without the Ikwerre people playing prominent roles.

He noted that Rivers State remains one United state, where all ethnic groups are important.

He said: “Rivers State is one. Nobody can divide Rivers State. No outsider can be Governor of Rivers State. Let us not allow anyone to divide us.

“If you must be a Governor of Rivers State, you must carry Everyone along. No Ethnic Group can do it alone. Once you say it is your turn, it will not work. When you say it is your turn, you have started failing.”

Governor Wike took out time to recognize Rivers and Non Rivers people who have worked over the years to ensure his political growth. He praised Former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, Chief Sergeant Awuse, Prince Uche Secondus, Senator Sandy Onoh, Chief Dan Orbih and Alhaji Imam for their contributions.

He said contrary to the claims by some persons, he committed to state-wide development of Rivers State as depicted by his projects.

Governor Wike heightened the celebration as he personally led Ikwerre people on a medley of Traditional Ikwerre songs during the grand Civic Reception.

Traditional Dances and wrestlers also entertained guests at the event.

Ikwerre born musician, Duncan Mighty also performed at the event.

News

Lagos NIPR elects new executives

Reporter: Sandra Ani

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2025

grassroots

Members of the newly elected executive of Lagos State Chapter NIPR

… GFD Executive Director emerges chapter Vice Chairperson*

The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has elected a new executive council at the close of its flagship Lagos PR Fest 2025, reinforcing its commitment to professionalism, innovation, and societal impact.

In elections supervised by NIPR Registrar, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, Samuel Ayetutu emerged as Chairman, while Eniola Mayowa was elected Vice Chairman in a closely contested race.

Other members of the executive include Secretary Samuel Adeyemi, Assistant Secretary Rita Ali-Nock, Public Relations Officer Ogochukwu Okeke, Financial Secretary Bassey Nta, Treasurer Olabamiji Adeleye, Welfare Officer Funmilola Akintola, and Ex-Officio Provost Marshal Quadri Adeleke.

In his acceptance remarks, Ayetutu pledged to drive professional standards, promote inclusiveness, and foster collaboration among members to enhance the chapter’s influence locally and nationally.

This year’s PR Fest, themed “Urban Farming for Food Security: The Role of Communication”, convened communication professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for tackling food security through effective public engagement.

Over the years, the Lagos PR Fest has evolved into a leading platform for advancing the role of public relations in societal development, with the 2025 edition underscoring the Institute’s mission to position communication as a driver of sustainable development in Nigeria.

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Nigeria dismantles terror groups, Ansaru and Mahmuda, with the capture of their leaders

BY Sandra Ani

Published

3 days ago

August 16, 2025

grassroots

Mahmud al-Nigeri and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan

Nigeria has recorded a significant breakthrough in the war against terrorism with the capture of the leaders of Ansaru and Mahmuda.

At a press briefing on Saturday evening, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said the two terrorists on the wanted list of Nigeria, the US, UK and UN were captured in an operation which was conducted between May and July 2025.

He said the men were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation which led to their capture. They are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Ribadu said the two men have been responsible for masterminding many terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years.

According to Ribadu:

“The first is Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU. He is the coordinator of various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria. He is also the mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism over the years.

“The second is Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy.

He is the leader of the so-called “Mahmudawa” cell hiding out in and around the Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States up to Benin Republic. Mamuda trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and IED fabrication.

“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. They jointly spearheaded multiple attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure. Their operations include the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on the Niger uranium facility, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the May 1, 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura). They were also behind the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and they maintain active links with terrorist groups across the Maghreb, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

“The two men, who are wanted internationally, are currently in custody.

“The capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda, the group’s leader and deputy commander, respectively, marks one of the most significant achievements to date in our ongoing effort to rid Nigeria of the threat of terrorism. The successful decapitation of the leadership of this dangerous franchise marks the most decisive blow against ANSARU since its inception. This strike has effectively dismantled its central command while paving the path for the complete annihilation of the group”, Ribadu said.

The Ansaru group was first formed in January 2012 with a public declaration in Kano. It emerged as a splinter faction from Boko Haram, positioning itself as a “humane alternative.” However, its stated aim quickly turned to attacking Nigerian security operatives, civilian communities and government infrastructure. The group publicly displayed the setting sun logo of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signalling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements.

“Over the years, Ansaru entrenched itself in both urban sleeper cells and forest enclaves across several cities in northern Nigeria and in forest-based enclaves, particularly around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States, as well as the Benin Republic”, Ribadu explained.

News

France Urged to Address Colonial Legacy as Senegalese Activists Call for Reparations in Dakar Roundtable

Reporter: Sandra Ani

Published

3 weeks ago

July 31, 2025

grassroots

France Urged to Address Colonial Legacy in Senegal

Babacar Dioh, representative of the Thiaroye 44 Movement, speaks during the Dakar roundtable on reparations. The movement brings together descendants of Senegalese tirailleurs and advocates for historical justice.

France’s colonial legacy came under renewed scrutiny as journalists, historians, and pan-African activists gathered at African Memorial Square in Dakar for a powerful roundtable advocating reparations and economic justice.

The event highlighted growing demands for France to take full responsibility for its historical role in Senegal and across West Africa.

France Urged to Address Colonial Legacy - Senegal — Attribution: Babacar Dioh, representative of the Thiaroye 44 Movement – a coalition advocating reparations and justice for descendants of colonial-era African soldiers.

Organized by advocacy groups including the Association of Descendants of Senegalese Soldiers, the Front for the Withdrawal of French Military Bases (GASSI), and JIF’AFRIK, the roundtable brought together influential voices pushing for reparatory justice and structural transformation.

Among the key speakers were Babacar Dioh of the Thiaroye 44 Movement—a coalition of descendants of Senegalese tirailleurs—and Souleymane Jules Diallo, leader of JIF’AFRIK. Discussions centered on two central demands: official reparations for colonial-era injustices and the urgent renegotiation of trade and military agreements that activists say perpetuate economic dependence.

“The time for symbolic gestures is over,” said Dioh. “We are now filing an official reparations claim and taking concrete steps to hold France accountable.”

Speakers called for the dismantling of existing neocolonial frameworks, stressing the ecological, financial, and social harm that has endured beyond the colonial period. The roundtable marks a turning point in Dakar’s positioning as a hub for coordinated African-led advocacy aimed at restoring historical justice.

This event adds momentum to a growing continental movement seeking tangible reparative action from former colonial powers and reinforces the call for equity, autonomy, and acknowledgment of historical truths.