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…Performs Ground-breaking For Greater Port Harcourt
As part of activities marking the second Anniversary Celebration of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in office, the governor Saturday performed the ground breaking ceremony for the kick-off of the development of the Greater Port Harcourt City.
Performing the ceremony at the Greater Port Harcourt site, Governor Amaechi said while the Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority was yet to commence its projects in the new city the government has started the development with the building of the new Rivers State University of Science and Technology and the mega hospital christened Justice Karibi-White Specialist Hospital.
The governor who explained that the authority could not start because it has to wait for Due Process said they representing the government as politicians could not wait, but put the land mark because by the end of their tenure, the people would ask them what they have achieved.
He however indicated his happiness with the management of the Greater Port Harcourt Authority for trying to put in place what looks like the Tinapa Business Resort in Calabar in the Greater Port Harcourt City.
The State Chief Executive said there in an indication that foreign partners are already showing interest in the project and expressed the hope that if achieved, the project would not only add to the aesthetic beauty of the new city but would also enhance the economy of the state.
In his remark, the Chairman, Board of the Greater Port Harcourt City, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba said the concept of the new city is of interest not only to Rivers State but beyond because of the potential benefits for better living and investments
Chief Anabraba pointed out that the new city would no doubt create better conditions and environment for living, working and economic development, saying that because what makes the city great and functional to a large extent depends on the state of infrastructure such as roads, water, power, sewage, drains among others saying, the authority since inception has been concentrating on the design of such facilities.
According to the board chairman, the designs have reached advanced stage as he expressed the hope that within a couple of weeks into the new year, the process for the award of contracts and commencement of construction works would begin.
Also speaking, the Sole Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam described the groundbreaking event as a mile stone and evidence of the fact that the present administration is ready to move on.
Dame Aleruchi hinted that the Greater Port Harcourt Authority has commenced the Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA process to ensure that activities at the new city do not impact negatively on the communities whose lands are involved in the development.
The activities marking the second anniversary also involved the governor leading stakeholders in the state on visits to some project sites in Port Harcourt, Obio Akpor and Eleme Local Government Areas.
Projects visited include the Model Health Centre, Church Hill Road, Town Market, the Reconstructed Modern Mile One Market, the new Niger Hospital known as Kelsay Harrison Hospital, Rumuokwuta/Choba Road, Agip Junction flyover along Ikwerre Road, Dental Hospital, Model Primary School and Health Centre, Elekahia, the Model Secondary School, Ebubu-Eleme.
Among those who accompanied tile governor on the visit were traditional rulers, council chairmen, commissioners, members of the state legislature and other politicians.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.
