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Easter: Wike, Obuah, Others Felicitate With Christians

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, urging them to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the course of development.
In an Easter message, Wike said that Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.
He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter celebration.
Wike assured the good people of Rivers State that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoy good governance.
He said Easter was a period of fresh beginning, forgiveness, love and friendship, and urged the privileged to reach out to the less privileged as everyone works to deepen the culture of true Christianity.
While wishing the people of the state a Happy Easter celebration, Wike assured them of their security before, during and after the celebrations.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah has urged Christians in the state to use the Easter period to pray for the continuous success of the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Obuah, in his special Easter message, said such prayers would go a long way to engender good governance and uplift the well-being of the people.
According to the PDP chairman, “Easter is an opportunity for Rivers people to cultivate a spirit that defines who we are as Christians”, and urged them to make sacrifices through prayer and fasting, adding that the governor needs their prayers for God’s favours and mercies to meet the socio-economic needs of the people.
He described the Easter celebration as a moment of sacrifice when our Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself as a ransom to redeem man from his sins.
Bro. Obuah stressed that the price for Christ’s death for mankind was immeasurable as the Christian faith was anchored on His death and resurrection.
He charged Christians and people of the state to compliment government’s effort by meeting one another’s needs, adding “There is no better time to do this than this period of economic recession”.
”Our governor, as a human being is also faced with challenges associated with governance. We should support him by doing the needful like carrying out our obligations as good citizens. We should not sabotage his efforts by engaging in acts inimical to his administration” said the PDP chairman.
As Bayesla State, the Governor Seriake Dickson called for greater sacrifice, peace, love and unity among Christians all over the world as they celebrate Easter.
Dickson said that these are virtues and qualities that Christ himself displayed and propagated throughout His life time on earth.
In his Easter message, made public by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Bayelsa State governor noted that, the significance and real meaning of the season would be lost, if Christians allow selfish tendencies, hatred and intolerance to influence their lifestyles and general conduct.
He stated that, the country, and indeed, the world will be a more peaceful place, if Christians and adherents of other religions see themselves as one and the same people, irrespective of their religious, political, cultural and ethnic affinities.
Dickson, who also urged leaders at all levels of government to make sacrifice, as well as work in one accord to turn around the economic fortunes of the country, called on all Nigerians to see the current challenges facing the nation as a collective responsibility.
While wishing Christians a happy Easter celebration, he encouraged them to keep faith with the policies and programmes of the restoration administration in the state, stressing that, better days were ahead, while also urging them to pray fervently for the peace, unity and progress of the state and the nation in general.
Similarly, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has called on the people of the state to be united and renew their commitment to moral rejuvenation of the state.
The governor, in his Easter message yesterday in Ilorin, congratulated Christians for a successful completion of lent.
The governor called on Christians to imbibe the lessons of the holy period and allow them reflect on their daily life.
“I urge Christians to remain committed to the service of God and humanity.
“ You should be determined to show affection, care and sympathy to all and sundry as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
“As you came out pure and simple from this spiritual rejuvenation, you are expected to live an exemplary life of Jesus Christ,” the governor said.
Ahmed also called on the people of the state to pray for the success of the current administration in its determination to restore dignity and honour to the country.
He reiterated the determination of his administration to continue to serve the people of the state and fulfill his electoral promises.
Also, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has urged Nigerians to allow love for the country reign supreme in their lives.
He said Nigerians must ignore those creating divisions and disunity in the country, stressing that “forces of division have nothing to offer other than chaos and negativity.”
The governor, in his Easter message in Sokoto, Saturday, by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Imam Imam, also said that ”love for the country means loving the people of the country without distinction.
“Only by loving our country can we attain lofty heights in development, growth and prosperity.”
While rejoicing with Nigerians, especially of Christian faith for witnessing this year’s easter, Tambuwal urged them to promote peace and harmony at all times.
He pledged to continue promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, and urged the people not to relent in prayers and support for government.
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Ibas Inaugurates RSIEC, Service Commissions, Healthcare Board In Rivers …Charges Appointees To Embrace Principles Of Service

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has charged newly appointed Board members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, competence, integrity, and unwavering dedication in their service to the State.
He emphasized that such commitment is critical to stabilizing governance, restoring democratic institutions, and advancing the principles of good governance in the State.
This was contained in a statement by the Administrator’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo on Monday.
Ibas issued the charge on Monday while inaugurating the reconstituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Administrator urged the new appointees to embrace their roles with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to transforming Rivers State through excellent service.
Addressing the Chairman and members of RSIEC, Ibas underscored their pivotal role in ensuring credible local government elections that reflect the will of the people.
“Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level. You must resist bias, favoritism, and external interference while restoring public confidence in the electoral process,” he stated.
“The independence of your actions is crucial to sustaining peace, stability, and grassroots governance. I urge you to act with fairness, impartiality, and professionalism—even in the face of difficult choices,” Ibas added.
The Sole Administrator also charged the Rivers State Civil Service Commission on the need to eliminate mediocrity and foster a culture of excellence through merit-based recruitment, training, and promotions.
“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability. Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardized practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.
He disclosed that extensive training programmes are underway, with a committee set up to overhaul the public service framework for greater efficiency.
Meanwhile, Ibas urged the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission to ensure professionalism and discipline in local government administration.
“As the closest tier of government to the people, you must drive reforms that insulate the system from politics and mediocrity. Your mandate includes merit-based recruitment, training, and enforcing standards for effective service delivery,” he stated.
In the same vein, the Administrator charged the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board with revitalizing healthcare delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.
“Primary healthcare is the foundation of a sustainable health system. Your board must ensure facilities are adequately staffed, equipped, and operational focusing on maternal health, immunization, malaria control, and community health services,” he said.
He emphasized data-driven operations, incentives for rural health workers, and restoring the referral system to improve healthcare access.
He also assured the Board of sustained government support, including funding, for the effective discharge of their mandates but warned that board members would be held accountable for their performance.
The newly inaugurated members include: RSIEC: Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman) with Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Joyce Akaninwor, and others as members.
Civil Service Commission: Dr. Livinus Bariki (Chairman), Amb. Lot Egopija, Mrs. Maeve Bestman, and others.
Local Govt. Service Commission: Mr. Isreal Amadi (Chairman), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), Dr. Tonye Pepple, and others.
Primary Health Care Board: Dr. Dawari George (Chairman), Dr. Chituru Adiele (Executive Director), Prof. Kaladada Korubo, and representatives from key ministries.
News
Rivers PDP Debunks Sale Of LGA Election Forms

The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Dr. Kenneth Yowika, has debunked claims that the party has commenced sale of forms for chairmanship and councillorship elections across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Yowika made the rebuttal in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, describing the publication on the social media as baseless and untrue.
He urged members of the PDP to disregard the claim, saying that official communication regarding the sale of forms would be disclosed through the appropriate channels.
“With reference to information trending on social media, it has been falsely claimed that the sale of forms for Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State will begin soon.
“However, the party has firmly denied these rumours, stating that they are baseless and untrue.
“The party has its own established methods of reaching out to its numerous supporters.
“The People’s Democratic Party, a law-abiding organisation, will patiently await the release of guidelines from the recently inaugurated Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) before considering any sale of election forms.
“The PDP is urging its members to remain calm as official communication regarding the sale of forms will be disclosed through appropriate channels,” the statement read.
Enoch Epelle
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South-South contributes N34trn to Nigeria’s economy in 2024 – Institute
Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has stated that the South-South region contributes N34 trillion to country’s economy in 2024.
He made the remark at the South-South Zonal Banking and Finance Conference in Calabar, yesterday.
He spoke on the theme, ‘’Building An Inclusive South-South: Economic Diversification as a Catalyst For Development.’’
Olanrewaju, who quoted the data from the Cable Data Index, said the feat was more than 21 per cent of Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The president described the growth as ‘’ impressive,’’ saying that it was not driven by oil alone but significant expansions in trade, services, and the creative industries.
According to him, to fully harness this potential, coordinated financial, technological, and policy support is essential.
“As we work to reposition the South-South for broad-based prosperity, the financial system must play a central role, not merely as a source of capital, but as a catalyst for innovation, ideas incubation, and inclusive economic growth.
“This conference, therefore, provides a strategic opportunity for stakeholders to reimagine the South-South economy, not merely as a resource belt, but as a region of diverse capabilities and resilient enterprises.”
Olanrewaju added that Nigeria must move beyond old models and chart a new course for the development of the South-South region, where financial institutions and stakeholder collaborate to diversify the economy for shared prosperity.
He, however, commended Gov. Bassey Otu for his pledge of land for CIBN Secretariat in Cross River and being the first sitting governor to willingly undergo and complete the Chartered Bankers Programme.
On his part, Gov. Otu said that the conference discussion on the economic diversification in South-South region was timely against the backdrop of global trade and economic volatility that was affecting the nation’s economy.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Peter Odey, Otu said the South-South region must now act with urgency to diversify its economy while leveraging its shared natural endowment in agriculture and extractive resources.
“This conference must help develop tailored financial solutions that reflect the unique strengths and realities of states like Cross River in the south-south.
“Diversification should be evidence-based and must be backed not just by financial advice but project focused financing and real investment support,” he noted.
He said that Cross River had taken the bold step to invest in its agricultural sector by launching an Agro processing hub.
Otu further said that the state had invested in aviation by acquiring more aircrafts for Cally Air, construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport and injecting N18 billion in its tourism sector.
Similarly, Mr Tolefe Jibunoh, Cross River Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said that the region was blessed with natural resources, cultural diversities and immense human potentials.
Jibunoh, who was represented by Mr Segun Shittu, Head, Currency Control Office, CBN, Calabar, noted that strategic diversification could unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth in the region.
He added that the CBN remained steadfast to maintain monetary possibilities and promote a sound financial system as a catalyst for sustainable economic development for the benefit of all.
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