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3rd Anniversary: EU Lauds Wike On Projects Delivery
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Ketil Karlson has commended the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for entrenching good governance through the execution of pro-people projects.
Speaking after commissioning Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma House (Former Produce House) in Port Harcourt yesterday, Ambassador Karlson said that infrastructural development is key to the growth of a developing country.
He said: “From the images I have seen on the board, this is a symbol of good governance. It is a sign of the good things that can be done in the country.
“Key infrastructure is necessary for the development of Nigeria. This is an important step in the right direction “.
He said at present, the European Union has 181 Projects in Rivers State. He said that the union will continue to partner with the Rivers State Government to attain development goals.
“We are partnering with the Rivers State Government to enhance development. What is good for the people of Europe is good for the people of Rivers State. We look forward to greater cooperation with the Rivers State Governor”, he said.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike announced the re-naming of the edifice from Produce House to Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma House in honour of the first administrator of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
He said renaming the project is aimed at encouraging upcoming Rivers people to contribute to the development of the state.
The governor said that Late Chief Emmanuel Aguma played a key role in the creation of the state.
He said that two floors have been allocated to the United Nations, while the World Bank and other agencies will operate from the other floor.
Earlier, the Rivers State Head of Service, Mr Ruben Godwins described Governor Wike as a transformational leader who has developed Rivers State.
He said the Chief Emmanuel Aguma House is a product of visionary thinking by the Rivers State Governor . He said that the remodelling of the structure took 11 months.
Meanwhile, officials of Real Madrid Football Club and Confederation of African Football (CAF), yesterday, performed the historic foundation laying ceremony for the Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt, initiated by Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The foundation laying ceremony, which took place at the precincts of Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, attracted the President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick, President of International Sports Press Association, Gianni Merlo, President, International Sports Press Association Africa, Mitchell Obi, International Sports Writers, ex-internationals and top officials of Real Madrid Football Club.
Laying the foundation for the Real Madrid Football Academy, President of CAF, Ahmad Ahmad said the academy is not only for Port Harcourt or Nigeria, but for the entire continent.
He said that the Real Madrid Football Academy would promote international football best practices in the continent as well as raise future stars.
Ahmad noted that the timing of the construction of the academy is a proof that it was ordained by God.
Initiator of the Real Madrid Football Academy and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who spoke at an international press conference during the foundation laying ceremony, said that the academy would help in building a new crop of international stars across the country.
He said that the Real Madrid Football Academy would be open to all kids, but with special preference to Rivers children, whose resources would fund the project.
Wike said: “When we initiated this laudable project, people doubted it, making difference cynical comments. However, today, this project has come to fruition. It will be a solid foundation for our children.
“We are proud to be associated with the best club in the world. Therefore, we will groom the best set of footballers”.
Wike said that the project would be completed in seven months, and commissioned for use by members of the public, adding that children to be admitted into the school would be between eight and 16 years.
“Sports are a catalyst for development. What we are doing is for the interest of everybody. To tell our footballers, we will do everything to support you”, he said.
In his remarks, President of International Sports Press Association, Mr Gianni Merlo said Real Madrid as the best club in the world would develop a new set of stars from the academy in Rivers State.
Merlo said: “This is an important project for the whole world. It will mould international stars, who will shape the game in the future”.
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinick said that with the Real Madrid Football Academy, Nigeria would ensure the emergence of another generation that will keep the nation’s flag flying in the international football circle.
In his remarks, Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Mr Boma Iyaye said that with the establishment of the Real Madrid Football Academy, Wike has shown unprecedented love for soccer.
He said the academy would contain a club house, classrooms, conference centre, training pitches and 1,000-capacity spectator stand, among other facilities.
The General Manager of Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt, Tareh el-Hajj said that the academy was in full swing as the management of Real Madrid, in liaison with the Rivers State Government, has set in motion modalities to ensure it succeeds.
He said coaches and medical staff for the academy would be accredited for the commencement of the process.
Other officials of Real Madrid who graced the occasion include, Manager, Real Madrid Foundation, Africa/Middle East, Inigo Arenillas, and Real Madrid Fund-Raising Officer, Oscar Diaz.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.