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‘#OurStateOurResponsibility’ …Pomp, Pageantry As Rivers Non-Indigenes Hail Wike, Nsirim
It was an occasion of pomp and pageantry as the highly influential convivial assembly, Non- Indigenes Without Borders, in Rivers State, recently received the pragmatic advocacy missive from the Ministry of Information and Communications,’ “Our State Our Responsibility”, seeking to keep them abreast of the developmental ethos of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, emerging from his state media tour on the same Rivers development reality, told the elated motley crowd that Wike’s second tenure is a paradigm shift from the perceived tradition of lack!ustre leadership to a proactive all-inclusive administration.
Nsirim assured the non-indigenes that as variegated and congruous as the State is, so is their union and that following a proactive government, Wike was determined to appease everybody. Rather than shirk his responsibilities in governance that earned him national and international recognition, Nsirim said Wike would execute more people oriented projects as already manifested in the commissioning of high profile projects coming up in his second tenure’s first 100 days in office.
Latching on the campaign theme, “Our State Our Responsibility,” the permanent secretary, who is also the state chairman of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) commended the non indigenes made up of notable tribes in Nigeria for their level of decency and disciplined lifestyle in Rivers State.
He expressed confidence that non-indigenes under their umbrella would, no doubt, continue to abide by the laws of the State and advised the group to take the new law against street trading, illegal markets and motor parks seriously and inform their members as Governor Wike was passionate about restoring the garden city status of Port Harcourt.
Acknowledging their high sense of integrity, the Rivers State NIPR boss admonished members of the group to shun undue yellow press that lack content but merely figment of imagination of mischief makers strictly aimed at demarketing Rivers State. He therefore called for unflinching support to Wike’s administration to conquer this army whose stuck in trade is character assassination.
He said the novel initiative of the Ministry of Information and Communications, “Our State Our Responsibility, was choreographed to change the negative narratives of brutish existence, danger and under development from detractors to the new vision positives of infrastructural development, sound economy and security which the Wike administration had been identified with. Nsirim noted that the state was blessed and remained the economic life-wire of the country despite frustrating moves to destroy its economy and relevance by detractors, regretting that the state sea ports had been deliberately rendered comatose.
Nevertheless, he said God had endowered the state with economic resources that attract the cream of professionals all over the world, giving credence to the new Turkish Airline which otherwise would not be possible in a state of anomie or crisis.
That informs the reason why many of the non-indigenes are successfully plying their trade and succeeding in their businesses without molestation, he stated, while commending them for their contributions in developing the state.
Besides the benefits of hydrocarbon, oil and gas, Nsirim further said God blessed Rivers State with a visionary and altruistic leader with the intention to positively transform the state to the advantage of indigenes and non-Indigenes. He took special interest on the massive support from non-Indigenes to the Governor during the general elections which he noted was not surprising to him considering their long-existing partnership in Wike-Ied administration.
Responding on behalf of Non-Indigenes Without Borders, the Deputy National Leader. Hon. Obong Inyang said the relationship between the government of Nyesom Wike and non-indigenes was at its highest echelon and members of the group were better with Wike’s administration than in their home states. Inyang who doubles as leader, Aqua-Cross community of the group, represented the National leader, Hon. Emeka Onowu. He said the non-indigenes were
ready to sacrifice for the sake of Governor Wike just as they stood by him during the general elections without travelling to their villages.
Corroborating Inyang, the National Woman leader, Hon. (Mrs) Eunice Alfred Obire, expressed joy over the visit by the Permanent
Secretary and Directors of the Ministry, saying it was strange that after election government thought it necessary to visit the people, an
attitude she said was comforting. She congratulated Wike for excellence in governance in all sectors and for improving the lots of non indigenes. But for Governor Wike, Obire said many non
indigenes could not have held positions in government or travelled abroad for pilgrimage or business.
Ditto for representative of Edo-Delta Community, Ambassador Henry Iyoha, whose joy knew no bounds when he considered Wike as the best administration so far in the state even as he promised that the group would transmit the Permanent Secretary’s campaign to the grassroots and disabuse the minds of the people from the lies of disgruntled elements. He recounted the governor’s goodwill and the promises fulfilled just as be hailed Wike for granting them their Certificate of Occupancy (C.of Os). Iyoha said the non indigenes were ready to confront the fifth columnists in all ramifications.
Hon. Macy Onyeuka represents the Ibo community in the group. For him, the voices of the most populated non indigenous tribe in Rivers-the Ibos, are behind Governor Nyesom Wike who he commended for disarming the opposition that believed he (Wike) would dump them after election. Onyeuka said, instead, Governor Wike disappointed his critics and ensured the non indigenes never regretted identifying with him. He blamed Wikes antagonists who out of ignorance refused to learn that there are multiple benefits for the state from a visionary leader who is a development protagonist.
Onyeuka’s view was shared by Alhaji Ibrahim Mesundu, representing the Hausa Community. He posited that the Hausa Community was in total support of Governor Wike’s administration as well as the Ministry of Information and Communications campaign, “Our State Our Responsibility”. Mesundu regrets that despite visible efforts of government to transform the state positively some people are bent on sabotaging the peoples collective progress. He called on the authorities to arrest and prosecute such persons irrespective of their tribe.
The Yoruba community was not different, their representative, Alhaji Rojas Durojaiye, noted categorically that Yorubas were law abiding. He did not mince words when he said that the Yoruba community in Rivers State were determined to continue with Governor Wike because they have been taken care of variously.
In the same vein, the Bayelsa Community was not left out.
Their representative, Hon. Francis Jacobs commended the Governor for the peaceful co-existence between Rivers and Bayelsa States. He agreed with the position of other representatives but added that he had been a beneficiary of the largesse by means of occupying certain positions in service of the people.
But for time factor, the Non-Indigenes Without Borders said they were set for the campaign for Wike’s administration not minding the rain that compelled some of them to seek shelter with umbrellas.
It would be recalled that the Permanent Secretary and his Directors from Ministry of Information and Communications had recently traversed the state on the campaign “Our State Our
Responsibility,” to counter the barrage of misinformation meted out by enemies of the state who are determined to ensure the failure of Governor Wike’s administration.
After the media tour, they are engaging other stakeholders even as they are ready to launch out of the state for the campaign.
The team is currently parleying with the Legislators, Judiciary, CEOs, Business Organisations, Local Governments, the Clergy, Civil
Societies, Youth Bodies, Traditional Rulers etc.
The Federal Government has honoured 12 teachers from across the country with national awards, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the education sector through improved welfare, incentives, and professional development for teachers.
The awards were presented yesterday at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026, held in Abuja, where the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated that the government would sustain reforms aimed at empowering teachers and restoring dignity to the profession.
Alausa explained that the selection process was transparent and merit-based, with three teachers nominated from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory at both the basic and senior secondary school levels.
From the pool of nominees, 12 teachers; six from basic education and six from senior secondary education, emerged as national award recipients.
Each of the 12 awardees received a cheque of N25m.
The Overall Best Teacher of the Year, Solanke Taiwo from the South-West category, received an additional N25m, bringing his total prize to N50m.
In addition to the cash prize, Taiwo is to receive a brand new car from the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, as well as a fully furnished two-bedroom flat from the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Also, the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, pledged to give each of the award winners an additional N5 million.
The minister described the awardees as exemplifying professionalism, integrity, innovation and dedication to learners, noting that they represent the best of the teaching profession in the country.
“This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking at the summit themed ‘Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability,’ the minister said the recognition of the teachers reflected the FG’s broader education reform agenda under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Teachers are the foundation of education, and education is the foundation of national development. No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers.
“No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected,” Alausa said.
He pledged that the government would continue to invest in teachers through structured training, improved career pathways and fair rewards, noting that education remained central to national development.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, he said, “sustainable development, economic growth, innovation, and social cohesion depend on a strong and responsive education system and that system depends on teachers.”
As part of this commitment, the minister announced the launch of EduRevamp, a nationally coordinated Continuous Professional Development programme designed to modernise teacher training and improve classroom outcomes.
While the programme is open to teachers in both public and private schools, Alausa said performance-based incentives would be reserved for public school teachers who complete certified training.
“Professional growth must never be restricted. Every teacher deserves access to quality training, modern tools, and updated skills,” he said, adding that incentives would be tied to measurable performance.
He also highlighted complementary initiatives, including the Ignite digital platform to reduce teacher workload, the Diaspora Bridge programme to strengthen STEMM education, and the provision of 60,000 tablets for teachers with zero-data access to approved training platforms.
The minister further announced reforms to the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria’s digital platform, the expansion of Communities of Practice, and progress on the Accelerated Teacher Training Programme aimed at fast-tracking professionalisation for in-service teachers.
To provide long-term stability, he said the government had introduced a National Teacher Policy to guide teacher development, welfare and professional standards nationwide.
Addressing the award recipients and other educators at the summit, Alausa described the government’s message as “professional growth, dignity in service, and renewed hope,” urging stakeholders to focus on tangible outcomes in classrooms across the country.
In her welcoming remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, underscored the central role of teachers in Nigeria’s education reform agenda.
Ahmad said the gathering was both timely and strategic, noting that the quality of any education system is inseparable from the quality, motivation and empowerment of its teachers.
She explained that the theme aligns directly with Nigeria’s current education priorities.
According to her, investing in teachers is the bedrock of sustainable reform and national development.
“Empowering teachers is not an isolated intervention; it is the foundation upon which sustainable education reform is built.
“When teachers are supported, trained, motivated, and valued, the entire system is strengthened, learning outcomes improved, equity expands, and national development is accelerated,” she said.
Describing the summit as a strategic national platform, Ahmad said it was designed to unite key stakeholders to address challenges in the education sector and advance practical reforms.
She noted that the forum brings together teachers, policymakers, education leaders, regulators, unions, development partners and private sector actors to strengthen teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.
In his goodwill message, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Audi Amba, described the summit as a historic milestone in the recognition of teachers’ roles in national development.
Nigeria’s education sector has continued to grapple with longstanding challenges, particularly around teacher welfare, access to regular professional development, classroom capacity and infrastructure.
These issues have raised concerns among stakeholders about the quality of teaching and learning in many public schools. At the same time, industrial actions by education unions in recent years have further highlighted the pressures facing educators nationwide.
The Rivers State Government has declared that it draws its confidence from the assurance that God is more than sufficient to guide its leaders, strengthen its institutions, and sustain its communities in peace and progress.
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?Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, made this declaration during the 2026 Holy Ghost Rally organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, on Sunday.
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?Speaking through his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the governor stated that “with the Almighty God on our side, our challenges are surmountable and our future remains hopeful,” noting that the theme of this year’s rally, “The All-Sufficient God,” is both timely and reassuring.
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This was contained in a statement from the office of the Deputy Governor, signed by the Head of Press, ?Owupele Benebo.
?According to Fubara, the theme serves as a powerful reminder that in a world filled with uncertainty, God remains our unfailing source, sufficient in wisdom, strength, provision, and grace.
He stressed that when human ability reaches its limit, God’s sufficiency prevails.
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?The governor commended the Redeemed Christian Church of God for its consistent spiritual impact and unwavering prayers for Rivers State and the nation, expressing appreciation for the Church’s contributions to promoting moral values, unity, and faith in God.
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?In his sermon, drawn from Genesis 17:1, the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, described the Almighty God, whose name is above every other name, as all-sufficient and capable of meeting every human need.
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?He noted that the God who created all things also has the power to repair and restore them.
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?Adeboye explained that while human effort, including medical intervention, may reach its limits, there comes a point where only God steps in to turn situations around, bringing hope where none seemed possible.
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?In his address, the Pastor in charge of the Rivers Family of the RCCG, Pastor Adesoji Oni, stated that the Port Harcourt Holy Ghost Rally, which began in 2015 and has now become an annual event, has been a tremendous blessing to the people of the State.
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Adesoji noted that the rally has drawn thousands of souls to God while impacting lives spiritually and physically.
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?He further disclosed that the Church has gone beyond preaching the gospel to actively engage in impactful initiatives through its Christian Social Responsibility programmes.
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?These include skills acquisition centres, maternity centres across the State, a rehabilitation centre for persons battling substance abuse, and an Innovative Mind Hub.
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