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COVID-19: Be Vigilant, Nsirim Tells Hoteliers In Rivers …Says RSG’ll Not Compromise Health Of Citizens
The Rivers State Government has charged hoteliers across the state to be vigilant and not to allow their facilities to be used as hideouts for persons who may have symptoms of the novel Coronavirus, saying it would not compromise the health of her citizens in the course of making money.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, gave the charge during a meeting/training organised by the Rivers State Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 with the Nigerian Hoteliers Association in Port Harcourt, yesterday; attended by officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Nsirim also charged hoteliers and those in the hospitality industry to key into the agenda of the Rivers State Government led by Governor Nyesom Wike, saying they have a critical role to play to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in the state.
He reiterated that the governor has said this is a period of sacrifice even as their businesses are also being affected.
The commissioner further said, “We are in very challenging time. Your businesses will be having some impact. That is why if you listen to all the broadcast made by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, he calls this season a time for sacrifice. We will not compromise the health of our people because we want to make money.
“It is a sacrifice that will soon end and our businesses will return to normal. So, it is necessary that all of you who are in the hospitality industry should key into the agenda of the state government. You will see that His Excellency has shown visionary leadership since the outbreak of COVID-19 in terms of prevention strategies.
“We are the first state to close our borders, close all the ports and airports. We are the first to set up an enlightenment committee. We are also the first state to purchase foodstuffs to alleviate the sufferings of the people at this time. So, His Excellency means well, and for us in the state, we only have two cases of Coronavirus because of the prevention strategies that have been put in place here, and of course, with the help of God Almighty.
“So, we are believing that we won’t record more cases. So, controlling the virus is actually everyone’s business. It is our collective business to ensure that everyone is safe. For you in the hospitality industry, don’t allow your hotels to be used as hideouts for people who may have the symptoms.
“So, for every hotel manager here, if somebody comes into your hotel and you notice some of these symptoms, it is your patriotic duty to ensure that you report such things to the Ministry of Health,” he stated, and thanked the state Chairman of Nigeria Hoteliers Association, Eugene Nwauzi, for his initiative in helping to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the state.
He added, “Let me say that those of you in the hospitality industry have a very critical role to play in the prevention of Coronavirus in the state. A lot of people come to your hotels for one transaction or the other. Maybe, sometimes, to lodge as guests, and in this season, nobody knows who is who; and the kind of health status of individuals that will come to your hotels.
“That is why it is important that you understand how to begin to engage your customers to ensure that they don’t come, and then, spread the virus in your hotels. What we are seeing, for example, in Hotel Presidential now (making reference to the social distancing sitting arrangement) is laudable, and I think that that is what all the hotels in Rivers State should be doing now.”
He urged them to put the handbills distributed to them in their hotel rooms and receptions to enable anyone who comes into the hotels to know the dos and don’ts as regards to personal hygiene and social distancing in this period, and also urged them to pass on the information gathered from the meeting to all those in the industry, saying, “Everyone needs to be part of what we are doing. I pray that God using all of you, we won’t record any incident from the hotel industry in Rivers State.
Dennis Naku
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
