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Rivers Professionals Hail Wike’s Dev Strides
The leadership of Rivers Professionals Forum (RPF) has commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for what they described as his audacious efforts to transform the lives of Rivers people.
They expressed their commendation after inspecting some on-going projects in the state.
The Leader of the forum, Hon. Enemi George, said it was baffling to see Governor Wike developing the state fearlessly in the face of dwindling revenue accruing to the state.
George, who is also the member representing Asari-Toru Constituency Two in the Rivers State House of Assembly, noted that the governor has remarkably achieved the urban renewal programme intended to restore the lost glory of Port Harcourt.
“We have gone to the various sites. We have seen and can measure the extent of work that has been done.
“What we have seen today can best be described as an infrastructural revolution. We saw five iconic flyover bridges going on at the same time. The Rumuogba flyover bridge is the longest of such flyovers in the state.
“This is an audacious effort to transform the lives of Rivers people. What is shocking is that it is happening at a time the revenue from federal allocation to the state is dwindling.
“As professionals in the state, we are non-state actors. We believe that we are part of a system, and we want to see a system that works.
“We are seeing massive projects and real investment in the lives of our people. We are happy with what we have seen. The governor has done very well”, he said.
On his part, Rivers State Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Prince Nyekwere described as awesome the accommodation facility provided by the Rivers State Government on owner-occupier basis for judges.
“With this, they will concentrate on their jobs. This will reduce a lot of pressure on them. Any judge that lives here and is worth his salt will give quality judgment”, he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Okrika Branch, Golden Tamuno, said the projects were people-oriented and would address critical socio-economic challenges.
“The flyover bridges, Mother and Child Hospital, and the Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma Judges’ Quarters are critical projects.
“The very essence of the existence of a city is to have the convenience to move around and retire home in good time. Road network is part of the indices of a civilised society.
“This is taking away pressure from the corporate bodies, private individuals, and from those who do not have vehicles. This is what makes life worth living, and businesses to thrive.
“About the houses built for judges, it will actually encourage the Bench to do their work with rest of mind. With it, they can and should deliver justice on time.
Mrs. Sophia Harry, who is a safety professional, noted the safety standards in all the projects inspected.
She commended the governor for insisting that such provisions be put in place for the overall good of the people.
The Rivers Professionals inspected the Rebisi, GRA Junction, Rumuogba and Okoro-Nu-Odo flyover projects, Mother and Child Hospital, and the Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma Judges’ Quarters.
Other projects inspected include, the urban renewal programme at the Old and New Government Reservation Areas in the state capital.
News
We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has announced a N100 billion annual education support programme aimed at keeping financially vulnerable Nigerian students in school.
Speaking at the launch of the national scholarship scheme in Lagos, yesterday, Dangote said too many brilliant young people were being forced out of classrooms because of poverty.
He described education as the “strongest engine of social mobility” and a critical foundation for national development.
The initiative, funded by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, will run for ten years beginning in 2026, costing over N1 trillion in total.
Dangote said the scheme would support 45,000 scholars each year at inception, expanding to 155,000 beneficiaries annually by its fourth year, and maintaining that level for the rest of the decade.
By 2036, he said, the programme is expected to have reached at least 1,325,000 students.
“We cannot allow financial hardship to silence the dreams of our young people, not when the future of our nation depends on their skills, resilience and leadership,” he added.
A major component of the fund is the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars programme, which will provide annual scholarships for 30,000 undergraduate students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics in public universities and polytechnics.
Each beneficiary will receive tuition support aligned with the fees of their institution and course of study. Dangote said the goal is to expand access to higher education, empower innovation, and give young Nigerians the tools to compete globally.
“STEM drives development. If Nigeria must compete globally, our young minds must have the tools to learn, imagine and innovate,” he said.
