News

Nyesom Wike: Celebrating A Trail Blazer

Published

5 years ago

December 13, 2020

“The leader sets an example. Whether in the army or in civilian life; the other people in the organization take their cue from the leader not from what the leader says, but what the leader does.” – Collin Powell

Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has no doubt become one of the most admired and referenced political figure in the country today.
His charismatic mien and outspoken advocacy in the face of perceived marginalization and criticism of even some activities in his own political party, have positioned him as a true champion of the people.
Fearless, courageous, pragmatic, articulate and very conscious of his rights and constitutional authority in every situation and circumstance, he has emerged over the years, as a modern leader whose all round capacity and dynamism has astounded many.
His tactical audacity has often flummoxed adversaries, his strategic acumen has wrong-footed opponents. He always seems to anticipate measures and counter measures before they unfold and his administrative astuteness has set him apart as a visionary leader whose navigational compass has already configured futuristic challenges.
Today, he has put in motion, a developmental blueprint that is pointing Rivers State in the right direction and positioning her to embrace the future with assured preparedness.
There is a saying that nothing good comes easy and the journey of life is not for the feeble-minded. It takes only men and women of great determination to reach and attain their goals and this succinctly defines Nyesom Wike’s academic and political accomplishments. Five years into his tenure, the urban renewal programme in the capital city and indeed the interconnectivity across the length and breadth of the State is progressing amazingly.
In addition, the brilliant economic module of strategically concessioning major government-owned assets to willing and capable private investors, which had already started with the Afam Cassava processing plant, is a critical futuristic component that is already on stream and will create massive jobs for the youths and unemployed.
By a combination of unshakable commitment and an unwavering visionary drive to ensure the delivery of excellent legacy projects, the infrastructural development of Rivers State is inclusively holistic.
Contrary to the notions and misleading opinions of critics, who have not traversed the State to actually see things for themselves, a transformational and aesthetic metamorphosis is actually taking place all over Rivers State, which will unravel fully with time.
Governor Wike has already confirmed that his administration will not leave any abandoned project when his tenure comes to an end in 2023.
In the political arena, Governor Wike has also transformed Rivers State into the political headquarters of the South South geo-political zone. Port Harcourt, the capital city hosted two very successful Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Congresses and has been the home for the reconciliation of many internal party conflicts.
He has also contained the opposition with deft and political brinkmanship and the way he has astutely supervised the affairs of the PDP has ensured that all the elections and Congresses in the state have been smooth, peaceful and rancour free.
There is definitely no contesting the fact that Governor Wike is a trail blazer who is building for the future and actually leading from the front. He is a promise keeper and he has kept his promises, worked hard and achieved so much more with far less resources, while providing first-class socio-economic infrastructure.
He has also kept the State and businesses safe and secure, despite the unexpected outbreak of Covid-19 and the contrived attempts to frustrate and create diversionary situations, both by internal and external forces.
His administration has remained firm and focused on this progressive trajectory, with a constant pledge to recommit to work harder and deliver greater development to Rivers people.
Like Governor Wike himself said in his inaugural second term address to Rivers people on May 29, 2020: “We know it is not going to be easy given the very poor state of the national economy and the spinoff effects on ours. But, tough times like this call for unity of thought, unity of purpose and unity of actions; believing in ourselves and in our ability to overcome all the challenges that confront us as a State and as a people.”
Indeed, the story of Nyesom Wike, is the unfolding narrative of a man who, in the last half a century and counting, has not only become one of the iconic living legends of Rivers State, but is today, the Dike Ohna Ikwerre, a title reserved only for heroes, warriors and patriots of the great Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality.
Governor Nyesom Wike is a devout Christian and is happily married to Her Excellency, Justice Eberechi Suzette Wike. They are blessed with children.
There is no doubt that as he celebrates his birthday today, even his critics will agree that he is indeed a trail blazer in every sense of the word.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Paulinus Nsirim, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rivers State, wrote this comment from Port Harcourt.

News

Tinubu Commissions Bayelsa Gas Turbine, Other Projects Today

Published

13 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate four legacy projects, including a state-owned gas turbine, during a one-day state visit to Bayelsa State, today.

To this effect, the Bayelsa State Government has declared Friday (today) a work-free day, and ordered the closure of markets ahead of the President’s visit.

The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital.

She said, “As we all know that the state is ready and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects.

“In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the State to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.”

According to her, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key projects during the visit, including a state-owned gas turbine at Opolo-Elebele, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Koku-Obiyai urged residents, including traders, to comply with the directive and turn out to welcome the President.

The government said the measures were part of efforts to ensure a smooth and successful visit.

The Tide reports that Bayelsa is the third state President Tinubu will visit for project commissioning in the last one week.

The President was in Ogun State last Saturday to commission the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, together with the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, and its two newly acquired aircraft.

He also inaugurated logistics and trade infrastructure, and launched the Nigeria Customs Service’s N73bn hub that has a residential barracks, training college, warehouse and hospital.

The president also launched mobility, security and agriculture assets, including 1,000 electric motorcycles (EV bikes), and 80 units of security vehicles.

Tinubu was also in Lagos on Wednesday on a two-day state visit to commission key legacy projects of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

Though represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president inaugurated the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) building, and Lagos Multi-Agency Building in Alausa.

Other notable projects commissioned by the President were Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, Ajah, Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, built side-by-side in Ajegunle.

News

RSG Seeks Horticulturists’ Partnership To Restore Garden City Status

Published

53 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called for stronger collaboration with horticulturists as part of renewed efforts to restore the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of Port Harcourt, in line with its urban renewal agenda.

The Commissioner for Urban Development, Sir Amairagha Edward Hart, made the call during an interactive session with private horticulturists and flower dealers at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.

He said the present administration remains committed to reviving the famed Garden City status of the state capital through deliberate policies and strategic partnerships, noting that professionals in horticulture have a key role to play in achieving that vision.

The Commissioner stressed that the state government is placing high premium on environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces, and the creation of a serene urban atmosphere that reflects global best practices.

The Commissioner urged horticulturists to align their operations with government’s urban development guidelines, adding that their expertise and experience are essential in transforming Port Harcourt into a model city.

According to him, the collaboration will not only enhance the city’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved environmental health and economic opportunities for practitioners in the sector.

He, however, cautioned against practices that undermine urban order, particularly the obstruction of walkways and indiscriminate occupation of public spaces meant for other uses.

Hart emphasized that while the government encourages business growth, such activities must be carried out in a manner that supports urban planning objectives and promotes public convenience.

In a move to further support the sector, he disclosed plans by the Ministry to establish a dedicated “Flower Village” that will serve as a central hub for horticulturists and flower dealers across the state capital.

He explained that the proposed initiative is aimed at restoring sanity to the use of walkways and road corridors, while also creating a structured environment that will enhance business operations and boost revenue generation.

Responding on behalf of the practitioners, Evang. Caroline Nabo highlighted some of the challenges faced by horticulturists, including theft of plants and materials by scavengers and scrap metal dealers.

She appealed to the state government for intervention to safeguard their investments, even as she and other stakeholders commended the Ministry’s proactive steps and pledged their support towards the successful greening and beautification of Port Harcourt.

King Onunwor

News

TUC Demands Subsidy To Cushion Rising Fuel Prices

Published

1 hour ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC ) has called on the Federal Government to deploy excess crude oil revenue to subsidise local refineries as a way of cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.

President of the Congress, Festus Osifo, who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, warned that the price of Premium Motor Spirit could climb to as high as N2,000 per litre if urgent measures are not taken.

Osifo said the persistent increase in the pump price of petrol, driven by global crude oil price volatility and exchange rate challenges, has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.

The TUC leader attributed the surge partly to international developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have affected global oil supply dynamics.

Osifo also linked the rising cost of petrol to the depreciation of the naira, warning that the continued weakening of the currency is compounding inflationary pressures and reducing the real value of workers’ earnings.

To address the situation, the TUC president proposed that the government should utilise excess revenue generated when crude oil prices exceed the budget benchmark to support local refining.

He explained that with the 2024 budget benchmarked at $64.85 per barrel, any price above that threshold results in additional revenue shared by the three tiers of government, adding that at least 60 per cent of such excess funds should be channelled into subsidising crude supplied to domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries.

He also urged authorities to take deliberate steps to stabilise the currency, noting that exchange rate stability would significantly reduce the cost of imported energy and other goods.

The TUC said it would formally communicate its proposals to the Federal Government, including the Presidency, with a view to ensuring the prompt implementation of measures to ease the hardship facing Nigerians.

He said, “Today, the cost of petrol is heading towards N2,000 per litre, depending on the part of the country that you are in. It has deeply affected the purchasing power of the salaries that we earn as Nigerian workers.

“Let the government take that excess fund that was never budgeted for, take at least 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the crude being supplied to Dangote Refinery.

“The same should be done for Dangote Refinery and all modular refineries, where crude is supplied to them at that subsidised rate.

“Take the difference from the excess crude revenue, take about 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the price at which crude is supplied to the refinery.

“When you subsidise crude, it cannot be abused because you are subsidising production directly. When that is done, we are going to see an immediate reduction in the price of petroleum products.”