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Editorial

Wike’s Uncommon Transformation

Published

5 years ago

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This week promises to be a busy and exciting one in Rivers State, particularly in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, as several projects have been lined up for commissioning and flag-off by the Governor NyesomWike administration.
Among those for commissioning include the Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover, the Rumuogba1 and 2 Flyover, the GRA Phase 2 Roads (Tombia Crescent and Opobo Crescent) and the Government House Clinic/Administrative Building.
Those for flag-off are Nkpolu Oroworukwo Flyover and Rumu-Kalagbor Flyover while the state government would also sign a contract with construction giant, Julius Berger on the new flyovers at Nkpolu Oroworukwu and Rumu-Kalagbor Junctions.
The commissioning ceremonies open today with the commissioning of the Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover by no less a personality than former Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke while tomorrow would be the turn of former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who is billed to commission the Rumuogba 1 and 2 Flyover.
Former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema is expected to commission on Wednesday GRA Phase 2 Roads (Tombia Crescent and Opobo Crescent while former Senate President, Dr Bukuola Saraki will take his turn on Thursday and commission the New Government House Clinic/Administrative Building.
Earlier, that same day, the contract for the two flyovers at Ikwerre Road/Olu Obasanjo (Ikokwu) and Aba Road/Rumu-Kalagbor (Waterlines) will be signed with Julius Berger.
On Friday, the Ikwerre Road/Olu Obasanjo (Ikokwu) Flyover will be flagged off by the South-South Zonal Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih while the week long activities will be rounded off on Saturday with the flag-off of the Aba Road/Rumu-Kalagbor (Waterlines) flyover.
Among these landmark projects, the Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover and the Rumuogba 1 and 2 Flyover projects clearly stand out and have continued to elicit applause and accolades for the Wike administration from well-meaning Nigerians and residents of the state.
The Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover in particular is another beautiful edifice which has added an uncommon aesthetic to the Garden City and its environs, and the unveiling of the project today underlines another dream fulfilled by the Wike administration.
In fact, the socio-economic importance of this project cannot be over-emphasised as it will once again throw open the floodgates of economic activities of the popular Rumuokoro axis of the state capital.
The flyover would go a long way in tackling the grave traffic bottleneck for which the Rumuokoro Junction is notorious. There is no doubt that it would restore life to the area that has been dormant following a prolonged lockdown. To say that the entire people of Rivers State are better off with this project is to state the obvious, as it would definitely go a long way to improve their socio-economic wellbeing. Indeed stepping into this beautiful edifice evokes a sense of glee and satisfaction in one’s psyche.
Then, the Rumuogba 1 and 2 Flyover completes the story of a well-executed project for which the Wike administration is very famous. Its beauty also sparkles.
This project, in a way, decongests traffic along the busy Port Harcourt-Aba Road and equally opens up the state for renewed economic activities for those coming into the state.
The truth is that these two flyovers will bring to three the flyover bridges already commissioned by the present administration in a record time. The Rebisi Flyover which also belongs to a class of its own was recently commissioned by this administration even as three others including Rumuola Flyover, GRA Flyover and Kaduna Street Flyover are still under construction. The signing of the contract for the construction of the Waterlines and Ikokwu Junctions flyovers would bring to eight the number of the flyover projects executed by the Wike administration during the second term alone. This is, indeed, a laudable feat.
It would be recalled that the administration had in January commissioned several other road projects in many parts of the state including the Abonnema Ring Road in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Bolo internal roads in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Isiodu Road in Emohua Local Government Area, Isiokpo internal roads Phase 2 in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Aluu-Rumuekini Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mother and Child Hospital, Real Madrid Academy, the 16.6 kilometre dual carriage Saakpenwa/ Bori Highway in Khana Local Government Area, the Sime-Nonwa-Kira Road in Tai Local Government Area, among a host of other projects.
As it is characteristic of the Wike administration, top personalities drawn from several parts of the country are often invited to commission projects in the State. Thus, just as the state would witness a flurry of activities, it would also play host to several other Nigerians, beginning from today.
The Tide joins other well-meaning Rivers men and women, young and old as well as Nigerians, corporate organisations and individuals to congratulate and commend Governor Wike on this auspicious occasion of commissioning and flag-off of projects by his administration.
This gesture, indeed, underscores the determination of the Governor to leave the state better then he met it and also shows his undying love for the State.
We are elated that the present administration is leaving no stone unturned in genuinely developing the State in spite of the serious economic downturn in the country. To say that the present administration is rapidly transforming the landscape of the State with its giant development strides is to state the obvious. Within a short space of time, Governor Wike has turned the entire state to a huge construction site so much so that whichever direction one is coming from, massive development projects are either going on or have been completed.
Furthermore, the NEW Rivers Vision of the Wike administration is envisioned by the problems of urbanisation and population explosion, which definitely calls for the renewal of old infrastructures to transcend our old Garden City status in line with current development realities. Little wonder that the Governor is nicknamed, Mr Projects. The development projects on ground so far are manifestation of an uncommon transformation of the state which has made it a destination of choice for investors.
However, as the Governor continues to leave his footprints on the sands of time, critical areas of need which require urgent attention should also be given consideration.
We, therefore, urge all Rivers people to rally round the Governor at this critical time by giving him all the necessary support and encouragement to take the state to the envisaged promised land with a view to making them (the people) happy and contented people, bonded by common aspirations and goals

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Editorial

AFCON ’25: Bravo, Super Eagles, But…

Published

6 days ago

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February 2, 2026

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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Morocco witnessed the Super Eagles soar to an altitude few Nigerians anticipated, confounding pessimism with exuberance and resilience. Before the opening whistle, public confidence was anaemic, yet the team produced a performance laced with audacity and organisation. In a tournament featuring 24 nations and over 52 matches, Nigeria emerged with renewed credibility, reminding the continent of its enduring pedigree through conviction and renaissance.
Only weeks earlier, national morale had been battered by the abysmal failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, a disappointment that generated widespread cynicism and recrimination. Many analysts dismissed the Eagles as tactically incoherent and psychologically fragile. Yet, in Morocco, a transformation occurred, marked by revitalisation and determination. Statistical evidence shows Nigeria conceded fewer than one goal per match on average, an emphatic rebuttal to earlier derision and fatalism.
Against popular expectations, the 2025 AFCON became one of Nigeria’s most impressive outings in recent times, judged by fluency and consistency. The Super Eagles completed the group stage with over 55 per cent average ball possession and an 82 per cent pass completion rate, numbers that signify discipline and intelligence. There was a newfound spirit and camaraderie that suggested maturity and self-belief, hallmarks of evolution and professionalism.
Many pundits predicted that the Eric Chelle tutored side would struggle to escape the group stage, citing tactical naivety and limited preparation. Instead, Nigeria navigated the entire competition without losing a single match within regulation time, an extraordinary demonstration of fortitude and concentration. In football logic and jurisprudence, a match not lost in 90 minutes is not truly lost. Penalty shootouts remain a lottery governed by chance and psychology.
The Super Eagles’ representation was laudable and provides a formidable platform for regeneration and continuity. It underscores that Chelle is not as inept as some critics asserted after the World Cup failure. On the contrary, he demonstrated pedagogical acumen and strategic awareness, improving individual performances while enhancing collective harmony. His methods yielded measurable progress in cohesion and adaptability.
Chelle’s capacity to knit a coherent unit with tactical symmetry and individual expression shows unmistakably that he has substance to offer. Therefore, we urge the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, and the Federal Government to provide institutional backing and contractual stability. Continuity breeds excellence, and excellence requires foresight and investment, not impulsive judgement and expediency.
Judging by the Morocco showing, it is logical to deduce that the Super Eagles possess latent potential yet to be fully exploited. Motivation and encouragement could unlock greater heights of achievement and dominance. Preparation for the next major tournament must commence immediately, with meticulous planning and incremental improvement. Success in Morocco was not accidental but the product of diligence and perseverance, a tempo that must be sustained.
However, commendation should not degenerate into complacency. Given Nigeria’s vast talent pool and storied global exploits, the bronze medal remains inadequate. Nigeria has now finished third at AFCON nine times, a statistic that should provoke introspection rather than celebration. After emerging as the fifth best footballing nation globally following the iconic USA 1994 World Cup, only the gold medal should be acceptable, nothing less than supremacy and preeminence.
The nation must reconnect with the golden era of Okocha, Kanu, Oliseh and Amokachi, among others, when Nigerian football evoked admiration and trepidation worldwide. Between 1994 and 1998, Nigeria won Olympic gold, reached two World Cup second rounds and dominated Africa with flair and authority. That epoch was defined by creativity and confidence, a synthesis of artistry and aggression that captivated the global audience.
Now is the moment for the NFF and the coaching crew to intensify their labour and vision. Ascending to the summit is arduous, but remaining there is exponentially more difficult. Strategic recruitment of eligible players at home and abroad must be pursued with rigour and transparency. Data driven scouting and long term planning should replace sentimentality and improvisation.
It is equally imperative to rejuvenate the squad by replacing tiring legs with youthful exuberance and athleticism. Football in Nigeria is not merely a sport but a social adhesive and cultural obsession. With such abundance of talent, Nigeria should never play second fiddle to any nation. The task is to harness these resources with intentionality and coherence.
Having secured bronze for the ninth time, that position has lost desirability and prestige. The Super Eagles must henceforth be charged with the singular ambition of winning gold. Nigeria has lifted the Nations Cup only three times, compared to Egypt’s seven and Cameroon’s five. Challenging these records demands ambition and accountability, underpinned by discipline and aspiration.
It is deeply shameful that players reportedly boycotted training over unpaid match bonuses, an incident that embarrassed the nation. Authorities must investigate thoroughly and sanction culpable officials to restore integrity and trust. Nations like Morocco invest strategically in their players, infrastructure and welfare, semi- final finish at the 2022 World Cup is empirical evidence of foresight and commitment.
With appropriate motivation, transparent administration and prompt remuneration, the ceiling for the Super Eagles is limitless. Proper welfare enhances morale, while professional management engenders loyalty and sacrifice. If Nigeria aligns talent with structure and vision, continental dominance and global relevance will follow inevitably, crowned by excellence and distinction.
Ultimately, this AFCON outing should serve as a catalytic moment rather than a ceremonial footnote in Nigeria’s football narrative. Countries that dominate consistently do so through long term frameworks, not episodic brilliance, and statistics affirm this truth, as over 70 per cent of AFCON winners since 2000 retained at least 60 per cent of their squads across successive tournaments.
Nigeria must therefore institutionalise progress through robust youth development, sports science and administrative probity. If lessons from Morocco are properly internalised, the Super Eagles can transition from episodic resurgence to sustained excellence, reclaiming continental authority with purpose and conviction.
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Editorial

Fubara: Celebrating A Leader At 51

Published

2 weeks ago

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January 28, 2026

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Today is an exceptional day for Rivers State as it marks the birthday of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, the governor whose leadership has become synonymous with discipline, vision, and transformative development. Born on January 28, 1975, in Opobo Town, Fubara hails from the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, and his journey from a dedicated civil servant to the helm of state leadership is a story worth emblazoning.
Governor Fubara was born into the loving family of Mr and Mrs Siminayi, the second of five children and the first son of the late Joseph and Love Fubara. His father, a former soldier trained overseas, instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and fortitude, while his mother, a civil servant, impressed upon him the virtues of diligence and perseverance. These early lessons in character laid the foundation for a life devoted to service.
Education was central to Fubara’s development. He attended Opobo Primary School before moving to Comprehensive Secondary School, Opobo. His passion for numbers and structure naturally led him to study Accountancy at the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University. He further advanced his knowledge with an MBA and MSc from the University of Port Harcourt in 2013 and 2016, respectively. This commitment to personal growth and excellence foreshadowed the accomplishments that would define his career.
Sim, as he is fondly called, began his professional journey in 2003 as a principal accountant at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board. Through steadfast dedication, he rose to Director of Finance and Accounts at the Government House in 2015 and eventually became Permanent Secretary in March 2020. His expertise in financial administration earned him the role of Accountant General of Rivers State on December 23, 2020, consolidating a reputation for meticulousness and integrity.
Beyond civil service, Fubara’s professional distinctions are numerous. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, as well as a Member of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors. These credentials reflect both his technical proficiency and his capacity for leadership in complex financial systems.
Fubara is also a man of faith and community. He is a Knight of St. Christopher (KSC) of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion and holds the traditional title of Amaopusenibo of Opobo Kingdom. Married to Valerie Fubara, with whom he shares three children, his personal life reflects the same values of commitment and integrity that guide his public service.
As a leader, Fubara embodies humility, patience, and empathy. Representing a new generation of leadership, he has championed the slogan “Consolidating and Continuity of the New Rivers Vision,” seeking to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike. His administration has prioritised infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, agriculture, and investment, demonstrating a holistic vision for the state.
One of his notable projects is the Port Harcourt Ring Road, a strategic N200bn contract with Julius Berger spanning six local government areas. This initiative is set to alleviate traffic congestion and stimulate commerce, reflecting the governor’s commitment to transformative, citizen-focused infrastructure development.
Fubara’s administration has also prioritised public welfare. Roads, schools, health facilities, and human capital development projects have been completed across multiple local governments. Security agencies have been engaged to maintain peace, while timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities has bolstered confidence in the state’s governance. Initiatives such as Christmas bonuses of N100,000 to civil servants and the provision of high-end buses for intrastate transport demonstrate a tangible commitment to citizens’ daily welfare.
The governor’s impact extends far beyond the completion of roads or buildings. He embodies a distinctive form of leadership rarely seen in Nigeria: a skilled technocrat who has assumed the mantle of governor, prioritising careful planning, structured governance, and respect for institutional frameworks. In a political arena often defined by theatrics and loud pronouncements, his measured approach, methodical decision-making, and commitment to due process mark him as a model of principled leadership.
At 51, Fubara stands at a stage in life that demands equilibrium. Steering a state as intricate as Rivers requires firmness without inflexibility, allegiance without unquestioning loyalty, and patience combined with timely action. His composed and disciplined style has inspired confidence among citizens who crave stability and meaningful governance over spectacle and empty promises.
Birthdays are also moments to ponder what lies ahead. Rivers people rightly anticipate that the next chapter of Fubara’s tenure will transform restraint into concrete achievements, calm deliberation into lasting reforms, and strategic planning into tangible improvements. True leadership is tested not merely by intention but by results—reliable infrastructure, enduring employment opportunities, and institutions that operate efficiently.
This occasion also provides a moment to foster unity. Effective leadership does not demand uniformity but rather the ability to harmonise diverse interests for collective progress. In a state as politically and socially complex as Rivers, a leader must possess the confidence to bridge divides without weakening authority or vision. Fubara’s measured character equips him to serve as that unifying presence.
His journey from accountant to the highest office in the state underscores the value of competence over spectacle. Throughout his career, he has prioritised legality over coercion, systematic governance over populist gestures, and long-term strategies over immediate gains. These attributes, uncommon in public service, remind us that steadfast principles can endure scrutiny and overcome challenges.
Today, as he celebrates another year, it is appropriate to recognise him as a trailblazer—a leader whose promises are matched by tangible outcomes despite resource constraints and political pressures. His accomplishments have earned admiration, even among sceptics, and set a benchmark for others aspiring to lead with integrity.
In honouring Fubara, we celebrate more than the passing of 51 years. We pay tribute to a statesman who has blended discipline, foresight, and humility to serve his people with distinction. May the lessons of these years deepen his wisdom, fortify his resolve, and guide him in shaping a lasting legacy of progress for Rivers State.
Happy birthday, Governor Fubara. Rivers people look on with anticipation, respect, and optimism for a future shaped by unwavering leadership and transformative action.
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Editorial

Beyond Accessing Bonny By Road

Published

3 weeks ago

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January 19, 2026

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The near completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road by the Federal Government is a remarkable and historic achievement that deserves national commendation. For decades, Bonny Island remained physically isolated from the rest of the state, with residents and businesses forced to rely solely on waterways. Today, that narrative has changed. The road is already in active use, and its immediate effect is evident in the drastic reduction in transportation costs, with local transport fares reported to have dropped by more than 40 per cent in some corridors.
As of December 2025, the 37.9-kilometre Bonny-Bodo Road, comprising 11 strategically engineered bridges, was temporarily opened for daily use between 7 am and 7 pm. The transformational and groundbreaking step has eased transit and marked the first-ever land connection between Bonny Island and other parts of the state. According to transport operators, average travel time has reduced from over two hours by water to less than one hour by road, a change that has immediate economic and social benefits for commuters and businesses alike.
It must be noted that the project spanned many years, surviving policy shifts, funding challenges, and technical hurdles. Its near completion is therefore a reflection of political will. Credit must be given to the Federal Government and particularly to the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, under whose tenure the project has reached fruition. This commendable and steadfast leadership has ensured that a long-standing promise to the people is finally being honoured.
The Bonny-Bodo Road stands as a success story of a tripartite agreement involving the Federal Government, Nigeria LNG Limited as the primary funder, and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as the constructor. The collaborative and strategic partnership demonstrates how public and private sector synergy can deliver complex infrastructure in difficult terrain. NLNG alone reportedly contributed over 60 per cent of the project funding, underscoring the value of corporate responsibility in national development.
For business owners, the newly constructed road offers a vital turning point. Many traders, investors, and service providers had avoided Bonny because of the risks associated with water travel, including accidents and piracy. With this new land route, access is now safer and more predictable. This liberating and empowering development is expected to stimulate commerce, increase market activity, and attract fresh investments into the area to strengthen the local economy.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria has stated that the commissioning of the Bonny-Bodo Road will improve national energy logistics and likely lead to a reduction in the price of cooking gas. Nigeria currently spends billions of naira annually on inland water transport inefficiencies. The economically and logistically significant road could reduce distribution costs by up to 20 per cent, a benefit that would be felt directly by households across the country.
The road is expected to be fully commissioned in the first quarter of 2026, with 35 kilometres already reported as fully motorable. This progress reflects assuring and measurable commitment to timely delivery. When completed, the road will support heavy-duty vehicles, enhance supply chain reliability, and further cement Bonny’s role as a critical industrial and maritime hub in the Niger Delta.
This achievement also builds on earlier successes. Opobo has already been connected to land through deliberate government intervention. These efforts show that even the most challenging terrains can be conquered with planning and resolve. Such intentional and visionary actions are redefining infrastructure advancement in riverine areas that were once considered unreachable.
The Trans-Kalabari Road is similarly expected to be completed within the year, opening up vital aisles in the Kalabari axis to road transportation. Once operational, it is projected to serve over 500,000 residents directly. The expansive and inclusive approach to development ensures that growth is not concentrated in urban centres alone but spread across communities.
These projects represent an expanding legacy. By 2027, there will be numerous tangible gains to credit the current administration in Rivers State. Improved mobility, increased trade, and enhanced social cohesion are just a few. This forward-looking and progressive trajectory positions the state as a model for infrastructure-led development in Nigeria.
However, with increased road access comes new security considerations. While sea piracy on waterways may reduce, land-based security challenges could emerge. The government must anticipate and address these risks through effective policing and surveillance. A proactive and balanced security framework will be essential to protect lives and investments along the new highways.
There must also be firm determination to ensure that the road does not come with excessive encumbrances. Issues such as illegal tolling, unregulated settlements, and environmental degradation must be prevented. This disciplined and responsible management will preserve the long-term value of the infrastructure.
Beyond the communities already connected, the state government should extend its vision to other difficult terrains. Oceanic areas such as Kula, Abisse, Idama, Ke, and Bille, among others, should be prioritised. Connecting these communities by road would be equitable and transformative, ensuring that no part of the state is left behind in the march towards development.
If every part of Rivers is linked to land transportation, the blue economy will experience a major boost. Fisheries, tourism, marine services, and coastal trade could collectively contribute billions of naira annually to the state’s economy. This sustainable and wealth-generating potential makes further road expansion not just desirable but necessary.
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