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Honours, Well-Deserved
Honours will be made today as Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, leads other eminent Rivers people awarded various categories of the coveted National Honours in Abuja.
In this first of a two-part appraisal, we bring you abridged profile of the honourees to help underscore some of the individual’s attainments that informed the honours, in the first place.
Happy reading.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was born on May 27, 1965 in Umuordu, Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He had his primary and secondary education at St. Theresa’s Primary School, Ubima (1976) and Okolobiri School (1982), respectively. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Studies from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987.
In 1988, Amaechi served as the Public Relations Officer of Pamo Clinic and Hospitals Limited, Port Harcourt. He was also a Special Assistant to Dr Peter Odili in 1992 when he (Odili) was the Deputy Governor of the state during the administration of Chief Rufus Ada George. A military coup in November 1993 cut short that administration.
When democracy was restored in the country on May 29, 1999, Amaechi was elected the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, a position he held for eight years. During this period, he served as Chairman of Conference of Speakers in the Federation, and distinguished himself as a dependable leader.
On December 9, 2006, Amaechi won the governorship primaries of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became the flagbearer of the party for the 2007 governorship election. In February 2007, he was substituted as a candidate of the party for the election in questionable circumstances.
Amaechi challenged the decision in the Supreme Court and on October 25, 2007 the apex court ruled in his favour and was sworn in as the Executive Governor of the state on October 26, 2007.
On April 26, 2011, the governor won a second term mandate and his administration has continued to transform the state particularly in the education, health, transport and power sectors, among others including the provision of road networks.
He is currently the Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum.
The award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) conferred on him today by President Goodluck Jonathan is indeed a recognition of the value he has brought to bear in the lives of Rivers people and residents of the state. It is a salute to good governance, courage and hardwork.
Chief Rufus Ada-George
Chief Rufus Ada George is a former Executive Governor of Rivers State from January 1992 to November, 1993 when the late General Sani Abacha took over the reigns of power in a military putsch.
He had earlier diligently served the government of Rivers State as Secretary to the State Government from September, 1981 to December, 1983. He was also Director-General, Works Directorate from December 1979 to September, 1981.
This astute politician was an Accountant with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) from April, 1972 to December 1979, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief Accountant, Lagos Division before he joined the state government on secondment.
Ada George was also the Deputy Managing Director of a thriving investment outfit, Dangil Holdings Limited and equally became a part-time member of Board of Directors of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), African Continental Bank (ACB) and many other companies.
He was chairman, Board of Directors of Port Harcourt Floor Mills Ltd, NTX Nigeria Ltd, a computer and information services company, Ada Consults and others.
HRM, Prof. J. T. J. Princewill
Prof. J. T. J. Princewill is the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom and the current chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Atedo Peterside
Mr. Atedo N. A. Peterside (OON) is the founder of Stanbic IBTC and served the bank in various capacities from February, 1989 to October, 2007. He was also an honorary Special Adviser to Rivers state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Vice Chairman and Director of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
He has been an independent Director of Presco Plc since April, 2008, and a Director of CR Services Limited and Unilever Nigeria Plc.
This ebullient business guru equally served as a member of the Private Sector Advisory Board set up by the World Bank to assist in establishing a Country Assistant Strategy (CAS) for Nigeria.
Most importantly, Peterside gave Stantic IBTC Bank Plc a unique image when he served as its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.
Until his retirement, he was the Managing Director of IBTC Chartered Bank Plc and had overseen the affairs of the bank since inception in 1989 and midwifed the bank’s growth from a fledging institution into one of the most respected, efficient and innovative banks in Nigeria today.
An Economist by profession, Peterside is a commentator on the Nigerian economy and the domestic financial system. He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the City University, London and a Master’s Degree in the same discipline from the London School of Economics and Political Scinece.
This fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria hails from Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State. He is also a member of the Council for the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the award of the Order of the Niger (OON) conferred on him today, by President Goodluck Jonathan is no doubt a befitting recognition of his contributions to the country.
Joseph Jobo
Joseph Yobo is a Nigerian international footballer and the Captain of Super Eagles. He was also a centre back for Everton Football Club of England before he moved to Fernabeche FC of Turkey where he is currently plying his trade.
He has 79 caps for the Nigerian National team.
Yobo was born on September 6, 1980 in Kono in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State but grew up in Port Harcourt.
In 1998, he left Nigeria and joined Standard Liege and made his first team debut in 2000. He donned the team’s colours 46 times before he moved to Marseille in 2001.
He set up the Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation in 2007 to help under-priviledged children in Nigeria and handed over 300 scholarship awards on July 18, 2007 from primary to university levels. Yobo equally started a Football Academy in the Ogoni region of Nigeria and runs a football camp.
HRM, G. N. K. Gininwa
G. N. K. Giniwa is the Paramount ruler of Tai, the Tua-Tua Tai and the chairman of Ogoni Council of Traditional Rulers.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo