News
Jonathan Promises Steady Power By June 2013 … Woos Foreign
President Goodluck Jonathan has said that several cities in
the country will enjoy steady and uninterrupted supply by June 2013.
Power which remains one of the key sectors the Goodluck
Administration has taken as a priority to fix has become very vital to the
economic and technological advancement of the nation, and the recent process of
privatisation of the sector, lays claim to another phase the sector is about to
experience.
He made this statement while fielding questions in
Islamabad, Pakistan during the D-8 summit of Leaders.
He said, ‘We have power projects that are going on, so
before the end of the second quarter, that is middle of next year, most of
these projects would have been inaugurated and we will be evacuating and that
time; quite a number of cities will begin to have 24 hour power supply’.
“When we get to that point, you will see that small scale
enterprises will begin to make returns, and that is the way we can create
jobs.”
“Currently, we are generating more than what our
transmission capability can evacuate. We have over 1,000MW of power that we
cannot evacuate because of the transmission infrastructure that has been weak
over the years, and very recently, the government started the intervention.”
“We have intervened robustly in the power sector, and if you
call back home, they will tell you that power is improving, and we have
promised that we will stabilise power supply.
Various surveys on business growth in Nigeria have linked
the slow pace and potential of small medium enterprises to epileptic power
supply, most multinationals especially in the oil and gas and
telecommunications sectors have complained of spending huge budgets on
generating their own power supply.
President Jonathan also in a meeting with Nigerians living
in Pakistan, regretted the devastating floods that hit some parts of the
nation, stating that it had impeded economic development, but was optimistic
that Nigeria would bounce back.
Ever since the roadmap summit on power held in Lagos State
in 2010 with President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Fashola in attendance,
the Federal Government has engaged the private sector and also through the
Lagos State initiative designed a framework to unbundle the sector to ensure
efficiency.
With these statements, it is believed that if 24 hour steady
power supply is achieved in some cities in the country by mid 2013, Nigerians
after many years of groaning in darkness and poor power supply, will begin to
move from cynicism to the hope that things can start working in the country.
Also President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Islamabad
called on investors from D-8 member countries to take advantage of the friendly
investments climate in Nigeria to invest in the nations economy.
he President made the call in his address to the summit of
the Heads of State and Government of the Eight Developing Nations (D-8) held in
Islamabad, the capital of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Nigeria values its membership of the D-8 as a platform for
economic cooperation and promotion of trade for sustainable development.
“We, therefore, welcome investments from D-8 Member
Countries in our economy in furtherance of our organisation’s lofty goal to
promote solidarity and joint efforts in economic and trade activities.
“As you may well know, the Nigerian economy is not only
expanding at a fast rate but also offers very high rate of returns on
investments.
“Only recently, we adopted more investor friendly measures,
such as a new long stay visa policy for investors and businessmen and women
wishing to do business in our country.
“We have also strengthened the Bureau for Public
Procurement, to ensure transparency in the tender process for contracts,” he
said.
The President said the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce,
Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in June, embarked on a Trade Mission
to explore opportunities for joint venture cooperation to three D-8 Countries.
“I believe this is a cooperation model we can all build on,
not just to increase D-8 intra-trade volume, but to make our organisation a
major actor in the global economic system,” he said.
Protect The Poor, Amaechi Charges Judges …Condoles With
Sam Dede On Mum’s Death
Kevin Nengia
FRONT PAGE
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has
called on judges in the state to ensure they protect the rights of the less
privileged in society.
Governor Amaechi gave the charge on Wednesday in Government
House, while swearing-in two new judges, Charles Ndudi Wali and Iheanyichukwu
Wodi into the State High Court in Port Harcourt.
“I think that in carrying out your assignment you should
have at the back of your mind that there are poor people who are out there on
the street who may not have anybody to protect them and only the Judges can
protect them…Whatever you do you should be satisfied that before God you can
defend yourself ”, he said.
“The God we worship will certainly hold you to account if
man cannot hold you to account. That should be what should be at the back of
your mind when you are giving your judgment”.
He commended the judiciary for being transparent and linked
his Supreme Court victory of October, 2007 to the transparency in the judicial
system.
Meanwhile, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar
Association (NBA), Barrister Lawrence Oko-Jaja has called for the appointment
of more judges into the state judiciary to meet litigation challenges.
Speaking briefly with newsmen after the two new judges were
sworn-in on Wednesday, the NBA Chairman observed that the current number of
judges put at 35 was not sufficient to tackle the swelling cases.
He said, “if you look at the course list of the average
judge in Rivers State, you have 20 at times 30 matters on the course list.”
Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has offered his
condolences to popular actor and current Director-General of Rivers State
Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) over the death of his mother, late Madam
Elsie Godpower Dede.
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