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RSG Proposes N490.32bn For 2013 …Unveils Law On Mushroom Schools
A budget of N490.32billion has been proposed by the Rivers State Government for 2013.
Speaking at the budget presentation at the Rivers State House of Assembly, Port Harcourt, Monday, Governor Chibuike Amaechi said that the proposed budget was to consolidate the achievements of his administration in various sectors of the economy and set the state on an economic rebirth.
From the figures, the 2013 budget is N52.32 billion higher than the 2012 budget of N438billion.
The budget according to the governor is to be largely financed through Federal Statutory Allocations estimated to the tune of N245billion, Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), deductions from social levy to the sum of N80billion, last year balance of N48.32billion and proceeds of N100billion bond and credit of 17billion.
Though the governor frowned at the swelling recurrent expenditure of 176.02billion, capital expenditure still gulped the largest part of the budget with N314billion, slightly less than that of 2012 of N323.70billion.
Amaechi explained reasons for the swelling recurrent expenditure, “We had made provisions under the recurrent expenditure window for new recruitments including the hiring of additional 13,000 teachers to strengthen our education sub -sector.”
A further breakdown of the budget shows the economic sector having the largest chunk of 93billion, followed by the social sector with N64.50 billion. The educational sector trailed with 47.81billion, environment N37.60 billion, health got N10.23billion.
Sub-sectoral allocations put Energy and Natural Resources at the lowest with N160million, Commerce and Industry N400million, Women Affairs with N600million, while Social Welfare and Rehabilitation had N500million.
Water sector got N25.5billion which according to Amaechi is aimed at providing the needed infrastructure for sustainable delivery of water in Port Harcourt metropolis. Agriculture also got improved allocation of N4.03 billion, Culture and Tourism got N1.12billion and Housing N3billion.
The Rivers State Chief Executive assured that this administration would pursue good governance building and re-engineering the civil service through ICT compliance adding, “our agenda on openness, accountability and transparency will continue to be executed in 2013”.
Later, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Otelemaba Amachree commended the state government for the vision of moving the state forward, especially by putting emphasis on capital project.
Rt Hon Amachree observed, “we are indeed delighted to be partners in this success story”.
He assured the governor that the budget would be given a speedy in-depth consideration, noting that by next year its oversight functions would be beefed up.
Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has signed into law three bills namely, the State Education Quality Assurance, the Transportation and Disability law bills.
The Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd told newsmen after the signing of three bills into law on Monday that the laws are geared at fast-tracking the development of the state.
He explained that the Quality Assurance law will help set standards for intending proprietors of schools in the state, “we can no longer have a situation where those who are not professionals just wake up and establish schools. With the new law, it is an offence for anyone to set up a school without following due process”, he stressed.
On the amended Transportation Law, the Assembly Leader stated that the new law will regulate activities of TIMARIV officials and curtail members of the public from assaulting the traffic officials.
The new law which is an amendment to an already subsisting transport law according to Hon. Lloyd has become pertinent due to numerous harassments faced by both the public and TIMARIV traffic marshals.
“We have made the culpability to be either way,” Lloyd said, “If we find out that a TIMARIV official assaults any member of the public unjustly, the person will go to jail for three months provided that it is proven that the official was reckless in the discharge of his duties”.
For the Handicap Law, the Assembly leader said the law was passed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, noting that a society that does not care for those with special needs is handicapped.
The law provides for the provision of facilities in public places for persons with disabilities, especially in car parks and other public places.
Earlier, Governor Amaechi commended the Assembly for passing the laws stating both arms of government are partners in the state development, and assured that his administration will continue to be transparent in its dealings.
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