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RSG Lists Priorities …Sure To Consolidate mandate
Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Engr Emeka Woke (right) addressing sports journalists in Port Harcourt when the state government donated a bus to them. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has listed education, employment, agriculture, infrastructure and workers’ welfare as the major areas of focus by his administration, disclosing that in the next few weeks, rehabilitation of selected government secondary schools, will begin.
Speaking at “The People’s Forum”, an interactive platform where he enumerated his achievements and programmes so far in the past 100 days to the people of the state on Saturday at Dr Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Wike said he needs the people’s support to achieve more in office.
He expressed hope that he will consolidate on his administration achievements, and continue in driving development in the state despite the on-going petition at the election tribunal challenging his mandate.
The governor observed that in the past 100 days, his administration has been able to restore public confidence in governance and government.
He noted that before the inception of his administration, the state was sliding into lawlessness, economic hardship and anxiety but that, “today, normalcy has returned to the judiciary and the courts are working. We have restored the dignity of traditional rulers,” as he listed strides made in paying arrears of workers’ salaries, pensioners’ allowances, health workers and opening of the state House of Assembly for legislative business, among others.
Wike revealed that so far, 49 road projects have been launched with about 30 out of the 52 streets earmarked for rehabilitation completed, maintaining that the N30billion loan has been fully utilized.
He stressed that the state never got any bail out from the Federal Government, as the government, despite the economic crunch, has resolved to transform the state economically.
With the economy transformed, Wike underscored the importance of security in the creation of employment to the teeming youth, arguing that investors can only come to invest in a peaceful atmosphere.
“We are not where we should be but we have improved security than what it used to be,” he emphasized.
To further beef-up security, he stated that the state government has concluded documentation and delivery of two surveillance helicopters purchased by the immediate past administration billed to arrive in the next two weeks.
On roads, Wike announced plans to expand the Ahoada Road, commence work on Etche-Igwuruta Road, the Trans-Kalabari Road, and support the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in completing the Okrika-Port Harcourt Road.
Explaining how he plans to tackle unemployment, the governor stated that commercial agriculture will be used in creating jobs, adding that, “We should de-emphasize on white collar jobs…We must go back to skills and vocational education.”
He assured of tackling the challenge of potable water in rural areas, stating that already, the blueprint of water provision in Abonnema, Gokana and Khana are almost concluded.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barinua Wifa, had described the forum as the platform for participatory governance.
Wifa remarked that any government that excludes the citizenry, is bound to fail, hence he advised the administration to continue the interface so as to ensure good governance and support.
In his speech, Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani said the Wike administration has displayed novelty by spreading development in all parts of the state in the past 100 days.
Kobani maintained that the forum will open new vista and cement relationship between the government and the people, adding that, “no man or woman knows it all, everyone has something to contribute”.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol