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RSG Plans Three Polytechnics …Each Senatorial Zone Gets One …As Wike Recommits To Rivers’ Service
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says his administration will establish a polytechnic in each of the senatorial districts once the state’s internally generated revenue improves to create more access to quality education.
He also explained that the establishment of the Port Harcourt Polytechnic was not an attempt to kill the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic as being peddled by political opponents.
Wike said he was interested in the development of Ogoni and other parts of the Rivers State.
Addressing students and staff of the Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic on Wednesday in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area, Wike assured that government will work towards the accreditation of all the academic programmes of the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori.
He also stated that the state government will start with the upgrade of the school’s workshops and laboratories.
Wike also said that his administration will complete the rehabilitation of the Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori and dualise the Saakpwenwa-Bori Road for the good of the Ogoni ethnic nationality.
He said: “I make the solemn pledge to ensure that Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic facilities are improved for the school to carry out its core mandate. That is why I am here to inspect the school and thereafter improve her facilities.
“Having a polytechnic in another location will not remove the polytechnic here. We will extend the necessary grant to the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic for the improvement of her facilities, especially workshops and laboratories “.
The governor noted that the state government has concluded plans to improve security in Bori and its environs.
He warned the students to shun crime and embrace peaceful lifestyle, so that they are not caught in the web of law enforcement
He assured that his administration will pay the bursaries of students after verifying the list of benefitting students across the state.
Wike announced the confirmation of the appointment of the Acting Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Oneniye-Ofori Georgewill, following the overwhelming request of the students through their leadership.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Chief Adokiye Amaesimaka, commended the governor for his investments in the development of the institution.
Also speaking, President of the Students Union Government of the institution, Comrade Peter Dunobari, commended the governor for setting up a credible governing council and management that have improved basic amenities in the state institution.
At the Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, Wike assured the students that his administration will conclude work on the total rehabilitation of the school.
He said that the laboratories and hostels of the school will be upgraded to the best of standards.
While inspecting the Saakpwenwa-Bori Road, Wike told Ogoni people that the state government will also install street lights from Saakpwenwa to Bori to give the area the face lift it deserves.
“I am here to entrench good governance and not to play politics. Whatever I say I will do, that’s what I will do. I am free within this community because I keep all my promises”.
Wike Recommits To Rivers’ Service
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will work for the good of all residents of the state, including his critics.
Wike made the pledge while playing host to the national executive of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI)-led by its President General, Bright Amaewhule, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor admitted that GDI played a vital role in the victory of PDP during the 2015 general elections in Rivers State.
Wike also declared that Nigerians are already glamouring for the return of PDP at the national level because of the failure of the APC.
In his speech, the President General of GDI, Bright Amaewhule, said that Wike has surpassed the achievement of his predecessor, Chibuike Amaechi, in his first one year in office.
The Tide recalls that Governor NyesomWike was also decorated with an award of excellence for his superlative performance in the past one year by the President General of GDI, Bright Amaewhule.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 10 Abual/Odual Local Government Area has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Nyesom Wike and his New Rivers Vision.
The Ward 10 Abual/Odual PDP at the end of it meeting also restated it resolve to continue supporting the party.
The caretaker member representing the ward, Okpokipoy Peters, advised members of the party to remain steadfast in supporting the governor and the party while urging youth to shun cultism.
On his part, the Chairman of the party in Ward 10, Sotonye Enaanobulodio Ezekiel, thanked members of the party for their support.
President Bola Tinubu yesterday celebrated the Nigerian Exchange Group’s breakthrough into the N100tn market capitalisation threshold, saying Nigeria has moved from an ignored frontier market to a compelling investment destination.
Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Nigerians to increase their investments in the domestic economy, expressing confidence that 2026 would deliver stronger returns as ongoing reforms take firmer root.
He noted that the NGX closed 2025 with a 51.19 per cent return, outperforming global indices such as the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, as well as several BRICS+ emerging markets, after recording 37.65 per cent in 2024.
“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100tn market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” Tinubu said.
He attributed the stellar performance to Nigerian companies proving they can deliver strong investment returns across all sectors, from blue-chip industrials localising supply chains to banks demonstrating technological innovation.
The President added, “Year-to-date returns have significantly outpaced the S&P 500, the FTSE 100, and even many of our emerging-market peers in the BRICS+ group. Nigeria is no longer a frontier market to be ignored—it is now a compelling destination where value is being discovered.”
Tinubu disclosed that more indigenous energy firms, technology companies, telecoms operators and infrastructure firms are preparing to list on the exchange, a move he said would deepen market capitalisation and broaden economic participation.
He also cited what he described as a sustained decline in inflation over eight months—from 34.8 per cent in December 2024 to 14.45 per cent in November 2025—projecting that the rate would fall below 10 per cent before the end of 2026.
“Indeed, inflation is likely to fall below 10 per cent before the end of this year, leading to improved living standards and accelerated GDP growth. The year 2026 promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians,” he said.
The President attributed the trend to monetary tightening, elimination of Ways and Means financing, and agricultural investments, which he said helped stabilise the naira and ease post-reform pressures.
Nigeria’s current account surplus reached $16bn in 2024, with the Central Bank projecting $18.81bn in 2026, reflecting a trade pattern shift toward exporting more and importing less locally-producible goods.
Non-oil exports jumped 48 per cent to N9.2tn by the third quarter of 2025, with African exports nearly doubling to N4.9tn. Manufacturing exports grew 67 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter.
Foreign reserves have crossed $45bn and are expected to breach $50 billion in the first quarter, giving the CBN ammunition to maintain currency stability and end the volatility that previously fuelled speculation, according to the President.
Tinubu also highlighted infrastructure expansion in rail networks, arterial roads, port revitalisation, and the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways, alongside improvements in healthcare facilities that are reducing medical tourism costs, and increased university research grants funded through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.
“Our medicare facilities are improving, and medical tourism costs are declining. Our students benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, and universities are receiving increased research grants,” he said.
He described nation-building as a process requiring hard work, sacrifices, and citizen focus, pledging to continue working to build an egalitarian, transparent, and high-growth economy catalysed by historic tax and fiscal reforms that came into full implementation from January 1.
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RSG Kicks Off Armed Forces Remembrance Day ‘Morrow …Restates Commitment Towards Veterans’ Welfare
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the welfare of veterans, serving officers and widows of fallen officers in the State.
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?The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, in a statement by ?Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, SSG’s ?Office, ?Juliana Masi, stated this during the Central Planning meeting of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
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?Anabraba thanked the Committee for their contributions to the success of the Emblem Appeal Fund Ceremony recently held in the State and called on them to double their efforts so that the State can record resounding success in the remaining activities.
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?According to him, the remembrance day events will begin with Jumaàt Prayers on Friday, 9th January at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt Township, while a Humanitarian Outreach/Family and Community Day will be hosted on Saturday, 10th January, by the wife of the governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, for widows and veterans.
?”On Sunday, 11th January, an Interdenominational Church Thanksgiving Service will hold at St. Cyprian Anglican Church, Port Harcourt Township while the Grand-finale Wreath- Laying Ceremony will hold on Thursday, 15th January at the Isaac Boro Park Cenotaph, Port Harcourt”, he said.
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?The SSG noted that one of the highlights of the events is the laying of wreaths by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Heads of the Security Agencies.
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The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.