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N’ Delta: Osinbajo Seeks New Vision …Says It’s Strongest Chain Of National Growth
Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo says the Niger Delta needs a new vision and renewed spirit of direction.
Prof. Osinbajo made the assertion during an interactive forum with stakeholders and representatives of oil producing communities in Rivers State last Monday at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The acting President said the renewed engagement with all stakeholders is to chart a roadmap as recommended by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum led by Chief Edwin Clark and other stakeholders in the region.
He said, “every, stakeholder in Niger Delta has a role to play. We must make our communities a hub for petrochemicals small and large as the NNPC is working on modalities for establishing modular refineries in the communities”.
Harping on the need for peace in the Niger Delta, the acting President reiterated that the Federal Government is working to transform the area, as there was no reason why infrastructure in the region should not meet standards like in other parts of the world.
He said in strong terms that the rising spate of oil and gas installation vandalization affects development in the region, and expressed the commitment of the Buhari-led government to the implementation of Amnesty Programme.
One way to check the menace of oil vandalization, he said is for youths in the area to explore other avenues of engagement with the federal government.
According to Osinbajo, the engagement “will be the beginning of a narrative that will change the Niger Delta”.
Meanwhile, Acting President, Prof. Osinbajo has hinted that efforts are being made towards the establishment of modular refineries in oil producing communities to reduce illegal refining and bunkering.
He said time has come when oil production should be driven by the private sector and that the federal government will promote greater inclusion by using the sector to drive industrialization in the region.
Earlier, Minister of Petroleum of State, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has promised that the federal government is ready to address the issues raised and sued for peace in the region.
Kachikwu also used the forum to dismiss fears that oil companies were planning to relocate their headquarters outside the state.
“We want to navigate the oil companies back to the state”, he assured.
Meanwhile, Acting, Prof. President Yemi Osinbajo, says Niger Delta region remains the strongest chain in the wheel of national development, hence the need to work towards securing the peace, development and security of the region.
Osinbajo made this assertion at a Town Hall meeting in Port Harcourt with Rivers stakeholders on the development of the State and the Niger Delta.
He said that the need for peace, development and security was the basis for the sustenance of the Federal Government Amnesty programme for the youths in the region.
The Ag.President noted that government would encourage industrialisation in a bid to make the region vibrant economically.
He stated that government acknowledged the fact that part of the crisis in the region was as a result of negative impact from oil exploration by oil multinationals.
The Ag. President commended the oil producing communities for being peaceful despite the various socio-economic challenges they were facing in the area.
He called for a synergy between the Federal Government and all stakeholders in the development of the region, adding that there was a plan by government for environmental remediation for the region.
On the Ogoniland clean up, Osinbajo disclosed that there was a serious commitment on the part of the Federal government to ensure total implementation of the project.
He said as part of the implementation of the Ogoniland Cleanup, there would be a community based sensitisation on the programme for the four local government areas of Ogoni.
Osinbajo noted that a governing board had since been inaugurated to oversee the effective and successful implementation of the UNEP report on Ogoniland.
The Ag. President pledged that the 16-point agenda presented to the government by the elders of the region in 2016 would be looked into.
In his remarks, Governor Nyesom Wike commended the Ag. President for his visit to identify with the people of the Niger Delta and Rivers in particular.
He pledged the readiness of the state government to go into synergy with the federal government to develop the state and the region at large.
The governor lamented that though the state contributed so much for the economic development of the nation, there was nothing to show for it.
Wike, who commended various efforts by the federal government to develop the region, noted that he was optimistic that the visit of the Ag. President would usher in a new vista of hope for the region.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the state Elders council, Chief Onueze Okocha, said that the state was not at war with the federal government.
He called for a synergy between the federal and state government to build the state through the creation of wealth for the people.
Also, a representative of the host communities, Chief Hope Opusingi, urged the federal government to direct soldiers posted to the region to also protect the people and not only oil installations.
A representative of the women and an environmental activist, Mrs Annkio Briggs, called on the federal government to restore security aides of Gov. Wike.
Kio Briggs also called for the reinstatement of the six dismissed policemen attached to Wike who were dismissed by the police authority on electoral issues.
She said that the State and the governor were exposed to danger and insecurity as there were no security aides for him.
The representative of the Traditional Institution and Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Dandeson Jaja also called on the Federal government to restore Wike’s security aides.
The Tide source reports that others who spoke in the forum, urged the Federal government to summon the political will to develop the State and the Niger Delta region.
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
