Activities to herald the  State’s Golden  Anniversary took the front  seat in  Government House last week. The chairman and alternate chairman took turns  to address the press on programmes outlined to mark the celebrations.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt Alternate Chairman of the Committee, Chief  Onueze  Okocha, a Senior Advocate  of Nigeria (SAN) said the purpose  of the celebrations was  to showcase the  history, unique  geography, and the rich cultural  tapestry of the state.
According to Okocha, other events lined up for the celebrations  include, a polo tournament, football competition, a  beauty  peagant and the colourful  canoe regatta for which  the state is famous.
Nonetheless, last week started with Sunday Easter celebrations with the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and his family attending Easter  Sunday  service at his home Church St Peter’s  Anglican Church, Rumuepirinkon.
The State Governor used the service to enjoin Christians to pray  unto God so that  the federal government will return  looted state funds under Amaechi administration to the state.
The Governor emphasised  that no blackmail or criticism  will stop the state government from pressing  for return of its looted funds.  Recall  that Chief  Wike’s call follows an earlier  press conference  he gave to newsmen on Good Friday  affirming that the $43 million found in a private apartment allegedly owned by ex-Governor  Amaechi belongs to the State Government.
Last Wednesday, Special Assistant to the State Governor on Electronic Media, Mr Simeon  Nwakandu played host to members of the  State Newspaper Publishers Forum (RNPF). The governor’s aide urged the group to always support the  Wike-led administration  through the dissemination of accurate  information on the development efforts of the administration.
He said, “We want you to assist us promote  projects in Port Harcourt  and all across the three Senatorial Districts of the State. We are happy that as journalists, you have  your time to project the achievements  of the administration”.
Last Thursday, the Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, through her Special Assistant on Social Media and Research,Ms Uki Asemota, called for regular check- ups to stem medical emergencies. She believes that regular medical check-ups will help people ascertain their health status.
The deputy  Governor was speaking at a one-day Mental Health Awareness Programme organised  by a Christian Non-Governmental body,  Caywood Brown  Foundation at Elelenwo, Port Harcourt.
The Head of Service, Barrister Rufus Godwins received members of the Rivers  State Publishers Forum  in his office last week Friday. He thanked them for the visit and charged them to be a channel for disseminating positive  information that will enhance unity,  development and project the state in good light.
Barrister  Godwins described the press as the vigilant  arm” of the  realm  pointing out that every son and  daughter  of the State has a role to play to engender development. He  stressed the need for publishers to be sensitive  to issues that affect the people, especially culture and values of the state.
Chief  of  Staff, Government House, Chief, Emeka Woke  represented the State Governor  at a Special Constituency  Project and presentation  of Power Transformers to communities in the Rivers East Senatorial District. The programme was organised by Senator Thompson, Sekibo last Saturday.
The governor’s representative was full of praises for Senator Sekibo whom he described as a visionary and people-oriented legislator. On his  part,  Senator Sekibo said it was  a way to touch  his constituents  and aaleviate their power  challenges.
Later in the evening of Saturday, the governor, through the Secretary to the State Government addressed participants at a Special Polo tournament to celebrate  50 years of State creation.
Top government functionaries attended the event during which  the  State Government team defeated the state creation committee by 3-0 goals.