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We’re Building Better Future For Rivers – Wike
As activities to mark the state Golden Jubilee anniversary gathers momentum, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says his administration was on the path to achieve a new vision for posterity.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee Traditional Rulers Day celebrations tagged: “Traditional Institution In Nigeria and the Challenge of Re-Engineering Viable Local Economies”, at Obi Wali International Conference Centre, last Wednesday, in Port Harcourt, Wike held that plans have begun to give the state a better future.
He said, “This celebration provides us opportunity to plan where this state will be in the next 50 years, and it’s the best way to immortalize the sacrifices of our founding fathers.”
The governor asserted that the celebrations underscore the liberation of the people from oppression, as it gave them the opportunity to be free and assert themselves in the polity.
Wike said traditional rulers played great role in the state’s creation and development of the state, arguing that they still have greater role to play since they exert influence on their subjects at the grassroots.
It’s against this backdrop, he explained that his administration was ensuring that the status of the traditional institution was upgraded to ensure that government policies and programmes are embraced at the local areas, and therefore, enjoined the local government councils to incorporate them in their activities.
Urging royal fathers to remain apolitical, Wike pointed out that they have huge responsibilities to develop the youth and drive local economy, while decrying the rising use of illicit drugs and violence at the rural areas.
He nonetheless submitted that his administration was working hard to put the state on the path of development, emphasizing that, “We are on the way to achieve a new vision for Rivers State.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and Amayanabo of Opobo Kingodm, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, described the celebrations as a dream come true for River State.
As drivers of the local economy and development, Jaja suggested that government can exploit the roles of the traditional institution to transform the state.
He thanked the governor for the people-oriented projects done over the years, as he urged him not to relent in the quest to move the state forward.
In his remarks, the first governor and military administrator of Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, assured that the state has come to stay and was of age now.
The Amayanabo of Twon Brass sued for unity among the people, and wished the governor and people of the state a great future.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has sued for unity among traditional rulers in the state, just as the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, challenged traditional rulers to partner government at all levels to engender peace and sustainable development for the betterment of all.
He said, “We must be ready to explore new avenues and ideas as veritable tools of peace and engagement and traditional rulers need to be fully engaged.”
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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