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Leaders Extol Wike’s Dev Strides …As Gov Receives 2017 Silverbird, The Sun Awards
Political and business leaders across the country have extolled the outstanding development strides of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike even as he continues to garner accolades and awards from diverse corporate organisations and institutions nationally and internationally.
The commendations poured in, last Friday night as the governor was enthroned the Silverbird Man of the Year 2017, after majority of Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for him following his nomination by the management of Silverbird Group.
Presenting the Silverbird Man of the Year 2017 award to the Rivers State Governor at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar described Wike as a worthy leader who was laying the right foundation for the rapid development of the state.
Atiku said: “I have witnessed virtually all administrations in Rivers State. I have not seen an administration that has done so much, within a short time as that of Governor Wike.
“Believe me; Governor Wike is laying the foundation for the prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria. This is a remarkable achievement that I find difficult to locate in any part of the country. I congratulate the people of Rivers State for having you as a governor”.
The former vice president commended Wike for his efforts at connecting Opobo-Nkoro to the mainland, saying he was elated when the Rivers State governor showed him the road in the state’s projects compendium.
Also speaking, Chairman of Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce said the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike emerged the Silverbird Man of the Year on the strength of votes by the people.
“This award was voted by the people of Nigeria. In other words, it was earned. I am honoured to know a man called Governor Wike. He is a terrific governor, Mr Projects”, he said.
Murray-Bruce explained that Wike focuses on the development of the state through delivery of projects and programmes.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike assured Rivers people that he remains committed to the development of the state.
Wike said: “My commitment is and has been to promote, defend and advance the best interest of our people, and contribute to the progress of our state and nation.
“Today, I am very honoured to receive this award because it represents the very ideals that sustain my interest in public service”.
The governor said that his administration was inaugurated during a period of financial crisis, but he chose to be different, instead of giving all manner of excuses like the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
“We refused to be daunted by the rot we inherited. Today, the testimonies are everywhere that Rivers State Government is working very well for our people”, he said.
Wike dedicated the award to the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers.
He also dedicated the award to his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike.
The governor said that the situation in Nigeria was precarious. He said that Nigerians have no choice but to work together in the interest of the nation.
The award also witnessed several other categories of the award.
Meanwhile, for the second year running, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has been honoured as The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year.
He emerged as the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year 2017, last Saturday, at an award ceremony held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Presenting the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year award to Wike, Publisher of Sun Newspapers and former Abia State Governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu said the Rivers State governor deserves the award in view of his outstanding performance.
He said that Wike made history by becoming the first governor to win the award back to back, and urged the Rivers State governor to maintain the tempo of development in the state.
He said that the Sun Newspaper is a platform that represents all interest groups in Nigeria, noting that it basically works for the growth and development of the country.
Receiving the award, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike assured that his administration will continue to deliver quality projects and programmes for the benefit of Rivers people.
He stated that he was determined to always make Rivers people happy by sustaining his performance.
The governor said: “We will continue to deliver quality projects and programmes for the good people of Rivers State. We will not lower our performance.
“All local government areas of Rivers State have been touched by the administration. It is either a school or hospital or road. Every local government area has one project or the other”, Wike emphasised.
He said the only way that the state will continue to defeat the Federal Government and the security agencies is the sustenance of the delivery of sustainable projects.
The governor added that the only state that can never be defeated is Rivers State, adding that the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government’s only agenda is to rig elections, pointing out that the people of the state will resist any attempt to undermine the electoral process.
He said that Rivers State was developing very fast because all the people were working in unity.
After the award ceremony, a reception was held by Rivers people in honour of the Rivers State governor.
Speaking at the reception, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio said that Wike will be re-elected on the basis of his outstanding performance and not on the basis of party consideration.
Akpabio explained that the former Governor, Dr Peter Odili took Rivers State to Nigeria, while Wike has taken the state to the world.
He said: “We came here to celebrate a son of the Niger Delta and a humanist who believes in development”.
Also speaking, National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus described the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike as a genuine development expert who has touched all areas in the state.
Secondus said one of the miracles of the Wike-led administration was the fact that Unity Road has been extended to Opobo Town and nearby communities.
Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Hon Zakari Mohammed said Governor Wike was a shining star that delivers on critical areas to improve the living condition of the people.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Chibudom Nwuche said the award to the Rivers State governor was for the entire people of the state.
Nwuche said that in all the decisions that leaders take, they must always factor in the interest of the people.
In their separate speeches, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani and the Head of Service of Rivers State, Barrister Rufus Godwins praised the governor for providing the right leadership that has improved the fortunes of the state.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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