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Mass Projects Commissioning In Rivers, Soon -Wike …Flags Off Water Projects Execution In Two LGAs
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that the State Government will commission several key projects between May and December 2018.
The governor spoke yesterday after leading members of the National Assembly, Elder Statesmen and the management of Leadership Newspaper on projects inspection.
Governor Wike will be enthroned as the Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year 2017 on March 29, 2018.
Governor Wike said that majority of the key projects under construction will come on stream in May, while others will be completed after the third anniversary.
He assured the people of Rivers State that his administration will never take the mandate of the people for granted, saying that he will continue to deliver pro-people projects.
“From May to December, 2018, we shall be commissioning projects on a regular basis. I am happy with the quality and pace of work at the project sites.
“My joy is that we have lived up to the expectations of Rivers people and we have made our party, the PDP very happy. The projects will continue for the good of our people “.
Commenting on the State Cultral Centre which is nearing completion, Governor Wike noted that that all the furniture of the facility are in place for the targeted May 2018 completion.
Governor Wike took the Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Mr Sam Nda’Isaiah on a tour of Port Harcourt Pleasure Park Cinema and Restaurants, Cultural Centre, Creek Road, Bonny/Bille/Nembe Jetty, Judges Quarters,Mother and Child Hospital, Produce House, Court of Appeal and National Industrial Court.
Speaking on behalf of the Leadership Group, Director Leadership Group, Mr Michael Okpere commended Governor Wike for turning Rivers State into a major construction site.
He said: “These projects generate employment, they generate revenue and the create opportunities for the people”.
Senator Representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu said that the projects inspection have revealed a high level competent management of resources by Governor Wike.
He said: “I see high level management of resources. I see diligence. I see a man who is after the utility of these projects. If we have been doing this kind of well articulated projects in the past, the state would have moved far beyond the level we are today.
“I was a Finance Commissioner , I didnt see this level of coordination. Even though there was vision, but coordination is very important. I see the perfect liaison between coordination and vision”.
Former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo said that the projects being executed by Governor Wike touch the core of the existence of Rivers people.
He said: “You keep seeing new things . Having worked in this state all these years, I see the projects that we visit are projects that touch the core of the Rivers man. I am most impressed.
“All I can say is that we have finally seen a man who is doing what the Rivers people want. Let us all stand behind him , give him support, give him peace , so he can continue to do what he is doing. These are beautiful projects and we thank God for what Governor Wike is doing for us”.
As usual, Rivers people turned out in their numbers to celebrate Governor Wike on projects inspection.
Meanwhile, in continuation of the state-wide roll out of projects, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Wednesday, flagged off the execution of Rivers State Government, European Union and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Water and Sanitation projects in two local government areas.
Performing the flag off at Nkoro town school in Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.