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RSG Declares War Against Street Trading …As Wike Heads Task Force, Sets …April 11 Deadline For Defaulters …Commends Work On Largest Shopping Mall In PH

Published

8 years ago

April 6, 2018

The Rivers State Executive Council has set up a Special Task Force chaired by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to clear illegal traders from major roads and streets in Port Harcourt and its environs.
In a statement issued shortly after the State Executive Council meeting, last Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barrister Emma Okah said the decision to set up a high-powered task force was to demonstrate the irreversible determination of the state government to rid major roads in the state of the environmental hazards and sanitary embarrassment and nuisance which the activities of illegal traders were inflicting on the state and her people.
The statement reads in part, “The Government notes with sadness the recalcitrance of these street traders who have continuously dared the efforts of government to keep our roads and environment clean.
“Sadly, they mess up the environment, litter the roads, cause disorder and contribute nothing by way of tax or otherwise to clean their mess.
“As a government, we owe a duty to those we serve to protect the environment, enhance sanitation and promote order in our state,” Okah said, noting that “illegal traders in our major roads are on the wrong side of the law and will face the right music.
“Consequently, from Thursday, April 12, 2018, the governor of Rivers State will lead members of the Special Task Force, in the first phase of their mandate, to flush illegal traders from the roads and affected streets and restore normalcy. The exercise will be a continuing one until the ugly situation is reversed.
“However, it is necessary to warn that in the course of this exercise, traders caught by the special task force may lose their goods, suffer arrest, face prosecution and possible jail term upon conviction.
“If this happens the consequences may be unpleasant and unattractive for anyone to test the will of the special task force.
“Major roads and spots to be cleared by the task force in the first phase of this exercise include Bishop Okoye Street in Diobu, Garrison, Nitel near Garrison, GRA 2 junction, other parts of GRA Phase 2 where illegal trading is going on, Old GRA, Ikwerre Road, Wimpey Junction, Trans Amadi, etc”, the statement added.
Meanwhile, some street traders in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt last Wednesday appealed to the Rivers State Government to provide them affordable market stalls before enforcing its ban on street trading.
The traders spoke to newsmen in reaction to the government’s recent seven-day ultimatum banning trading activities along Bishop Okoye Street in Diobu, Port Harcourt.
According to them, it would be unfair for the government to drive them out of business without providing an alternative place from them.
One of the traders, Mrs Kechi Wechie, who sells vegetables, appealed to the government not to be hasty about banning trading along Bishop Okoye Street.
“We are aware that we trade along the road; but we have nowhere to go from here, we implore the government to help us.
“What we do here is petty trading, we will be happy to access affordable stalls with the assistance of the government,’’ Wechie said.
On his part, Archibong Matthew, a grinding machine operator, expressed concern at the notice that government had given the traders to quit trading along that street.
“It is from the proceeds of my activities here that I assist my younger ones in school; I pray this notice will not be enforced.
“I will be the greatest victim, I wonder the excuse to give to those that depend on me, I beg the state government to please change its mind,’’ he said.
Our correspondent reports that some residents of Mile Three, Diobu, in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State had in the past appealed to the state government to stop traders from selling along Bishop Okoye Street.
They alleged that the traders there were fond of displaying fish, vegetables and other edibles in the open along the filthy street.
They alleged that they had since stopped buying things displayed on the street for fear of being infected by disease from such items.
In another development, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that the construction of West Africa’s largest supermarket in Nigeria underscores the importance of Port Harcourt as an investment destination.
Speaking after inspecting the ongoing construction of Next Shopping Mall at the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt, recently, Wike stated that his administration would support the investor by reconstructing the roads leading to the mall.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the investment, which he said would create employment opportunities for residents and the host community.
He thanked the private investor, Mr Ndibe Obi for choosing Port Harcourt for the mall, saying that the city has all the facilities that would attract credible private investors.
Wike said: “I am highly impressed by what I have seen here today. We will encourage the investor who has put in his resources and time to see that this is done in Port Harcourt. We encourage others to come to Port Harcourt.
“In supporting him, we will make sure that the roads leading to this facility are reconstructed to enhance the value of the shopping mall.
“I have never seen anything like this in any part of this country. If this becomes operational, it will send signals to other people that the best place to invest is Port Harcourt”.
Wike said: “So, I thank the private investor for choosing Port Harcourt to build this kind of supermarket”.
In his remarks, the Private Investor, Mr Ndibe Obi said that the mall would house an 11,000-square metre supermarket which would sell all types of products.
Obi said that facility would create 600 direct and indirect employments for residents of the state and the host community.

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Fubara Pledges Cleaner Gateway To PH City …Visits New Dumpsite At Igwuruta

Published

6 days ago

October 24, 2025

The Tide

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.

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Fubara Tasks New SSG On Honour, Service, Protection Of Rivers Interest

Published

2 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

The Tide

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.

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Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women

Published

2 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

The Tide

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage nationwide, declaring that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers State will surpass all previous records in scope and success.

Speaking through the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this statement during the flag-off ceremony of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.

The campaign, implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.

“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”

Rivers State is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV. The local rollout is expected to commence in February, 2026, reaching children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.

Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” noting that Rubella can cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by pregnant women.

“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” she emphasised.

Narrowing down to efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, she noted how instrumental it has been in ensuring comprehensive outreach through an inter-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, traditional and religious leaders, and the security sector.

Senator Tinubu urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers.

“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.

“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.

In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State, noting that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marks “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”

She highlighted the particular benefit to the girl-child through HPV vaccination, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”

The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government, describing the campaign as “a worthy step in the right direction,” and reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership in achieving health for all.

Earlier, the RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, welcomed guests, and reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.

“These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies,” she added.