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US Hails Wike For End To Militancy …Says Only Nigerians Have Solution To Nation’s Problems
The United States Consul General, John Bray has commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for putting an end to militancy and also bringing pipeline vandalism to zero level in the state.
Bray also said that Rivers State would be safer and preferred destination for investors soonest, if election violence was put in check.
The Consul General stated this, yesterday, when he visited Belema Oil on the sidelines of the second edition of the two-day Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Conference of Emerging Entrepreneurs organised for super young entrepreneurs at the Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), University of Port Harcourt.
Bray noted that Nigeria was going into a very serious political period in its history as the momentum for the 2019 general elections gathers steam.
He said that the months ahead would test the ability and capacity of Nigerians to overcome the many challenges that the 2019 elections may throw up.
The consul general counselled the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to ensure free, fair, transparent and non-violent elections in the state as a veritable means of attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) to the state, adding that the world was waiting to see this achieved in Rivers State.
“When I was speaking with Governor Nyesom Wike last night, I said ‘if you want investors to come, let’s have free, fair, transparent and non-violent elections in Rivers State. Let the world see that’.”
Bray noted that some of the most terrible cases of election violence in the past were reported in Rivers State, adding that if this negative notion about the state changes, then investors may be willing to come back to the state to do business.
The US consul general said that by 2030, Nigeria was going to be one of the countries with the highest rate of unemployed youth based on available statistics, adding that what was important in the lives of the people of Rivers State, especially the youth and graduates was how and where to secure meaningful employment to withstand the stress of overpopulation.
He charged Nigerians to turn their challenges into opportunities that would better their lives, family members and the society at large.
Meanwhile, the United States Government has stated that only Nigerians have solutions to the avalanche of challenges confronting Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, insisting that the United States has no solution to Nigeria’s problems.
Speaking during the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) second edition of the Conference for Emerging Entrepreneurs at the Institute of Petroleum Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, yesterday, the Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Lagos, Darcy Zotter noted that those looking up to the United States for solution to Nigeria’s problems were missing the point, as according to her, Nigerians hold the key to all the challenges besetting the country.
She stated further that Nigeria has all its takes to have a positive and progressive future, adding that all that was required was to put the right tools, skills and ideas in place.
“As a foreigner, people always ask how do I feel about the future of Nigeria in terms of security challenges and economic down turn, among others, but we believe that with the right tools in place, Nigeria has a positive future.”
According to Zotter, “when people try to point out or remind me of the negative things about Nigeria and Nigerians, I refuse to accept or agree with them; rather I prefer the positive sides of Nigeria and Nigerians.”
She explained that the American Consulate was training emerging entrepreneurs from Nigeria because the United States sees huge potentials in Nigeria and Nigerians.
Zotter pointed out that America believes that with the right tools and skills, Nigeria has a bright future, and disclosed that the success story of the first edition of the conference held in Lagos influenced the decision to replicate the conference in Port Harcourt.
She said with the success story of last year’s training, the consulate has confidence that it could work with the right partner to successfully raise entrepreneurs.
“The United States and Nigeria have a long standing relationship and the position of American Government is to celebrate Nigeria’s economic potentials as well as amplify her potentials,” she noted.
Also speaking, the US Consul General, John Bray assured the young entrepreneurs at the two-day training programme of the support of the US Government to enable them build the networks needed to launch their businesses.
Bray also noted that there was growing evidence that entrepreneurs the world over were drivers of job growth, either by creating micro, small or medium enterprises, adding that entrepreneurs contribute to creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities.
He emphasized that since the launch of YALI in 2010, it has been investing in the next generation of African leaders in business, government and civil society.
“After being aware of the ongoing number of people in Africa, the Department of State decided to commit significant resources in order to enhance African youth’s leadership skills and bolster entrepreneurship.”
He, therefore, charged “the super young entrepreneurs to brace up to the yielding entrepreneurial trend, by dreaming big, explore, discover and to do more, adding that they were assets to Nigeria as well as stakeholders and creators of Nigeria’s future.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said his government has provided conducive environment for entrepreneurial motivations in the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the governor said through its Microfinance Agency and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Rivers State Government was providing soft loans to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
He said the state government has also provided interest-free government-backed bank loans to 25 private medical institutions, stressing that the government was also harmonising taxes in the state to provide an enabling environment for growth and stability of enterprises.
According to him, the state government has approved a Rivjobs Project, aimed at tackling the prevalent challenges organizations face in finding quality talents to recruit, while job seekers find it difficult to get notification on job openings within the state.
The platform the governor said, would also provide online training that exposes our youth to entrepreneurial skills, stressing that government have also approved the development and launch of Rivers Creek Tech, to serve as a habitat to support tech entrepreneurship and innovation.
Earlier in her remarks, founder of the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, Ms Omawale Ogunrinde said her organisation has a verifiable success story as the academy builds businesses that support the family and communities.
She said that products of the conference have become employers of labour because entrepreneurship was all about knowing how to generate wealth and to solve problems.
The Tide reports participating 120 emerging entrepreneurs were selected from the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network members across Nigeria.
The YALI Network in Nigeria has more than 150,000 registered members who have access to free online courses and events to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Resource persons at the conference include Tonye Cole of Sahara Group; Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals; Zizi Cardow, an award winning designer, Iyin Aboyeji of Andela, among others.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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.
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
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.