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Massive Projects Delivery: Wike, A Refiner’s Fire -Dogara …As Obi Of Onitsha Counts Rivers Luck To Have Gov …NUJ Hails Wike On NIPR Honour
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara has described the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike as a refiner’s fire and a fullers’ soap, who has diligently transformed Rivers State.
He spoke, last Friday, when he commissioned the Woji-Elelenwo Dual Carriageway and Bridge, a major inter-change between three local government areas of Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt and Eleme.
Dogara said: “This governor is a consummation of excellence. He is a representative of a refiner’s fire and a fuller’s soap. A refiner’s fire separates impurities from the gold and leaves the gold intact.
“Refiner’s fire brings out the best. A fuller’s soup removes dirt and leaves the cloth sparkling clean. I am exceedingly proud of what Governor Wike has done”, Dogara said.
He congratulated the people of Rivers State for the luck of having Wike whose excellent performance was unparallel.
The speaker noted that though he belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a parliamentarian, the entire country was his constituency, adding that only tribalists were restricted to their tribes and political parties.
According to him, democracy has no place for tribalists, because they don’t value performance.
“I wonder why someone will look at this project, and say nothing exists. If that is the case, the person is a tribalist. As citizens, we celebrate excellence, and we must celebrate Governor Wike”, the speaker said.
He said that in some other states, projects of the nature of Woji-Elelenwo Dual Carriageway would be celebrated for weeks, and noted that in view of the developmental nature of the major projects outlined by Wike, President Muhammadu Buhari would honour the invitation of Rivers State Government to perform the commissioning.
Dogara stated that the people of Rivers State know what they did concerning Wike in the past, and also know what to do concerning him, moving forward.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that Nigerians need democracy dividends and not party politics, stressing that he invited Dogara to commission the dual carriageway because pro-people projects transcend inter-party rivalry.
The governor revealed that there was an attempt to distract the Rivers State Government, noting that the Federal Government has once again arranged the refund of state funds used for federal projects, but excluded Rivers State from benefiting from the initiative.
Speaking further, Wike disclosed that the Mother and Child Hospital, Saakpenwa-Bori Road and Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road would be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the state government would not commission the project until the President was available to do the needful.
On the Woji-Elelenwo Road, Wike said that though the road was awarded by the Chibuike Amaechi government in 2009, the administration failed to fund it, leading to its abandonment in 2012.
“This project is very useful. That is why we chose to complete it. There was no road here at the time we came. We completed the road and the bridge. We have paid the contractor up to 95 per cent.
“This road is an alternative route to Trans-Amadi-Slaughter Road. Ordinarily, we would have tolled it, but due to our love for the people, we will not toll it”, Wike said.
He said that the road was awarded by the previous administration at N3billion, and revalued by the same administration to N11billion before his administration took office in 2015, and assured the people of Rivers State that he would never disappoint them.
In his remarks, Rivers State Works Commissioner, Hon Dumnamene Dekor said the road was constructed on a swampy area, with a beautiful flyover, streetlights, an under-pass and 750-metre bridge.
Also speaking, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Prince Noble Amadi said the road would help in developing the economy of Woji and Elelenwo communities, and praised the Rivers State governor for several key projects in Obio/Akpor, which have raised the standard of living of the people.
After the commissioning, the people of Elelenwo staged a street celebration where they danced with the governor on the brand new road.
The governor also set aside protocol to hug and celebrate with the excited people of Elelenwo.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has joined millions of Rivers people and Nigerians across the world to felicitated with the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, over the honorary award of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) bestowed on him, and his appointment as patron of the state chapter of the institute at its 2018 State Conference in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
In a statement, Chairman of the council, Omoni Ayo-Tamuno, noted that going by the antecedents of the governor, particularly in terms of infrastructural development, it was not surprising that he met the NIPR criteria to earn the double honours.
According to the NUJ chairman, “if honour must be given to whom it is due, the governor (Wike) has done a lot in three years. There is no better way to encourage him to do more than appreciate his effort”.
While emphasizing on the governor’s call for the NIPR to go beyond professionalism to improve the faith of the country, Ayo-Tamuno appealed to government at all levels to also recognize professionals in all fields of endeavour in their appointments.
“This is one way to put square pegs in square holes, and it will reflect on general governance in the country at large”, he said.
The NUJ chairman also congratulated Pastor Paulinus Nsirim for emerging chairman of the state chapter of the NIPR at the end of elections at the 2018 Conference of the institute.
“Pastor Nsirim, who is currently the permanent secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, and former chairman of the Rivers State Council of the NUJ, will no doubt bring a lot of experience to bear as chairman of NIPR. The Rivers State Council of the NUJ heartily celebrates with our own”, he added.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo
