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Rivers Agog As Wike Flags Off NAFEST …Stakeholders Hail Peace In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike yesterday declared open the 31st National Council for Arts and Culture, NAFEST Rivers 2018, amid pomp and ceremony at the imposing Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Governor Wike dressed in beautiful Rivers traditional attire with a walking stick to match, stated that NAFEST 2018 will serve as a unifying force for the country .
With the theme: “Nigeria: Our Festivals, Our Heritage”, NAFEST Rivers 2018, attracted 18 States of the federation, Rivers State included.
The governor said culture empowers humanity by improving inter-personal relationships, noting that NAFEST is a platform for the states to make the most of the nation’s culture.
He said: ‘Whether we agree or not, our diversity is what defines and binds us as a nation under the glorious sun. Although our tribes and tongues may differ, we are a nation bound by a common destiny and firmly glued together by the spirit of brotherhood, cultural harmony, and inter-ethnic solidarity instead of discord, tribalism, nepotism and sectionalism.
” What is imperative therefore is for us to take full advantage of the innate strength in our diversity together with our incredible human and natural resource endowments to build a just, united and prosperous country for the present and future generations.”
Governor Wike added that the essence of the festival is to promote national peace, unity and cohesion.
Governor Wike said: “Over the years, NAFEST has become the veritable platform for the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to meet, showcase and make the most of our cultures and diversity.
”In addition to celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of our country, NAFEST also provides the opportunity for cultural activism with the use of creative images and expressions to engage or take on our leaders on the politics of nation-building, human rights, regional integration, inter-ethnic harmony, national peace and development.”
In his remarks, Director General of NAFEST, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe commended Governor Wike for for making history for the people of Rivers State.
He said: “Almighty God will repay Governor Wike for his contributions to the peace that he is promoting “.
Runsewe said that Rivers State is peaceful, that is why the state is hosting several international and national events. He said that outside Lagos and Abuja, Port Harcourt enjoys the highest air traffic and hotel patronage in the country.
Rivers State Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Oniyide Briggs said that Rivers State is fully prepared to host the very best NAFEST since its inception.
Chairman of the events, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra said that Rivers State is the choice of all major national events because of its strategic peaceful nature.
All the states that participated at the event displayed splendid cultures and dances as they paraded round the stadium.
The 23 Local Government Areas of the state also displayed their rich culture and tradition.
Youths spiced up the event with wonderful calisthenic displays that thrilled the thousands of spectators at NAFEST Rivers 2018
Speaking to journalists during the official opening ceremony at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide said that NAFEST 2018 would unite the people of Nigeria.
Oniyide, who is also the chairperson, Planning Committee of NAFEST, Rivers 2018, further stressed that “as the 36 states in the country gather together today to showcase their different cultures and styles, unity, development and love will be achieved”, adding that the unity of the country would be enhanced through the display of the different cultures.
She pointed out that NAFEST stood as a symbol of peace and unity, noting that the hosting the event in the state was an indication that Rivers State was safe for investors and tourists.
Briggs-Oniyide urged investors to take full advantage of the peaceful environment in Rivers State to invest, enjoy and do their businesses without any fear of insecurity, explaining that this year’s event was the third time the state was hosting NAFEST, the highest of any state in the country.
“His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike, the people’s governor, who has the welfare of the people at heart has ensured peace in Rivers State since he came into office, and as you can see, Rivers State is safe. So, I want to urge all investors and those coming to Rivers State for the first time to go back with a new understanding that Rivers State is a safe haven for businesses to thrive,” she said.
Also speaking, the former Nigeria Ambassador to South Korea, Amb. Desmond Akawor noted that one major milestone of NAFEST 2018 was that “Rivers State is safe to host any national event as well as businesses”.
Akawor, therefore, urged visitors to Rivers State to invest and partner with people to advance development, noting that “Rivers culture and what our people are known for have been displayed to promote the rich heritage of the state”.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, Culture and Tourism, Gombe State, Reynolds Ali Kabiny noted that he was in Rivers State for the first time and was impressed by what he has witnessed, which was different from what he had heard about the state before the visit.
Kabiny stated that with what he has witnessed, Rivers State was peaceful and a great haven for investors, adding that the hosting of NAFEST 2018 by the Rivers State Government, was quite commendable.
He thanked the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for finding it worthy to host the programme, saying, “I believe that at the end of the day, those that participated in the NAFEST 2018 ceremony will see the value in this country coming together as one.”
In her reaction, Ogun State representative, Tope Ogungbe, expressed joy for the opportunity to participate in NAFEST 2018 in Port Harcourt, admitting that the people of Rivers State were very friendly and peaceful.
“I really feel good about this NAFEST here in Rivers State. We know that we will see the reach cultural heritage of the Rivers people. They have been very friendly and hospitable since we came into the state. I feel very happy and excited because this will also unite the people of Nigeria,” Ogungbe added.
Ogungbe thanked the Rivers State governor for hosting a well-organised NAFEST 2018, adding that it would help facilitate the unity of the people of Nigeria.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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.