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RSG Approves RSU Campus Take Off …Tasks Lecturers On Research Breakthroughs
The Rivers State Government has approved the proposed expansion of the services of Rivers State University and has directed the immediate take off of the Emouha campus with two faculties.
The State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike stated this during the 31stconvocation ceremony of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo (RSU), in Port Harcourt last Saturday, 8th June, 2019.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Governor Wike said the Ahoada campus would follow as soon as the necessary infrastructure is put in place.
“I assure you that these campuses will be developed to international standards with all the faculties they require to deliver more career opportunities and quality education services to our state and country,” Governor Wike stressed.
He said the state government under his watch would continue to invest a reasonable portion of available resources in human capital development to equip our youths with the right skills and competences to provide leadership and advance our individual and collective progress.
“For the first time in our development we have devoted 18% of our budget to fund human capital development. We are therefore happy with today’s graduation ceremony which greatly signifies the results of our consistent and responsive investments in valuable human capital development for our state and nation,” he further stressed.
Governor Wike urged the management of the university to go beyond the yearly ritual of graduating students and become a research based university in view of the important role universities play in the socio-economic development of states and nations.
Governor Wike enjoined the graduands to use their knowledge and skills acquired not only to advance their individual careers but also to build the state and make a difference in our society through hard work, creativity and commitment to their vision which must be clear and objective.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of RSU, Hon. Justice Iche Ndu (rtd) said with the support of Governor Wike, the Visitor, the Governing Council in conjunction with the Senate and Management have built and furnished the Faculty of Education Complex, College of Medical Sciences, established the faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences for the newly created Ahoada campus.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Blessing Didia who expressed delight at the re-election of Governor Wike for a second term said the University would award First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctorate degrees to a total of 3,924 graduands.
According to him, the university has continued to maintain zero tolerance to social vices like cultism, examination malpractices, extortion of money from students as well as sexual harassment of female students by lecturers.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says the Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt was old enough to record major research breakthroughs of note in the areas of science and technology development going by the arrays of professors in its payroll.
The state chief executive, therefore, tasked the university’s management, staff and students to go beyond the yearly rituals of graduating students to a research-based institution as a critical partner in development of the state and nation.
He said it was not enough for the university to see the performance of participation of its students in university competitions as important achievements without a corresponding attainment in research breakthroughs, and urged the affected persons to take the challenge.
Wike stated this while addressing management and students of the university during the 31st convocation ceremony of the institution held at the Convocation Arena in Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo announced that the state government has approved the immediate take-off of the Emohua Campus of the university as part of the government’s expansion efforts on the university, while the Ahoada Campus will follow suit when infrastructure have been completed.
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
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.
