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RSG Flags Off Construction Of Rumuogba Flyover Bridge
The construction of the imposing Rumuogba Flyover Bridge in the heart of Port Harcourt has been flagged off by Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde.
Performing the flag-off on behalf of the Rivers State Government, in a ceremony attended by prominent Rivers leaders and traditional rulers, yesterday, the Oyo State governor pointed out that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has developed a legacy of promises kept.
The Rumuogba Flyover Bridge is one of the three flyover bridges that Wike promised the good people of Rivers State during his inauguration for a second term on May 29.
Makinde said: “This is what the Rivers State governor promised the people of Rivers State, and he is delivering on his promise.
“By paying 70 per cent in advance, Governor Wike is saying that there should be no variation. He has provided the yam; he has provided the knife, and nothing should stop the peeling of the yam.
“During his first term, Governor Wike was known as ‘Mr Projects’. Uptill now, he is still ‘Mr Projects’.”
The Oyo State governor said that by investing in good roads, Wike was improving the economy of Rivers State.
“Good roads mean easier commute for the people of Rivers State. This will easily translate to economic development for the state.
“Bad roads mean wastage of man-hour. The investment in roads is for the good of our people.
“With 70 per cent of the funds released, Julius Berger is duty bound to use the funds judiciously. I urge Governor Wike to maintain this energy and momentum”, he said.
Makinde said that the Oyo State Government under his leadership was also delivering democracy dividends to the people of the state, adding that the construction of Iwo Interchange was one of such initiatives.
In his address, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike explained that the Rivers State Government has released 70 per cent of the total contract sum to Julius Berger.
“We will pay the balance when the construction work gets to 90 per cent. We have paid you during the rainy season. So, you will work during rainy season. The 16 months slated for the completion of the three flyover bridges started on the day we paid. That is our agreement with Julius Berger”, he stressed.
Wike announced that the bridge would be called Rumuogba Flyover Bridge.
Lamenting that Artillery was a military concept, Wike pointed out that the Rivers State Government was committed to promoting names of communities where projects are sited.
The governor charged Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to use Rivers people as sub-contractors for the projects.
“We have sourced money to pay for these projects. Therefore, all the sub-contractors should be from Rivers State. We will not be happy with Julius Berger if they do anything different”, he warned.
He urged the traditional ruler of the area to work hard to ensure that the youths cooperate with the contractor to deliver on the project, insisting that he would personally supervise the project to ensure that Julius Berger does not face any hindrance.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr Walter Ndu said that the Rumuogba Flyover Bridge would cover a length of 517.5metres, with a width of 14.6metres.
Ndu also said that the bridge has two roundabouts and would be a dual carriageway, and assured that the ministry would provide the necessary technical supervision to ensure that the project was delivered in line with approved specifications.
Speaking earlier, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuogba Town, Eze Temple Ejekwu, had commended the governor for the project, and urged him to change the name of the bridge from Artillery to Rumuogba Flyover Bridge.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr Daniel Bliss, assured that the company would deliver the work on schedule and in line with specifications.
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon Solomon Eke, said the people of the area were happy with the project delivery efforts of the Rivers State governor, and expressed the readiness of the people of the area to support the state government and the contractor to deliver the project according to schedule.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.