Featured
Three Flyover Bridges: Wike Seeks Traders, Residents’ Cooperation …As RSG Moves Ease Of Doing Business Council Inauguration To Monday …Sets Up Task Force To Enforce Illegal Private Schools’ Closure
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on traders and residents to cooperate with the Rivers State Government to deliver the Rebisi, Rumuogba and Okoro-Nu-Odo flyover bridges on schedule.
Wike, yesterday, moved from Shop to Shop at Rebisi (Former Garrison) and Rumuogba (Former Artillery) flyover bridges sites, personally appealing to the traders and residents to vacate the buildings marked for demolition.
The governor urged the traders and residents to make sacrifices, since the flyover bridges will be in the interest of all residents of the state.
He said: “I have come to speak to them, let them appreciate our efforts better. Now times are hard, but they have to understand with us.
“I took it upon myself to personally explain to them that the time we notified them has elapsed. But I have extended it to Tuesday next week, after which demolition will start.
“I am here because I don’t want Julius Berger to have excuses. These bridges must be delivered on schedule”.
Wike said that though the exercise is painful, all residents must contribute to ensure the flyover bridges are delivered.
“I am here to personally appeal to the people because I feel their pain. But this is a sacrifice everyone must make for the state to move forward.
“To do three flyover bridges the same time is not an easy task. Therefore, we must work hard to achieve the target. The Target is that Julius Berger must hand over the three flyover bridges on February 20, 2021.
“It is about one year from now, the time will elapse and people will start saying nothing was done. We don’t want such a situation”.
Wike said that the Rivers State Government has paid compensation to the owners of the marked houses, pointing out that they were duly notified that the demolition would take place. He, however, said that he decided to visit the traders to give the entire process a human face.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has moved the scheduled inauguration of the committee on Ease of Doing Business originally scheduled for today, to next Monday.
A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, yesterday, said that the postponement was due to other pressing engagements of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The statement reads: “This is to inform you that the earlier scheduled inauguration of members of ‘The State Ease of Doing Business Council (EoDBC)’ by His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has been postponed, due to other pressing state engagements.
“The inauguration will now hold on Monday, January 13, 2020.
“The time and venue remains the same – 11:00 am, the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt.”
Earlier in a statement, the commissioner had indicated that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike would inaugurate the members of the State Ease of Doing Business Council (EoDBC), today.
The statement had said that the event will take place at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt by 11am.
According to the statement, the council will be chaired by the state Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, while the Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning would serve as Secretary/Coordinator.
The statement further said the chairman, or representative of the House Committee on Commerce, the chairman, or representative of the Internal Revenue Service, representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the President, Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, as well as one other to be appointed by the governor on public interest would serve as members.
It, therefore, urged all members to be seated by 10:30am.
The statement had read, “The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, will on Friday inaugurate the members of ‘The State Ease of Doing Business Council (EoDBC)’.
“Members of the Council are: Deputy Governor, Chairman, Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning — Secretary/co-ordinator, Commissioner, or representative of Ministry of Commerce, member, Attorney General and Commissioner or representative, Ministry of Justice, member.”
Others include are, Commissioner, or representative, Ministry of Finance, member, Chairman, or Representative, House Committee on Commerce, member, Chairman, or representative, Internal Revenue Services, member, a representative of the Central Bank, member, President, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, (Rivers State), member, President, Nigeria Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (Rivers State), member and one other to be appointed by the Governor on Public Interest.
“All members are expected to be at the venue by 10:30am,” the statement said.
“I am here to give this construction process a human process. You supported me, but this is for the good of the people”, he said.
Wike was accompanied by officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Works and Engineers of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
The governor also inspected ongoing reconstruction of major roads in the Old GRA Residential Area of Port Harcourt.
Also, the Rivers State Executive Council has approved the setting up of a Task Force to enforce the closure of illegal private schools across the state.
Addressing journalists after the First State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, the Commissioner of Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim said that the Task Force will ensure that only approved schools operate in the state.
He also stated that the State Executive Council set up two committees to allocate stalls at the Ogbunabali Fruit Garden Market and the Rumuwoji Market.
He said that the two Executive Council Committees have up to the end of the month to conclude the allocation of the stalls.
He said: “Government is desirous to ensure that the people of Rivers State enjoy the dividends of democracy during the second term of Governor Wike.”
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.
Featured
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.