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Projects’ Funding Not Problem, Wike Assures
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that his administration has always set aside funds for any project that it awards.
He stated that this was the reason why there would be no abandoned project at the end of his tenure in the state.
Wike gave the explanation after inspecting the Junior Doctors’ Residential Quarters and the Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt.
The governor said he has continued to fulfil the promise of executing quality projects in every sector, adding that the reconstruction of the Junior Doctors’ Quarters was one of such projects.
He stated that when completed, the quarters would enhance the productivity of doctors.
“The extent of work we saw at the Junior Doctors’ Quarters is very astonishing. We had promised to touch every sector to improve productivity of workers.
“Any project we want to embark upon, we make sure that there are funds for them. We want to complete every project awarded by us.
“What you’ve seen there is work still at the foundation level. It is very solid and you will only understand it when the structures are out of the ground. There are no less than 46 one-bedroom flats for the Junior Doctors,” he said.
At the Real Madrid Football Academy located at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, the governor expressed delight at the extent of work so far, and explained that academic and sporting activities cannot begin at the academy until the Federal Government directs the reopening of schools.
Wike, however, directed the Special Adviser on Real Madrid Football Academy, Christopher Green, to commence the screening of applicants in preparation for the opening and full utilisation of the facilities at the world-class academy.
“The Real Madrid Football Academy is conceived to give skills to our youths. Those of them who are talented in football will continue with it, and others will face academics.
“This is first of its kind in Africa, and we appreciate our partnership with Real Madrid, Spain. Already, they have trained our coaches who are now eager to start work.
“Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic is preventing it. By the time the Federal Government directs for schools to reopen, we hope to be ready.
“The special adviser should start the admission process. Those who are qualified will be admitted and made to hold on for resumption. Our decision is that 70 per cent admission will be for Rivers people while 30 per cent will be for others.
“Nobody will come here and not be happy with what we have done,” he emphasised.
Also speaking, Elders Statesman, Chief Sergeant Awuse, described the work at the Real Madrid Football Academy as a fantastic concept well executed.
“It is good to know it’s the first in Africa. The governor is doing it not minding the cost because of his passion.
“It is for the development of Rivers youths and Nigerians. This is leadership in action. He has continued to build enduring structures for posterity,” Awuse added.
Former Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dr Chidi Lloyd, said the governor was strengthening institutions with his deliberate execution of projects in all the sectors.
“It is obvious he is addressing the three domains of education with the Real Madrid Football Academy. This is for comprehensive development of Rivers youths.
“I admire him so much because he has a personal touch to all his projects. He supervises them to ensure that the agreed standard is delivered in order to have value for money.
“He has provided accommodation facilities to judges, and is also doing so to doctors. I tell you, when workers are comfortable, they can resist taking of bribe,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Real Madrid Football Academy, Christopher Green, said about 1,000 applications have been received from across the world and Spain for enrolment into the academy.
Green assured that with the directive given by the governor, he would begin the screening of applications, and prepare the successful applicants for resumption of activities.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.