News
RSG Unveils Winners Of Int’l Painting Contest
The Rivers State Government has unveiled three winners of an International Painting Competition, who were selected in faraway Dubai, United Arab Emirates for their outstanding performance.
The winners are Mr Dumbor Debeeh, who hails from Gokana Local Government Area of the State; Mr Oscar Taribo Tamgba, a Bachelor of Arts Degree holder in Painting, who hails from Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area; and Mr Samuel Nwankwo, the State Publicity Secretary of the Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA), who has been teaching Fine Art in Port Harcourt for over six years.
As part of the rewards for their outstanding performance in the competition, which had participants drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state, the winners would be travelling to Dubai in a few months’ time under the watch of Mr Diseye Tantua.
The competition was organised by the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) in collaboration with the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing. RSTDA, a parastatal under the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has earmarked a lot of programmes aimed at changing the narrative of the state for the better with a view to building bridges internationally and locally for the state as well as growing the wealth of the State.
Speaking while unveiling the winners at the RSTDA’s Office in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, who was visibly elated, expressed delight that the winners had through their outstanding performance showcased their talents to the world and put the state on the global map in the areas of creativity and tourism.
Danagogo, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, SSG’s Office, Mr George C. Nwaeke said the Covid-19 pandemic has been a blessing in disguise to the state, as it has given it an opportunity to show to the whole world that there are abundant talents in Rivers State.
While thanking the Director General of RSTDA, Mr Yibo Koko for his innovative strides, he said there is the need for parastatals in the state to work with their parent Ministries.
Danagogo thanked Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing for partnering with the state government, saying, “Rivers State is a very important place in Nigeria. We will continue to partner with you.”
In a goodwill message, the Director of International Operations, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Stella Fubara-Obinwa, said Dubai has long been associating with Nigeria, pointing out that several months ago, Dubai wanted to create collaboration with countries and with Nigeria.
According to her, “We got an approval from RSTDA’s Director General to promote arts in Rivers State.”
She noted that the painting competition expected participants to capture Dubai in their artistic eyes, and it was open to the 23 local government areas of the state.
At the end of the day, she said the winners were selected to broaden their horizon and to give them encouragement not necessarily in monetary form, stressing that the lucky winners would be visiting Dubai in months to come.
Fubara-Obinwa further indicated that the winners would be given three icons, one each as supported pieces of technologies to crown their efforts.
While thanking the RSTDA’s Director General and the state government, she said the competition had never been done in any other country, as it was the first of its kind in the world.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Oniyide, who described the RSTDA’s director general as the doyen of culture and tourism in the state, congratulated him on the bold initiative and on his efforts in the development of the culture and tourism sector, saying, “We will continue to encourage him. We are proud of him. He is one man that knows his onions.”
Oniyide thanked the partner, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, for involving Rivers State in its projects.
“We are proud of you always,” she said.
In his speech, the Director General of RSTDA, Mr Yibo Koko, said celebrating the colours of the state, rich and progressive diversities to grow a sustainable tourism economy in the state has always been the strategic vehicle of growth that drives the operations of the agency, adding that with the abundant human and material resources in the state, the state has a rich creative space to be explored and exploited by the agency and others in order to create wealth for the state.
Among dignitaries that graced the occasion included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communions, Barrister Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo; who represented the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Monday Yaimonay; among others.
The winners, who spoke with newsmen, expressed delight for emerging winners, saying the competition had made their dreams of excelling in their chosen careers come true.
By: Donatus Ebi
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo