Featured
Residents Excited As Wike Commissions Okoro-Nu-Odo, Rumuogba Flyovers
There have been jubilation in parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas following the commissioning of the Okoro-Nu-Odo flyover bridge, today, and Rumuogba flyover bridge, tomorrow, respectively by Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
It would be recalled that the entire stretch of Rumuokoro from the Federal Government College to Rumuodomaya Police Station was closed to traffic following the construction of the Okoro-Nu-Odo flyover, while at the Rumuogba section, traffic was diverted from Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway to Old Aba Road through Woji to Rumuibekwe by Shell RA.
The two projects are to be commissioned on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
A cross section of stakeholders comprising of traditional rulers and other opinion leaders told The Tide in an interview that the era of incessant gridlock along the two highways were over.
They also said the projects would boost businesses as the flyover bridges, which criss-cross communities, would facilitate the movement of persons and goods in the state.
The Paramount Ruler of Woji Community, Eze Emeka Ihunwo, described the completion of the flyover bridges as a promise kept.
Ihunwo said Governor Nyesom Wike has shown that he is a true leader of the people, stressing that the governor has added value to the lives of Rivers people in every area of human endeavour.
“I thank God for giving us a good leader at this time in the history of Rivers State.
“God, in His infinite mercy gave us Chief Nyesom Wike and he has transformed the entire Rivers State”.
Ihunwo said Wike’s vision of restoring the Garden City status of Port Harcourt has been achieved with the completion of the projects.
Also speaking, Eze G.N. Chukwumgba of Rumuorolo community, said what the governor has done was to eternally decongest traffic on roads in Port Harcourt.
“The flyover is a good thing. It will ensure free movement of persons, it will also boost business”.
Chukwumgba also called on neigbouring states to emulate the giant strides of Governor Nyesom Wike in infrastructural development.
Also speaking, Eze Ken Onuoha Iwezor of Mgbuesilaru said Governor Nyesom Wike has fulfilled more than 90 per cent of his campaign promises to Rivers people.
Iwezor said the project has improved the aesthetic condition of both Rumuogba and Mgbuesilaru communities.
On her part, Mrs Christie Iwezor said commercial activities would be boosted as the Rumuogba flyover was not far from the popular Oil Mill Market.
Iwezor said the situation would improve the economic fortunes of women as it would help in the movement of goods from bush markets to the city centre for sale.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Rumuogba Community Development Committee (CDC), Chief-Elect Wogu Chikaola, said the Rumuogba flyover bridge was already checking the activities of hoodlums as the whole place has been illuminated.
Chikaola said his people were grateful to Governor Nyesom Wike for keeping his promise of decongesting traffic from the former Artillery Junction.
Also speaking, an indigene of Rukpakulusi community, Mr Charles Obilor, said, at least, the stress of people moving long distances in gridlocks would be reduced.
“I am happy that the stress of trekking long distances because traffic jams will stop”.
Obilor said, despite the problem encountered by the people during the construction, the flyover bridges were good for the area.
“It is our own flyover; it is good for our people.
Also speaking, Mrs Stella Okocha from Rumuokoro, said full commercial activities would be restored at the Okoro-Nu-Odo area.
Okocha said the flyover bridge would check the heavy vehicular traffic usually experienced in the area.
On her part, Mrs Lizzy Obilor of Rukpakulusi said she was happy that the project was being commissioned, adding that no matter the sufferings, the project would stand the test of time.
A commercial driver, Bestman, said businesses would boom in the area.
Similarly, John Akaninwo from Etche, who resides at Rumuokoro, said the commissioning would bring back business activities in the area.
Featured
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.