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Wike Justifies Inclusive Agenda For Rivers Dev …You Can’t Wish Wike Away In PDP, Fayose Insists

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3 years ago

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has explained the rationale behind the implementation of an inclusive development agenda for the state.
He said that while most people hardly see beyond the delivery of road projects executed by his administration, it was because the roads were more visible and would lure investors to the state.
“Why we are trying to do more of the roads is because it attracts development. If there are no roads, people will not go and build houses. If there are no roads, people will not invest.
“But when you have good network of roads, such will encourage people who want to invest in the state to do so.”
Wike gave the explanation at the inauguration of the Community Secondary School, Obuama (Harry’s Town) in Degema Local Government Area, which was performed by the former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, last Friday.
He stressed that his administration has also given sufficient development attention to improving structures, teaching and learning facilities in the education sector.
“All through this week, we have been busy trying to, and letting the people understand what we are doing in the education sector.
“Before, people were saying is it only roads we are doing. Since Monday, we have been talking about tertiary education. Now, we are talking about basic education.
“By the time we finish, we will also go to the health sector, and let the state see what we have done in that sector.
“So, for me, it is touching all-round the sectors because no one sector can be said to be more important than the other.”
Wike explained that it was his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who called his attention to the poor state of the community school in Obuama, and he immediately directed for a total upgrade of the structures and learning facility.
“To God be glory, we have been able to put in our best to make it a proper secondary school that our children will not only have access to education, but also have quality education.
“I’m sure by the time you take your time after this event, to go round the premises and see some of the structures, you will be quite convinced of the quality that we have been able to put in place.
“And so, we are happy that we are here. This terrain is waterlogged; actually, it will be difficult if you don’t do concrete pavement like this. If you want to asphalt it, I don’t think it will last long. But with this concrete they’ve done, I’m sure it’s going to last long.”
Speaking further, Wike directed the Ministry of Special Projects to, within the next two weeks, provide him with an architectural design for the building of two hostels, one for boys and the other for female students at the school.
“Since it is mixed school, do design, one for boys and one for the girls. Then, there will be a dining hall for them. Since you have provided accommodation for the teachers, then, there should be hostels for the students.”
Inaugurating the project, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, commended Wike for doing so much in providing quality infrastructure that has raised the quality of living of Rivers people.
Fayose also spoke on the current crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and stated that most people think that they must destroy leaders before they can rise, which is hardly possible.
He noted that the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, does not hate Wike, but a lot of people around him were the enemies creating tension.
“For me, I want to believe that Atiku Abubakar is not against you. But let me say this quickly, a lot of people surrounding the throne are enemies of the throne.
“A lot of people surrounding the throne have one axe to grind with somebody, or some issues with somebody, and they take it to where they’re not supposed to take it.”
Fayose reiterated the need for Atiku to work to unify the party so that everybody can focus on how to win the 2023 presidential election.
He noted that it was impossible to wish Wike away, adding that anybody doing so, was the real enemy of the party.
“There is no living person in the party and outside this party that will not acknowledge your contribution to this party. You are the soul of this party.
“Rivers State has been here for long, but today, we can see the difference. The average Rivers man is proud to be from Rivers. They’re proud to say you’re their governor.
“Forget whatever anybody says about you. I’ve said it before, Wike, the man with a fierce look but a good heart, the heart of love, to accomplish and give support.
“The majority of our enemies today are not against you because of anything but against you because you have capacity; they’re against you because they know that when you take over, they will fall apart”.
He further urged those close to the presidential candidate to desist from creating disaffection, and allow him to unify the party as the 2023 general election draws near.
“Wike has not come out to say that Atiku Abubakar is not the presidential candidate. He is! I was there the second day after the election when our candidate, the former vice president visited the residence of Wike.
“We had mutual conversation. We were all happy. Everything was in place to move forward. I spoke at that meeting. But I don’t want to aggravate this situation. I’m only appealing to people that matter.
“In every political party, there will be grouping: The same family, but different interests. We can do better than we are doing. People around the corridor of power, please, allow this candidate to win election. We don’t celebrate victory until it is ours.”
In his description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, Deinma Iyalla, said there are two blocks of two-storey of 12 classrooms, one model storey building of 12 classrooms, a storey building as administrative block, library, ICT and science laboratories, quarters for senior and junior principals and staff.
In his address, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, said no industrial action has been witnessed under Wike.
So far, Mmom noted, the state government has improved over 125 educational facilities in the primary, secondary and tertiary learning cadre; sustained the free basic education policy; sponsored about 29,250 students to write Basic Certificate Examination; and 39,750 students for NECO and WAEC.

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Don Lauds RSG, NECA On Job Fair

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6 hours ago

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January 26, 2026

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The National Coordinator of Embedded Ai -EU Erasmus Project in Nigeria, Prof. Bourdillon Omijeh, has commended the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Rivers State Government for their strategic partnership in organizing the Job Fair 2026.

The Job Fair with theme: “Addressing Youth Employability for Prosperity,” took place at Obi International Conference Center, Port Harcourt, last week.

Speaking as Special Guest, Professor Omijeh stated that result-oriented human capital development and trainings focused on relevant skills is the most effective solution to reducing the high rate of graduate unemployment in Rivers State.

He noted that Nigeria is firmly in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), driven by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and 5G.

According to him, these emerging technologies offer enormous employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across critical sectors, including agriculture, power, Telecommunication, oil and gas, healthcare, and security.

He emphasized the growing shift from job seeking to job creation, explaining that youths equipped with 4IR skills can become innovators, solution providers, and founders of startups and new industries.

Professor Omijeh further stated that Nigeria is richly endowed with talented youths capable of competing globally when properly empowered with the right skills, support, and enabling environment.

He called for sustained collaboration between government, the private sector, and educational institutions to build a future-ready workforce and drive inclusive economic growth in Rivers State.

To the over 4000 teeming youths present, Professor Omijeh said, according to Bill Gate, that “Being born poor is not a fault, but remaining poor in a world of opportunity and skills is a responsibility that must be consciously addressed.

“Don’t allow your current circumstances define your destiny. There’s a seed of greatness in you. Sieze any and every opportunity to develop yourself and acquire the requisite skills.

He passionately urged the Rivers State Government to intentionally invest and fund result-oriented training programmes through the strategic Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment and Ministry of Youth Development to increase employability and reduce the rate of graduate unemployment in Rivers State.

He thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honorable Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom K. Gbali, for this laudable initiative with NECA.

Professor Bourdillon Omijeh is the National Coordinator of the Embedded Artificial Intelligence (EAI) -EU Erasmus Project in Nigeria; Immediate Past Director of Centre for Information and Telecommunication Engineering Uniport, NCC-Chair Occupant on ICT Uniport; TensorFlow four (4) times award winner on Capacity building on Ai & ML -(2021-2024), CEO-Bourdillon Omijeh Foundation.

As a Professional Mentor, he has facilitated the training of thousands of youths on 4IR- Skills with relevant certifications and evidential engagements.
Follow Prof Bourdillon Omijeh on LinkedIn.

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Explore Opportunities, Become Employers, Fubara Urges Rivers Youths

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4 days ago

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January 23, 2026

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged youths in the state to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to become employers of labour and contribute meaningfully to growth and development.

Fubara said global trends increasingly favour entrepreneurship and innovation, stressing that youths in Rivers State must not be left behind in harnessing such opportunities.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, the governor stated this while declaring open the 2026 Job Fair organised by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Speaking on the theme, “Addressing Youth Employability for Prosperity,” the governor acknowledged the responsibility of government to create jobs for its teeming youth population but noted that it was unrealistic to absorb all job seekers into the civil service.

“As a government, we recognise our duty to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths. However, we also understand that not all youths can be accommodated within the civil service.

“This underscores the need to encourage entrepreneurship across diverse sectors and to partner with other stakeholders, including the youths themselves, so they can transition from being job seekers to employers of labour,” he said.

Fubara further urged participants to continually sharpen their skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment and the global space through digital platforms.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and providing an enabling environment for youths to develop their potential and thrive.

In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr Chisom Gbali, said the job fair was designed to equip youths with contemporary skills, innovation and mentorship needed to transform them from unemployable to resourceful individuals.

Gbali disclosed that the ministry had rolled out various training and capacity-building programmes in areas such as ICT and artificial intelligence, oil and gas, maritime, and the blue economy.

Delivering the keynote address, the Head of the Department of Human Resources Management, Rivers State University, Dr Chris Biriowu, advised participants to remain informed about evolving sources of employability.

He said the labour market was dynamic and shaped by industry-specific demands, technological advancement, management practices and other emerging factors.

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King Jaja Impacted Beyond Rivers -Deputy Gov

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4 days ago

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January 23, 2026

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Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, has poured accolades on late Amayanabo of Opobo, HRM Dandeson Douglas Jaja V, saying his footprints went beyond the State.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the wife of the late king, Prof. Odu said the late monarch contributed meaningfully beyond the shores of Rivers State.

“He contributed not only to Opobo, not only to Rivers State, but to Nigeria as a nation. We all know the various positions he held until his passing. For us as a Commission, we are really going to miss him greatly, especially at this time when his guidance was most needed,” she stressed.

She described the late king as a distinguished traditional ruler whose life and service contributed immensely to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

The deputy governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, noted that until his demise, King Jaja was an Ex-Officio member of the Commission, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District.

According to her, the late monarch actively participated in several meetings of the Commission and played an important advisory role.

“He actually participated with us in a couple of meetings. It was with great shock that we received the news of his passing. We saw daddy as someone who was very strong, healthy and athletic,” Prof. Odu said.

Prof. Odu explained that the Commission relied heavily on the wisdom of traditional rulers like the late monarch to ensure that its responsibilities were carried out properly and conscientiously.

She assured the family of the Commission’s continued support, saying they will remain close to the family throughout the burial arrangements and beyond.

Addressing the widow, Queen Prudence Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Prof. Odu said the visit was to commiserate with her and encourage her during the period of mourning.

“Please accept our condolences. Please be strong and put your hope in God. The God who watches over widows will never abandon you,” the deputy governor prayed.

“We cannot question God. What has happened has happened. All we can do is to pull ourselves together. That is why we are here  to pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you, that God will turn your sadness into joy and clothe you with a garment of beauty,” she added.

Responding, Queen Jaja described her late husband as a gentle, humble man who was deeply committed to the progress of Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.

She expressed gratitude to the deputy governor and other members of the Boundary Commission for identifying with the family in their moment of grief.

“We are praying that his soul will rest in perfect peace. I thank you very much for coming to console me at this trying moment. Seeing you here has given me comfort. God bless each and every one of you,” she said.

She also offered prayers for the delegation, wishing them a long life and good health.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation Letter of Condolence from the Rivers State Boundary Commission to Queen Jaja.

 

Kevin Nengia

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