News
Wike Approves Promotion Of 4,000 Civil Servants In Rivers
As workers across the world celebrated the International Worker’s Day, on Monday, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has urged the people of the State to remain committed and work together to protect and advance the socio-economic interest of the State.
Wike, in an address presented at the 2023 Workers Day Celebration held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, commended all workers in the State for their resilience, sacrifices and input towards building a better and prosperous Rivers State for future generations.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, said the theme of the 2023 Labour Day, ‘Workers Right and Socio Economic Justice’, reflects the socio-economic plight of workers and ordinary citizens in Nigeria’s mismanaged economy.
“We believe the private sector is the engine room of economic growth and enabler of prosperity. As a government, our role is to capitalise the private sector to create good job and employ our citizen. Accordingly, we have improved the ease of doing business, primarily tackled insecurity and created an enabling fiscal regime for businesses to thrive in the State.
“We recently directed the Civil Service Commission to initiate the employment process of 10,000 workers into the State Civil Service as part of our measures to reduce unemployment in the State. This is in addition to the approval we gave to heads of State Tertiary Institution to fill all existing job vacancies in the state.
“The State Civil Service Commission has recently concluded the workers promotion exercise. We have approved the promotion of over 4,000 eligible civil servants to their appropriate levels and directed the Commission to issue the beneficiaries with their promotion letters immediately,” he stressed.
Wike also disclosed that the State Government has resolved the initial challenges to pay gratuities and death benefits to retirees and statutory beneficiaries.
“Statutory and death benefits have since resumed with the monthly disbursement of the sum of N1billion to beneficiaries. I assure you that we will clear the State of all its burden as soon as possible and requested workers’ unions patience and understanding”, he added.
He promised that the promotion of other categories of civil servants including teachers would soon commence as soon as the Governing Board to carry out the exercise is constituted, assuring that the entire promotion exercise will be concluded before the end of his tenure.
The governor noted that critical priority areas such as roads, bridges, flyover, education, healthcare, justice delivery, urban renewal, security, rural development were some veritable sectors vastly imparted.
“We are proud of the foundation we have laid, the services and contribution to our states’ progress and citizen welfare. Since government is continuum, we believe our successor will consolidate these achievements and prioritise other critical development areas”, he said.
Wike further thanked the organised labour for voting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) back into power in the State during the 2023 General Elections.
“Fortunately, the Governor-Elect was a civil servant and belongs to your constituency. I assure you, he will do well and make your constituency proud. All that is needed is your cooperation, prayers and support. State building is a continuous process. I employ you to work with the new patriotic hand to build our dream Rivers State where no one is left behind and the workers enjoy their socio-economic rights,” he said.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Alex Ikechi Agwanwor, had appreciated the governor for approving the implementation of the accumulated promotions.
He appealed to Governor Wike to domesticate the Federal Government new retirement age of teachers to 65 years and 40 years length of service.
The Tide reports that the Federal Government has signed into law a new retirement age of 65 for teachers and 40 years of service through the harmonized retirement age for teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022 having been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Ikechukwu Foster Onyefuru, appreciated Governor Wike for his intervention to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalization and soot in the State.
“Your actions triggered stakeholders’ interest and crude oil production improved from below 1m barrels per day to about 1.4m barrels per day,” he said.
He called on the governor to review workers salary upwards due to rising inflation and increasing high cost of goods and services.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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