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Wike Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support For Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has implored traditional rulers in the State to support the incoming administration of Sir Siminialayi Fubara.
He said the appeal is necessitated by the pivotal role traditional rulers play in sustenance of peace in the various communities of the State.
Wike, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Emeka Woke, made this appeal at the official foundation laying ceremony of the palace of Eze Oha Apara Kingdom, which took place at Rumu-Kesiorlu community, Rumuigbo clan, yesterday.
The governor assured traditional rulers that whatever support they have enjoyed during his administration, would be continued by the next governor who he said, has been a member of his team since 2015.
“The next governor of Rivers State come May 29, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, is a product of consolidation and continuity. Whatever support you have enjoyed, whatever dividends of democracy you have received from the present administration, I want to assure you that it will continue in the administration of Sir Siminialayi Fubara, because he is one man who has studied the ropes.
“He has been with our administration from its inception till date. So, he understands the focus and vision of the present administration. I solicit your support, give him all the necessary support because he is the best person for the job in Rivers State.”
Wike explained that before he assumed office in 2015, he had always recognised and understood the importance of traditional rulers, and importance of the level of governance they render at the various communities of the State.
He stated that this was one of the reasons that informed the decision of his administration to build a befitting edifice for the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council to meet and then come up with good policies that support the programmes of government.
“The importance of traditional institution has been there right from the colonial days. The colonial masters would have been unable to administer the people without the role of the traditional rulers.
“And so, it is not out of place for government to come and support traditional institution because they are responsible to manage minor disputes that arise in our communities. If those disputes and disagreements are allowed to snowball, it could be to a point that may not be manageable by government.
“You can see the importance traditional rulers are playing, to supporting the government, complimenting the effort of government in maintaining peace and order. Not that alone, I know you are also there to preserve our culture”, Wike said.
The governor commended the people of Apara Kingdom for the decision to build a befitting palace for the Eze Oha Apara.
He said it is gratifying to know that the palace will also serve as an administrative office for effective and efficient discharge of administration at the local level.
The governor, who announced that the Rivers State government will support the building project with additional N200M, stressed that his administration will continue to support communities that are in peace and embarking on developmental projects.
The chairman of the foundation laying ceremony, Associate Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, said the people of Apara kingdom have been yearning for years for a befitting palace for the Eze Oha Apara.
He commended Wike for his immense support towards the realisation of the project which is expected to be completed within the next 10 months.
“I want to say that the realisation of this dream you are seeing today is made manifest through the instrumentality of the governor of Rivers State. we are not only laying foundation, this project will be completed in the next ten months”, he said.
On his part, the chairman, Apara Kingdom Palace Building Committee, Senator John Azuta Mbata, explained that the edifice is not a private property, but that of the entire Apara Kingdom.
“What the kingdom is trying to do is to provide a palace where anybody who become Eze Oha Apara, this will be his official residence, this will be where all official matters will be dealt with.
“This will be official protocol venue for all matters relating to the kingdom. So, it is not anybody’s private palace”, he said.
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.
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Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage nationwide, declaring that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers State will surpass all previous records in scope and success.
Speaking through the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this statement during the flag-off ceremony of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
The campaign, implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”
Rivers State is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV. The local rollout is expected to commence in February, 2026, reaching children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.
Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” noting that Rubella can cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by pregnant women.
“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” she emphasised.
Narrowing down to efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, she noted how instrumental it has been in ensuring comprehensive outreach through an inter-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, traditional and religious leaders, and the security sector.
Senator Tinubu urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.
“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.
In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State, noting that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marks “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”
She highlighted the particular benefit to the girl-child through HPV vaccination, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”
The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government, describing the campaign as “a worthy step in the right direction,” and reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership in achieving health for all.
Earlier, the RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, welcomed guests, and reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.
“These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies,” she added.