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I Don’t Fear To Take Dev-Oriented Decisions -Wike …As He Inaugurates Rumuesara Community Internal Roads, Akpabu-Odido Road
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says he is not a leader, who fears taking decisions, particularly if such decision will favour issues of development of the State and its people.
Part of such courage of leadership, he enthused, is predicated on the fact that his administration owes Rivers people the kind of development that should position the State in the comity of States as a clean, healthy place, and progressive.
Governor Wike was speaking yesterday at Rumuesara Road Junction in Eneka Town, while inaugurating the Rumuesera Community Internal Roads in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The contractor, L & D Nigeria limited was given six months to deliver the road project, but took nine months to deliver it, and governor Wike frowned at the lapse in the delivery time.
He urged the contracting firm to be more time conscious with works awarded to it and ensure that it is delivered on schedule, particularly as it handles other community road projects.
Governor Wike said his administration has fulfilled promises made to the community, because the traditional stool in the area has been recognised, the Rukpokwu-Eneka Road and Eneka-Igbo Etche Link Road have all been completed with other internal roads and the Government Secondary School, Eneka that are ongoing.
The Rivers State governor directed the contractor handling the work at the Government Secondary School, Eneka to return back to site and complete the project within the next one week.
Governor Wike said he could not have empowered a son of the community with the award of the project and the opportunity was being abused.
The governor therefore, stated that if the contractor failed to return to site to complete the project, the state government would be compelled to arrest and jail him. According to him, the delay on the work is deliberate knowing that the present administration has just few days of stay in office.
He reiterated that the demolition of the Bayelsa State government dilapidated property on Akasa Street in Old GRA in Port Harcourt was done to rid the area of hideout used by criminals.
The Rivers State governor explained that, in the course of implementing the urban renewal programme, access into the Old GRA from the Eastern-Bypass used by criminals has been barricaded and no more available to serve as easy escape route anymore.
Governor Wike, who particularly accused the Bayelsa State government of persistent hostility to Rivers State, said in addition, every friendly engagement with it over shared property of the old Rivers State has been greeted with harsh demeanour.
At the inauguration of the Akpabu-Odido Road that held at Itu Bridge Head, Odido town in Emohua Local Government Area, Governor Wike said he was motivated to execute the project in order to bring to limelight Odido community that truly seemed unknown by most people in the State.
He said with the completion of the Odido Road, the people that could not drive into their community are now linked by road to other parts of Emohua council easily and also drive to Ahoada West council where they have their kinsmen.
The governor added that the road will also enable farmers to transport their farm produce to the market with ease.
Governor Wike assured that he would speak with his successor to construct a public school for the Odido community to reduce the suffering of the people and solve the dearth of public institution in the area.
Speaking on the internal roads in Rumuesara Community, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly Dakorinama Alabo said the project flagged-off on the 29th August 2022 and delivered in nine months.
He explained that the roads are nine in number, and have a total length of 5.1kilometers, 7.3 meters wide and 5.3 kilometers of drain.
On the Akpabu-Odido road, the Commissioner said both the major road into the community, providing a circular drive and the extension to the waterfront have been delivered in five months.
In his address, Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman, George Ariolu noted the Rumuesera community internal roads as another testament of the mantra of promise made and fulfilled by governor Wike, and they are grateful to him.
On his part, Emohua Local Government Chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd said future leaders must understudy the success of governor Wike in budgeting and project implementation.
He thanked governor for living by his conviction that Rivers people deserve the best, which is the basis of providing Odido people with a brand new road.
Also speaking, Ahoada West Local Government chairman, Hope Ikiriko said governor Wike has served Rivers people very well by setting a worthy pace, and giving road to Odido community to attract development to that area.
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.