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Rivers Safe, Conducive For Investment -Fubara …Assures Of Partnership With CAN
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared Rivers State as one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria.
The governor made the declaration while receiving the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who were on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stressed that the state has a conducive environment for doing business.
He assured the people of his administration’s commitment to providing security and enabling environment for people to live and do business in the State with ease.
He urged CAN to complement government’s effort in promoting peace and security in the state through prayers.
The governor reiterated that Rivers is a Christian State and expressed gratitude over the unflinching support given to the previous administration by CAN, urging the association to partner with the new administration to consolidate on the gains of development in the State.
“I feel happy that CAN is one of the first groups our administration is meeting with, this is to tell the world that Rivers is a Christian State. When we started our journey, CAN was there, they stood with us in prayers. I sincerely thank the association on behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, we are going to continue to partner with CAN to move the state forward”, he said.
Fubara also urged the association not to use the pulpit as a platform for casting aspersions on government, but rather should be constructive in their criticisms.
He assured that his administration would give due consideration to the requests made by CAN, particularly as regards to the provision of office space and mobility.
He noted that some people were skeptical of a peaceful political transition in Rivers State, but were proven wrong by the turnout of events as the State has remained peaceful.
He said it was imperative for all critical stakeholders to work towards solidifying the prevailing peace and security in Rivers State and assured that his administration would embark on projects that will have positive impact on the lives of the people.
“We are serious in everything we do, we will run a consultative government and get the input of all stakeholders to move the state forward. It’s our responsibility as a government to dispense good governance to the people and consolidate on the development already on ground”, he added.
Earlier, Rivers State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev D. B Kaladokubo, who led the association on the courtesy call, had said the visit was to felicitate with the governor over his victory at the polls and emergence as the Chief Executive Officer of the State.
“I wish to use this opportunity to thank God Almighty for a peaceful election in Rivers State and to specially congratulate Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on becoming the popular and overwhelming choice of the Rivers people as the Executive Governor of Rivers State.
“We are convinced that your track record, your formidable background in public service and active professional and technical involvement in the last administration in the state, has equipped you sufficiently for the consolidation of the achievements of your predecessor, required to open more frontiers for further development of Rivers State.
“We have no doubt that you are capable of dealing with the security situation in the state, providing an enabling environment for investors, and enhancing agricultural and commercial activities for all.” he said.
The CAN Chairman applauded the governor for obliging them the visit and pledged the continuous support and prayers of the association for the overall peace and development of Rivers State.
He stated, “Your resolve to work with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rivers State, and your declaration that the Rivers State is a Christian state, renewed the courage and resolution of Christians in the State to continue in the support of your administration and Government in Rivers State.”
The visit featured special prayers for Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Mrs Ngozi Ordu, to succeed in their mandate of running the affairs of the State.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.
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