Featured
Lady Fubara Restates Rivers’ Support For President’s RHI …As Mrs. Tinubu Launches RHI-WASP For S’South To Curb Food Crisis
Lady Fubara made the declaration while speaking to journalists after the flag off of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday.
The wife of the Rivers State Governor, who is also the Renewed Hope Initiative Coordinator for Rivers State, described the flag off performed by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Kashim Shettima, as a huge success.
Lady Fubara explained that the beneficiaries of the programme from Rivers State have already been supported by the President’s wife with N10million fund to boost their agro businesses.
She said, “The programme was a success, and I say a very big thank you to our mother, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was fully represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Kashim Shetima.
“The farmers in Rivers State were present and they will receive the cheque of N10million handed over to me as the State Coordinator for onward disbursement to the 20 beneficiaries to support them in their agricultural projects”, she said.
Lady Fubara spoke of the importance of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, which long term benefit will impact on all and sundry.
She noted that it was for that reason that the Rivers State Government has always supported the programme of the First Lady aimed at empowering women and curtailing food shortage in the country.
“As the First Lady has rightly said, she is of the opinion that the monies being given to the farmers be utilized for the agricultural projects to empower the women, to help reduce shortage of food in Nigeria.
“This is why the Rivers State Government is always in support of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, because it is a programme that is going to be beneficial to all and sundry.
“So, Rivers State women, of which I am the Coordinator, will support the programme to its fullest, and whatever is needed to improve the lives of our people, the Rivers State Government is fully in support of it”, she declared.
Earlier, wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had launched the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) in the South-South geo-political zone and Renewed Hope Initiative Financial Empowerment Support Programme for People with Disabilities Small Business Owners.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, the wife of the President, who is also the National Chairman of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), announced the support of N500,000 each for 20 women farmers in each of the South-South states of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Cross River.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman, RHI, Hajia Nana Kashim Shettima, Senator Tinubu noted that the Initiative is committed to supporting women farmers, cognizance of President Tinubu administration’s recognition of the important role agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises the important role agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency in the nation.
“Therefore, the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to supporting women farmers nationwide aligns with the broad national agenda to strengthen the agriculture sector.
“Today, we are supporting 20 women farmers per state in the South-South zone with the sum of N500,000 each. To this end, a draft of N10million per state for the South-South zone will be handed over to the First Ladies of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, who are also Renewed Hope Initiative State Coordinators for onward disbursement to all beneficiaries in their respective states”, she said.
According to Senator Tinubu, “the flagging off of the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support Programme for the South-South zone is in fulfilment of our promise to continue to promote the women folk, particularly farmers across the nation.”
She noted that “currently, this programme has been successfully held in all the five geo-political zones, namely North-Central in Plateau State, North-East in Borno State, North-West in Kebbi State, South-East in Imo State, and South-West in Ogun State. I commend the dedication of the beneficiaries in these zones, and it is my trust that very soon, we will begin to reap bountiful harvests.”
The wife of the President hinted that the RHI will be collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower potential farmers while also carrying along already identified women farmers in the 36 states.
She also implored the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity to grow their businesses and contribute to the nation’s food production while also serving as role models for others.
“In a short while, the RHI will be collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower potential farmers in these states. 70 percent of the beneficiaries will be young female farmers, while 25 percent will be for our young male farmers. They will be all specially identified, trained and empowered.
“Also, the pre-identified 80 women farmers in each state for our agricultural support programme will be carried alone.
“I want to urge our women farmers who are receiving support today to seize this opportunity to extend their agricultural ventures, contribute to local and national food production and serve as role models for others aspiring to join the agricultural sector”, she said.
She also announced the empowerment of 100 people with disabilities with the sum of N100,000 each in Akwa Ibom State to recapitalize their existing businesses.
According to her, “Given the mood of today, we have decided to have a twin events. The Renewed Initiative Social Investment Programme, will be empowering 100 persons with disability small business owners in Akwa Ibom State with the sum of N100,000 each to recapitalize their existing businesses. All pre-selected recipients of the grant will receive the funds today through our Renewal Hope Initiative Coordinator for Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno.”
In his goodwill message, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, thanked the wife of the President for her humanitarian disposition through of the RHI that had impacted vulnerable groups across the country financially, with 250 elderly persons in Akwa Ibom benefiting N100,000 each.
Governor Eno said the State Government has so far supported and adopted the initiative by launching the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, which elders from the 369 wards in the state, especially the vulnerable ones, are given N50,000 each to take care of their needs, especially foods and medicines.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor and State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who noted the challenges women in agriculture face, including limited access to resources, land and poor education, described the programme as crucial step towards a more inclusive and sustainable society.
She commended the wife of the President for empowering women in agriculture and supporting individuals with disabilities, a development she observed promotes equality and leads to innovation and diversity.
Also speaking, the wife of the Bayelsa State Governor and Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), South-South Zonal Chairman, Dr. (Mrs) Gloria Douye Diri, said the programmes of RHI were a paradigm shift from the usual, making lasting positive impacts across six geo-political zones of the country.
She noted that, “No doubt, the farming tools, inputs and cash grants will boost economic growth and stimulate new horizons for all the beneficiaries towards enhancing and achieving food availability and sufficiency in South-South zone”.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to the wives of the South-South States’ Governors and Renewed Hope Initiative State Coordinators, and empowerment grants to some beneficiaries of persons with disabilities business recapitalization grant in Akwa Ibom by wife of the President.
The event was attended by wives of the governors of Rivers – Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara; Bayelsa – Dr (Mrs) Gloria Douye Diri; Delta – Deaconess Tubore Oborewvori; Akwa Ibom – Pastor Patience Umo Eno; Edo – Dr (Mrs) Betsy Obaseki; and Cross River – Rev (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu.
Others are wives of governors of Imo – Barrister Chioma Uzodimma; Osun – Titilola Adeleke; and Ogun – Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.
-
News4 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics4 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers4 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Business4 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics4 days agoAlleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
-
Nation4 days agoNile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
-
Sports4 days ago
Lewandowski Leads Top Stars Missing From W/Cup Roll Call
-
Sports4 days agoPara Games: Team Rivers Wins 53 Medals On Day 5 … Director Praise Athletes