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Our Mission Is To Grow Economy, Stimulate Private Investments, Says Fubara
The Rivers State Government says its central mission is to grow the economy and stimulate private investments by giving businesses the confidence they need to invest in the State.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara disclosed this during the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit at Obi Wali International Conference Centre, in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said his Administration has made its commitment clear and effective by ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of investments in the State, noting that the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency has been established as a one -stop shop for promoting investments in the State.
According to the State Chief Executive, “While the nation’s macroeconomics are beyond us, we have sustained a stable fiscal policy, improved access to land titles, and significantly eased entry requirements into business activities in the State.”
He said more resources are being channeled into human capital development, including the provision of quality education, healthcare delivery and the reduction of poverty.
Governor Fubara also disclosed that under his watch the State Government is providing access to credits and financial services for micro, small and medium enterprises with a 4billion naira matching fund with the Bank of Industry as well as ensured the recapitalization of the State Government owned Micro Finance Bank to ensure that the poor have access to business funds at a little interest rate.
The Governor, who expressed confidence that the State has a brighter economic future, stressed that it would remain focused on the central mission to grow the economy through private sector investments.
Governor Fubara however, regretted that despite the Niger Delta Region’ celebrated economic potential, the region continues to suffer from underinvestment and low economic growth, noting that apart from the oil and gas industry, hardly can we see large-scale commercial investments in agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, real estate, industrialisation, construction, engineering, science and technology in any of the Niger Delta States while urging Governments at all levels, ancillary development institutions and policymakers to adopt viable measures to attract direct foreign and internal investments.
Also speaking the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, said the region’s useful population provides an opportunity to invest in technology-driven industries that can harness the creativity and entrepreneurial skills of the population, stressing that digital skills training, tech-hub and start-up can drive a new wave of economic activity in the region.
He noted that President Tinubu‘s Administration has taken the lead by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, by enacting investor-friendly policies, ensuring security and investing in critical infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the theme of the summit: “ Building Synergy” is apt, because he believes that true development can only be achieved in any society where there is synergy while calling on the Governors of the Niger Delta States to put together the resources of the region and synergize with the commission in attracting development to the region.
According to him, “Development is like a language, and for us to communicate the sentences must also align, if it does not align, we will not understand each other, In the Niger Delta, we have the resources, we have the infrastructure, so we need to synergize.” He further stressed.
Earlier the founder and convener of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit and Niger Delta international festival and Trade Expo, Amb. Kenule Nwiya, thanked the State Government and the Ministry of Regional Development for their support in ensuring the success of the Summit.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.