News
Fubara To FG: Always Involve Ogonis In Projects Execution
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that integrating Ogoni people in all the processes geared towards remediating their land to bring lasting respite to years of environmental degradation they had suffered will truly make them own the projects without sabotaging them.
Governor Fubara made the remark when he received on courtesy visit, the Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and his delegation, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Minister of Environment was accompanied by the Minister of Regional Development, Hon Abubakar Momoh, the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, and HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey.
Governor Fubara noted with delight the progress reports that have been reeled out by the Minister of Environment, which indicated the seriousness given to remediating the effects of pollution occasioned by oil exploration and production in Ogoniland.
He said, “We all know the situation of Ogoniland. They don’t have good water, they don’t even have the farmland for agriculture anymore, their rivers are already polluted.
“If they have anyone that is remaining, the fishes there are already contaminated. The life expectancy is also cut short because whether we like it or not, the food we eat, when contaminated; the water we drink, when contaminated; also affects the elements in our system.
“So, I want to appeal that while we go on with this programme, it is not just coming to commission the water project and the few other things that have been outlined here, the Ogoni people, the people directly affected should be part of it. There should be buy-in, they should own what you are doing.”
Governor Fubara stated: “And how do they own it? It is not by you sitting in Abuja and awarding contracts to somebody we don’t know. Inasmuch as I don’t support issuing it to somebody who cannot deliver, but the community people should be part of the process, so that they have that sense of belonging, that sense of responsibility; it also gives the sense of protection. Because if they believe that they are not part of it, issues of sabotage come in.”
Governor Fubara said the Water Project that has been completed under the supervision of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), and now ready for inauguration, must be truly functional to serve the people who had suffered lack of portable water for years.
He promised, as a government, to convoke a meeting of critical stakeholders in the benefitting communities to emphasise the need for them to protect the projects, and never allow them to collapse, either by lack of maintenance or vandalisation.
Governor Fubara explained that his administration paid for metering of consumers in communities in Eleme, Tai, Khana, Gokana and Andoni Local Government Areas in order to ensure the availability of electricity to the people to enhance their livelihoods.
He added, “You mentioned something very important, which has been given serious attention by this administration. The issue of power. In fact, I can say it here without any fear of any contradiction that my administration paid for metering of Eleme, Tai, Gokana, Khana, including Andoni Local Government Areas for ease of power supply.
“So, I am happy that you are also doing something to that effect, because if we are talking about development coming into Ogoniland, you cannot develop the area without power. Power is the most important thing.
“Even the issue that we are talking about, effective healthcare services; power is even needed because those machines and facilities you want to install, they need constant power to function. So, not having power is just like not having life in a system.”
Governor Fubara added: “So, please I will appeal that whatever thing that you need to do, whatever you are doing, go ahead with it. When we need to come in to support you to make sure you succeed or compliment what you have already done, we will not hesitate to support you.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration conducted a study across sectors to determine more pressing areas to give urgent attention to make life comfortable for the people.
He said after expert analysis was made from reports collated, there was need to break away from mere jamboree that the state witnessed for a long while, and government decided to address issues head-on, especially healthcare delivery and education.
He said, “We have to go all out to make sure that we do what is right. And I believe what you are seeing in the recent report is because of our deliberate action to make sure that we improve the state of our healthcare services in Rivers State.
“I can tell you: we have won several awards as best performing state when it comes to issue of healthcare. It is an important aspect of our administration. You need to be alive to work; you need to be alive to be productive.
“We didn’t end just in the aspect of the healthcare, knowing fully well that if the SDGs have to be achieved on poverty, and healthcare, education is also key. With education, you also reduce the level of crime, because when a lot of people are educated, they get into positive engagements. These engagements, in a way, reduce, at least, 10 percent of the number of those people that are supposed to go into crime.”
Governor Fubara restated: “In the next six months, we might be even inviting you to come and do a tour of what we are already achieving because we have a lot.
“By the special grace of God, in the next two weeks, we will be unveiling Bori Zonal Hospital. This hospital is to take care of intermediary medical cases to reduce the pressure that we are having in our teaching hospital,” he added.
In his address, the Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the delegation was in Rivers State to inspect ongoing projects, adding that they will also be inaugurating some that have been completed like the Water Projects.
Mr Lawal stated that they have been confronted with frustrating attitude put up by the people in accepting some projects or even owning the ongoing ones, which he added, has led to series of town hall meetings and community engagement fora to secure the people’s buy-in.
The Minister spoke on the Ogoni power project, and appealed to Governor Fubara for support to facilitate the distribution of electricity that will be tapped from the National Grid to serve both Ogoni people and neighbouring communities.
He added, “Tomorrow, we are commissioning water project. We have done about four before, and we believe that these projects are not just meant for the Ogoni people, but I think there are also going to extend to a number of other communities around Rivers State.
“We understand that water is critical, because when you are talking of pollution, the first victim is water. So, that is why we are putting more emphasis on trying to address the issue of water. We are also trying to address the issue of healthcare, because pollution normally comes with the issue of health of the people.
“Accordingly, we are building a state-of-the-art hospital, which has gone more than 50 percent now. It is going to address some of the bigger issues related to pollution. We also have so many cottage hospitals we are trying to do, which will link to that. In that area, we have been receiving a lot of cooperation from the state government.”
In his remarks, the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall commended the Governor for his administration’s support to ongoing work in Ogoniland, and stressed that the partnership will help all parties achieve the desired targets set out in the UNEP Report recommendations for the benefit of Ogoni people, the entire State, and indeed, the Niger Delta region.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo
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