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PH Earns Nigeria’s Premier Energy City Status …As RSG Pledges Support
In a landmark event that cements its pivotal role in the nation’s economy, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, was last week named the ‘Nigeria’s Premier Energy City’ by the Society of Energy Editors.
The ceremony, held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, marked a historic recognition of the city’s legacy and a bold commitment to its future as a continental energy leader.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, reaffirmed the State government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where energy investments can thrive.
He pledged robust security, fiscal discipline, and investor-friendly policies to make ventures in gas, crude refining, and petrochemicals both viable and profitable.
“Port Harcourt is Nigeria’s energy heritage and the cradle of the nation’s industrial dreams,” the Administrator stated.
“From the discovery of oil in Oloibiri to the establishment of refineries and petrochemical complexes, Rivers State has carried the weight and promise of Nigeria’s prosperity. This investiture affirms our history, but it does more. It challenges us to go further. Port Harcourt is not just Nigeria’s energy capital, it is destined to become the energy capital of Africa.”
To consolidate this new designation, the Administrator outlined a strategic five-pillar plan: Energy Diversification: Expanding into renewables such as solar, wind, and hydro, alongside petroleum and gas.
He also outlined local value addition to deepen local content to ensure the people of Rivers State are active participants in every link of the energy value chain.
Others include building a regional energy hub with world-class infrastructure and pipelines linking Nigeria to Africa and beyond; safeguarding rivers, farmlands, and communities to ensure sustainable development; supporting the re-enlistment of Port Harcourt into the World Energy Cities Programme (WECP,) and hosting an Annual International Energy Conference and Exhibition.
The State Government extended an invitation to the private sector to invest with courage and responsibility and urged the youth to bring their creativity and innovation into the energy space, solidifying Port Harcourt’s status as the heart of Nigeria’s energy present and future.
A key outcome of the event was the announcement of a forthcoming Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Rivers State Government and the Society of Energy Editors.
This partnership, as revealed by the Society’s Chairman, Malam Yakubu Lawal, is designed to open doors for international investment, elevate the city’s global prestige, and establish an annual international conference to showcase Port Harcourt alongside 15 other globally recognized energy cities.
The keynote address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who provided a historical context of Port Harcourt’s energy journey since 1956.
The university don emphasized the critical need for diversification into gas and renewables and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, balanced energy journalism, and educational reforms to empower youth with future-ready skills.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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