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Mothers, Our Strong Suport – Wike
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has expressed satisfaction with the contributions of mothers to the development of the state.
In a message to mark this year’s Mothers Day, Chief Wike noted that mothers in the state have always lived up to their responsibilities.
He felicitated with mothers in the state on the occasion of Mothers Day, assuring them that his administration will continue to implement programmes that will enhance the capacity of women to contribute their quota to the development of the state.
He also felicitated with Mothers across the world, saying that they are priceless.
The governor said Mothers occupy a special place in the state, as they are major stakeholders in the Rivers project.
Meanwhile, wife of the State Governor, Justice Suzette Nyesom Wike has urged the church for support in advocating for better status for women
She spoke when she was hosted by the Upper Room Anglican Church, Eliogbolo Archdeaconry in Eliozu Evo Diocese yesterday as part of the Mothers Day.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri, the Rivers State first lady noted that “because women want change they are waiting for the Lord. Their waiting has not been in vain and will not be in vain
Justice Wike lauded the parish for putting the plight of women in the agenda and pledged that the State Government will always support the church because of the crucial role it plays in the life of the present administration.
She also said that this year’s Mothers Day falls in the same month with the International Women’s Day and is apt as it underscores the role of women both in the church and society.
With the theme “ Women Who Wait Upon the Lord” Justice Wike lamented that the important role of women has been put at the back waters but said time has come for women to be bold, courageous and stand for what they believe.
“ A woman who can run a home can manage a local government, can manage a state and even a country because the home is the micorocosm of society. We are asking that woman be given the opportunity to assert themselves and show their abilities.”
She, however, commended the administration of Chief Wike who he said has put women at the forefront in governance adding, “this government has given women a sense of belonging with about four women in executive posts and parastals including a deputy governor for the first time in the history of the state.”
Meanwhile, Some clerics yesterday advised mothers to reflect on their lives and live up to the responsibilities of motherhood.
The clerics told newsmen that mothers should cultivate the virtues of humility and love in their relationships with their husbands, children and the society.
Monsignor Gabriel Osu, Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, said mothers should build healthy and peaceful homes that would create a peaceful society.
“It is wonderful when mothers are celebrated all over the world. That is why I celebrate my mother by singing for her the `Sweet Mother’ lyrics.
“Women are celebrated because of their numerous contributions to children’s upbringing and to the growth of the nation. “They raise future leaders because when these children are well-taken care of, there will be peace in the society,’’ Osu said.
He said there was need for mothers to place priority on their homes. women “Children are nurtured by mothers and without them, there would not be procreation.
“Given the present economic situation in the country, mothers are helpmates to their husbands, should live exemplary lives and support their spouses in all circumstances,’’ the cleric said.
Osu said mothers should always pray for their children and for the nation, especially in times of difficulties, saying that with prayers, the country would be revived.
Rev. Fr. Jude Abule of SS Titus & Timothy Catholic Church, Isheri-Oshun in Ikotun, Lagos, advised the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians to appreciate the contributions of mothers to the economy and the society at large.
President Bola Tinubu yesterday celebrated the Nigerian Exchange Group’s breakthrough into the N100tn market capitalisation threshold, saying Nigeria has moved from an ignored frontier market to a compelling investment destination.
Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Nigerians to increase their investments in the domestic economy, expressing confidence that 2026 would deliver stronger returns as ongoing reforms take firmer root.
He noted that the NGX closed 2025 with a 51.19 per cent return, outperforming global indices such as the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, as well as several BRICS+ emerging markets, after recording 37.65 per cent in 2024.
“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100tn market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” Tinubu said.
He attributed the stellar performance to Nigerian companies proving they can deliver strong investment returns across all sectors, from blue-chip industrials localising supply chains to banks demonstrating technological innovation.
The President added, “Year-to-date returns have significantly outpaced the S&P 500, the FTSE 100, and even many of our emerging-market peers in the BRICS+ group. Nigeria is no longer a frontier market to be ignored—it is now a compelling destination where value is being discovered.”
Tinubu disclosed that more indigenous energy firms, technology companies, telecoms operators and infrastructure firms are preparing to list on the exchange, a move he said would deepen market capitalisation and broaden economic participation.
He also cited what he described as a sustained decline in inflation over eight months—from 34.8 per cent in December 2024 to 14.45 per cent in November 2025—projecting that the rate would fall below 10 per cent before the end of 2026.
“Indeed, inflation is likely to fall below 10 per cent before the end of this year, leading to improved living standards and accelerated GDP growth. The year 2026 promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians,” he said.
The President attributed the trend to monetary tightening, elimination of Ways and Means financing, and agricultural investments, which he said helped stabilise the naira and ease post-reform pressures.
Nigeria’s current account surplus reached $16bn in 2024, with the Central Bank projecting $18.81bn in 2026, reflecting a trade pattern shift toward exporting more and importing less locally-producible goods.
Non-oil exports jumped 48 per cent to N9.2tn by the third quarter of 2025, with African exports nearly doubling to N4.9tn. Manufacturing exports grew 67 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter.
Foreign reserves have crossed $45bn and are expected to breach $50 billion in the first quarter, giving the CBN ammunition to maintain currency stability and end the volatility that previously fuelled speculation, according to the President.
Tinubu also highlighted infrastructure expansion in rail networks, arterial roads, port revitalisation, and the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways, alongside improvements in healthcare facilities that are reducing medical tourism costs, and increased university research grants funded through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.
“Our medicare facilities are improving, and medical tourism costs are declining. Our students benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, and universities are receiving increased research grants,” he said.
He described nation-building as a process requiring hard work, sacrifices, and citizen focus, pledging to continue working to build an egalitarian, transparent, and high-growth economy catalysed by historic tax and fiscal reforms that came into full implementation from January 1.
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RSG Kicks Off Armed Forces Remembrance Day ‘Morrow …Restates Commitment Towards Veterans’ Welfare
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the welfare of veterans, serving officers and widows of fallen officers in the State.
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?The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, in a statement by ?Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, SSG’s ?Office, ?Juliana Masi, stated this during the Central Planning meeting of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
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?Anabraba thanked the Committee for their contributions to the success of the Emblem Appeal Fund Ceremony recently held in the State and called on them to double their efforts so that the State can record resounding success in the remaining activities.
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?According to him, the remembrance day events will begin with Jumaàt Prayers on Friday, 9th January at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt Township, while a Humanitarian Outreach/Family and Community Day will be hosted on Saturday, 10th January, by the wife of the governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, for widows and veterans.
?”On Sunday, 11th January, an Interdenominational Church Thanksgiving Service will hold at St. Cyprian Anglican Church, Port Harcourt Township while the Grand-finale Wreath- Laying Ceremony will hold on Thursday, 15th January at the Isaac Boro Park Cenotaph, Port Harcourt”, he said.
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?The SSG noted that one of the highlights of the events is the laying of wreaths by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Heads of the Security Agencies.
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The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.