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Rivers Leaders Laud Wike’s Dev Vision
Prominent leaders of Rivers State have commended the development vision of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
They were particularly excited that two of the three flyovers started in October, 2019, would be ready and open to vehicular traffic by December, 2020.
The Rivers’ leaders had joined the governor and the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Lars Richter, on inspection tour of the flyover projects in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.
They visited the Rebisi and the Rumuola flyover project sites to see the extent of work done.
The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said Governor Wike has demonstrated prudence in financial spending, and was never deterred by the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic.
“This Rebisi flyover has completely transformed the skyline of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. It is a project like no other.
“God has made it possible, and it is happening in our tenure. In the midst of Covid-19 pandemic and other economic issues, the governor has prudently used available financial resources to achieve this feat.
“He has ensured excellence. As he promised, this is one of five flyovers, and it will be completed this year. This is a major landmark success,” she stated.
Also speaking, the former governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, noted that Wike has continued to push for more economical, political and infrastructural growth of the state.
“He is doing something quite different from what previous administrations did. To make a mark, you have to create something different.
“The bridge on which we are standing is part of the kind of development that will attract investors because it will ease movement.
“He promised Rivers people to provide infrastructure, and promote human capital development among other concerns. He is achieving them.
“His choice of construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, also tells of the quality of projects he wants to deliver to Rivers people.
“We are also happy for the favourable court judgement that has affirmed that Rivers State Government owns the OML 11. This is a milestone that will impact positively on the economy of the state,” he asserted.
On his part, former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, commended the boldness of the governor in repositioning the state for economic prosperity.
“I am absolutely impressed with what is on ground. You could dislike Governor Wike but not his projects. They are purposeful, and if you hate the projects, it means you hate Rivers people.
“We are seeing these five flyovers, and it is unimaginable. No other state deserves more flyovers than Rivers State. We have, over the years, since Rivers State was created, had narrow and single lane flyovers.
“But he came with a vision that this state must get what it deserves. And I am very glad at that. Being on this flyover, today, tells me that the vision is correct”, he declared.
Also in his remarks, the former Commissioner for Education, Alwell Onyesoh, opined that the governor has prepared the state to welcome true investors.
“I am happier being a Rivers man. Rivers State can compete with Lagos State in terms of purposeful infrastructure rightly developed.
“This governor has done well. A lot of people say so much is done in Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt. For me, they are being political; like telling the truth by half. We need development and it comes gradually.
“With his urban renewal programme, and taking development in phases, people will have the feeling that this is a place to be and do business.
“A previous administration built monorail, and people had so much expectation on it. This is ten years after, it is lying useless, and funds wasted.
“But the Wike administration has spent less than that and it is useful. If he develops Port Harcourt, and another does other areas, in no time, everywhere will be developed,” he said.
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.