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Wike Commissions Bonny Consulate Building
The Rivers State Government has said that the commissioning of the Bonny Consulate building fittingly keys into the vision of making Bonny an investment and tourism destination.
The state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike made this assertion while presenting his keynote address at the commissioning of the Bonny Consulate building in Bonny, last Saturday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Wike said, “The reconstruction of the Consulate building, a monument that was 197 years old this year, by NLNG and Julius Berger,”emphasises the importance of putting together our collective memory as a people”.
The governor, who expressed gratitude to NLNG for creatively re-enacting the old without losing the taste of the charm, added that the building would continue to remain a historical monument and a remarkable milestone.
“With the other initiatives that have been going on through the NLNG, including the Bonny-Bodo Road, and other corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects going on, we believe that this will further engender the fulfilment of our dream of making Bonny the destination of choice for all investors and bridges to other parts of this nation”, Wike stressed.The state chief executive said it was important for the people to continue to maintain the peace, which was key in bringing investors and important to maintain the unity, which the Bonny people were known for.
He emphasised that the challenge with gigantic projects in the communities was the issue of maintenance, stressing that it was important for a maintenance system to be in place that would increase the value of the investments and its sustainability.put in place that would increase the value of the investments and its sustainability.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila said the NLNG’s relationship with the ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom over the past 22 years, has generated milestones of varying impact on the island.He noted that the construction and commissioning of the Bonny Consulate building was one of such accomplishments, which would underscore the economic significance of Bonny Kingdom, which precedes the advent of oil and gas activities.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria, Dr. Lars Richter said as far back as the 15th century, Bonny was a major international trading post which has overtime transformed into a central hub and key focal point for natural gas exploration and production in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, who thanked the Bonny monarch and his council of chiefs for the initiative, said development was only possible in the presence of peace, harmony, honesty and transperancy, adding that it was imperative for everybody to embrace peace and be law-abiding.
“I wish you all the best of the opportunities available in this community, and I urge other corporate citizens of Bonny Local Government Area to borrow a leaf from NLNG. There is a lot to be done in pursuit of the Bonny-Dubai Vision and more corporate partnerships are needed to pursue and achieve all that is necessary to build the Bonny of our dreams.
“The proposed Bonny Motor Park at the entrance of the Bonny-Bodo Road, which is of great importance and a necessity for traffic and population control and security measure to the entire local government after the completion of the expectant road.
“Development is only possible in the presence of peace, harmony and open-mindedness. Therefore, it is imperative that we should embrace peace and be law-abiding in all our doings. The last I checked, there is a constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we are all under obligation to be lawful. We should avoid anything that would threaten the peace and enabling environment necessary for the mutual benefit of our private and corporate citizens.
“To this end, what we as a people can do is to ensure that we continue to conceive development ideas and freely express them, to transform our spoken words to actions that attract gatherings, such as this, and to ensure that there is a peaceful environment to operate and secure the confidence of external investors and investors in our community.
“We should discontinue making inflammatory statements with the intent to disparage, abuse, incite, or escalate the already tense situation in the community. Words spoken on or offline must be civil and brotherly, public statements must be made wisely and considered to be necessary for the peace and progress of the kingdom.
“Today, words are being put into action, dreams actualised; standing before us is an edifice ‘Bonny Consulate’ to be used for business purposes and to promote our heritage and tourism.
“The interest of NLNG on the health and well-being of our people cannot be over emphasised. No wonder the scheduled flag-off for Insecticide Treated Nets Distribution, which is not only appreciated but is also commendable and worthy of emulation.
“I cannot end this speech without thanking our dear Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is ably represented here by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, for his firm and unshakable commitment to empowering women to take their pride of place in politics. I am chairman of Bonny LGA today as a consequence of the expression of that conviction”, she said.
In his special address, the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple said the newly reconstructed Consulate building was capable of turning the Bonny Kingdom into the hub of tourism in Nigeria and Africa in general.
According to the monarch, part of the reason for the restoration of the historic building was to portray the economic significance of Bonny Island during the colonial administration and to elicit the interest of tourists, which can translate to economic benefit for the people.
He disclosed that with the completion and commissioning of the Bonny Consulate, the Bonny-Dubai vision, which was shared, with the leadership of NLNG was fully on course.
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.