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Rivers Consolidation, Continuity Budget Scales First Reading At Assembly
The 2023 Appropriation Bill, presented by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, scaled the first reading on the floor of the state House of Assembly.
The state lawmakers had decided to expeditiously and conscientiously deliberate on the fiscal spending legislation in the next sitting of the House.
Earlier, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, had presented an Appropriation Bill of N550, 666,987,238.00 for the 2023 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for consideration.
Wike while giving a breakdown of the budget, said the projected recurrent expenditure is N175, 249, 692, 497, which represents about 36.8percent of the total budget, while the projected estimates for Capital Expenditure is N350, 977, 495, 537, representing about 63.2percent of the total budget.
The governor said the policy thrusts for the 2023 budget proposal christened, “Budget of Consolidation and Continuity,” would focus on delivering economic growth, additional infrastructure and prosperity for citizens.
He noted that the 2023 budget was based on the framework of the state’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the State’s Economic Strategy Paper (SESP), the national economic outlook and the state’s economic growth projections pegged on the assumptions of crude oil benchmark of $70 per barrel, national crude oil production estimates of 1.7million barrels per day, currency exchange rate of $435.57 to the Dollar, a gross domestic product growth rate of between three per cent, an inflation rate of 13.1per cent and state economic growth projection between 4 and 4.5percent.
He explained that the budget would be funded from FAAC receipts, 13percent oil mineral derivation fund, IGR, Value-Added Tax (VAT), Federal Government’s bridging facility and refunds, commercial bank loans, sale of state assets and grants from international development agencies.
Wike emphasised that the projected recurrent expenditure would be deployed to meet government’s administrative obligations on salaries, pensions and gratuities for civil servants and overheads for the day-to-day operations of the government and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The governor pointed out that the 2022 capital expenditures posted impressive performance as capital receipts were judiciously utilised to fund infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and flyovers as well as investments in human capital development in the areas of education, healthcare and citizen’s security.
According to him, “New projects may not be awarded in 2023, except where such is considered very significant.
“My administration will galvanise efforts and resources to complete all ongoing projects so that the new government can start on a clean slate, unencumbered”, he noted.
He also pointed out that adequate provisions would be made on all aspects of the administration’s priorities, including law, order, security and justice; sustainable physical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and jetties; and human capital development – education, healthcare, skill acquisition, business development, job creation, women and youth empowerment, agriculture and poverty reduction.
Wike acknowledged the unity of purpose, togetherness and support accorded his administration by the state House of Assembly over the last seven and half years, and assured of his administration’s commitment to use the 2023 budget to deliver more transformative infrastructure and other strategic projects and services to move the state closer to the point of self-sustainability.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, noted that Wike, had through prudent allocation of resources, put in place a roadmap for the development of the state.
Ibani, who commended the governor for his achievements in the past seven years, noted that his numerous infrastructure projects, would impact positively on the development of the state in future, and assured of speedy consideration of the budget.
By: Ike Wigodo
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol