News
Projects, Service Delivery Won’t Be Politicised, Fubara Assures
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the delivery of development projects and social services by his administration will not be politicised because they are geared towards solving pertinent needs faced by the people of the State.
The Governor explained that while every human and societal challenges cannot be solved in one swoop, every promise made would be fulfilled within available resources and delivered on schedule.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the official inauguration of the dualised Omoku-Egbema Road project, which took place at De Masters Hotel Junction, Obrikom Road, Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) on Saturday.
Governor Fubara said, “When the project was added to the list of projects to mark our one year in office, there was a challenge, but the contractor assured of delivering it, which is a reality today.
“What are we doing today? We are here to tell our people that they are the most important thing to us. We are here to assure you that every part of this State will have positive impact of our administration.
“We can make bold to say that today, a project that was impossible in the past was made possible by this administration.”
Governor Fubara further said: “If within this short period, we could deliver this to our people who were yearning for this road, crying and complaining, it is a sign that this Government has the interest of the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area at heart.
“So, I want to assure you: don’t let anybody deceive you anywhere. This is the right boat to join. The captain of this boat, his own mantra is ‘The People First’. So, I assure you, with your support, the sky is our beginning.”
Governor Fubara said it would be improper for him not to appreciate the people of ONELGA because the campaigns leading his election kick-started in the area where their support was solicited.
The Governor noted that they lived up to that commitment of giving electoral support, giving the required votes that had enabled his team to be where they are today in Government.
Governor Fubara granted some requests made to him by their spokesperson concerning roads and healthcare facilities in the area.
The Governor said: “Here and now, we are mandating the Ministry of Works to ensure that the remaining part of this road project leading to the boundary with Imo State should be completed (Okwuizi boundary to Abacheke).
“We are also assuring you that the health centre matter, more especially the zonal hospital: we are going to complete it. The contractor will move to site in the next one week.
“So, let me use this opportunity, on behalf of the Government and the good people of our dear State, to say thank you for supporting us before, during and also after the election,” he said.
Governor Fubara emphasised: “Let me assure you that whatever we say, we will leave up to it. We will not make promises that we will not keep.
“We will make promises after checking our resources. We will make promises that are within our capacity to deliver, and delivering it in good time.”
Governor Fubara explained the special reason for inviting former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili, to perform the inauguration, saying: “This is not politics. This is giving back to our people. So, I want somebody who understands the need of our people, and what we are doing to come and speak to our people.
“I want somebody who has the direct interest of this LGA at heart to come and speak to his people, so that we will understand that when we are in position, what is important is not self, what is important is the people.”
Performing the project inauguration, former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, noted that Governor Fubara has taken full control of governance in Rivers State, and rightly focusing on the people in line with his chosen mantra: ‘People First’.
Dr Odili while thanking Governor Fubara for the project delivered in the area, urged him to remain focused on the people, giving succour to the less-privileged and hope to those who do not have anyone to help them go through life’s challenges.
“I can tell our people that the next election is very far, but what the Governor has done so far, is enough to secure the support of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area going forward.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, because the greatest assets of the State remain the people, not oil and gas. The people remain the greatest assets.
“So, once your focus remains with the people, especially the less-privileged, the poor, those who are struggling to feed every day. Once they remain your focus, I want to agree with you that the sky would become the takeoff point of your administration,” the former Governor said.
Dr Odili assured that the entire people of Rivers are behind Governor Fubara, “rallying support for him because they trust him, believing in what he says and convinced that he means whatever he says”.
Providing the description of the road, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Engr Atemea Briggs, said the road project indicated how Governor Fubara has consistently prioritised the needs of the people and solving critical problems.
Engr Briggs said: “The 21.6Km dual carriageway project was awarded to Sectraco Nigeria Limited on April 28, 2023, by the previous administration at the sum of N7.597billion but without funding. It has 7.3meters carriageway on both sides and 8.2Km length of drains.
“Before the award of this contract, this road had been abandoned for many years. The current administration led by our hardworking Governor Siminalayi Fubara approached the project with great determination and passion, and as a result, mobilisation was paid to the contractor and the contractor started work in July, 2023.
“The scope of the project changed and due to the prevailing inflation rate, an additional N5.47billion was added to the contract, bringing the total value of the contract to N13.07billion.
“It is pleasing to announce that the full amount has been paid to the contractor, who has also completed the work within the timeframe,” he added.
In his welcome address, High Chief Shedrack Akalokwu, noted that though Governor Fubara is soft spoken, his leadership is action-packed, with successes that far outweigh public expectations of his administration.
He said, “We are grateful that in the short period of less than one year in office, Your Excellency is here today to superintend over the commissioning of the Omoku-Egbema Dual Carriageway in our local government area.
“The Erema junction-Akabuka- Ogbogu-Obite-Ede-Okposi dual carriageway speedily being executed by the construction giant, Julius Berger, is very refreshing. The news of the award of 33.5Km Elele-Omudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku dual carriageway has been received with gladsome mind.
“That project is magic infrastructural access that would gladden the hearts of our people as there would be drastic reduction of time and distance from our local government to the state capital.
“All our people are in one accord in conveying our support, solidarity, gratitude and total loyalty to this Government of which we are an integral part,” he added.
On his part, the Area Manager of Sectraco Nigeria Limited, Engr Michael Issa, explained that the contract was awarded and first payment made to the company in July, 2023, adding that they mobilized to site immediately, delivering the project alongside the additional scope of work, on schedule.
Engr Issa said, like other road projects delivered in good quality and still enduring, this project has been delivered in best quality, stressing that the firm feels delighted to be part of the success story of Governor Fubara, who, according to him, “is establishing a footprint in the development trajectory in the state”.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.