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Gov Fubara Tasks Youths On Useful Ideas To Drive Economic Prosperity
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that it is time for youths in the State to spend more time among themselves fine-tuning ideas they have cultivated on how to contribute productively to the economy instead of waiting to be employed in the public sector.
The Governor explained that jobs in the public sector are becoming less available, adding that with greater peace prevailing in the State, making it ripe for investors to explore its business climate, Rivers youths must be ready with ideas, skills and determination to engage critical players in order to benefit from it, directly or indirectly.
Governor Fubara, gave the charge when he received members of the Rivers State Youth Leaders’ Assembly, who were on a Solidarity Street Show-Rally in his honour, at Government House Gate in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Represented by the Head of Rivers Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, the Governor noted the commendable level of education acquired by most youths of the State, coupled with the moral training espoused to them by their parents but added that without the discipline of subjecting themselves to thinking out of the box on productive ideas that can be translated into economic gains, their potentials will remain untapped.
He said: “You have already subjected yourselves to the rigours of education. Not just education, you also have very good upbringing that has produced you to become wonderful people that you are.
”You have also queued behind the Governor, not out of compulsion. No one came to compel you. It’s time for us to sit down and have some sober reflection.
”Why are we now begging for arms now? There was a time you could just walk down to Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout, and get something to do that could feed you for a week or two. What we have lost is what Governor Fubara wants to recover and recreate.
”Your ideas will be highly welcome by the Governor. You have to join him to make the Youth Resource Centre productive. This resource centre is going to be a place where youths will churn out ideas of what needs to be done to move the State to the next level. That place is where you need to go to contribute your quota to the development of the State.”
Governor Fubara explained the reason behind the Youth Resource Centre whose foundation has been laid, adding that it will cater to all youth development issues in the State, and also serve as reservoir of productive ideas from youths.
The Governor emphasised that the propelling vision of his administration for youths is to have a State that is reborn to reflect the dreams of the founding fathers who made sure there were productive industries and vibrant economy that offered varied opportunities to everybody.
He said, “the Governor has gone a step ahead, knowing that he is within the age bracket you define as youth. This is because he understands how you feel. He knows your pains, and where it pinches.
“That is why the Rivers State Youth Resource Centre is being built. It will be a youth development resource centre. So, be part of it, work to be active in that centre. The government expects useful ideas from thinking minds.
“So, we have hope because the youths that we have here today have something to offer. Come up with tangible ideas. What do you think that we can do? How can we create jobs for our people?”
He stated: “Let me tell you, I am an economist, and I know that government alone cannot create all the jobs. Government creates conducive environment for jobs to be created so that people can earn decent income.
“Just last week Wednesday and Thursday, we had Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit. Discussions were centred on how government can create an environment to woo investors to come to Rivers State. That is the journey we want you to be part of.”
In his address, leader of the delegation and Speaker of Rivers State Youth Leaders’ Assembly, Dr Prince Tonye Jeminimiema, said under the leadership of Governor Fubara, the State has witnessed remarkable progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic and human capital development.
Dr Jeminimiema also noted the unwavering commitment of the Governor to improve the lives of the citizenry, adding that they are resolved to continue to support his administration.
He said, “The achievements reflect your dedication to the comprehensive development of Rivers State and demonstrates a clear vision for a properous future.
“We, the members of the Rivers State Youth Leaders’ Assembly, are here today, not only to express our profound appreciation to you as our Grand Patron but also to seek your continued support in several critical areas that will further enhance our collective mission and vision.”
He listed some of the key areas of need, and pledged the determination of the youths to rally support for the Governor to ensure that his administration succeeds in delivering good governance to Rivers people.
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
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.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
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.
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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
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.
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