Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled the reconstructed  Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, a major transport corridor linking communities across the Asari-Toru, Degema, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas of the State.

The project, a 19.79 kilometre road was executed by Julius Berger Nigeria  PLC,  brings to an end the nightmares of man-hour losses and insecurity associated with the route.

The long stretch of the road was in a very deplorable condition before the Fubara administration awarded the contract for its rehabilitation in September 2024.

Fubara disclosed that the completion of the project in record time was a fulfillment of a personal commitment made after witnessing the  severe degradation of the road during a previous visit to the area.

“It is a road that you must pass if you’re going to Abonnema. It is a road that because of its state, a lot of evil activities was taking place there. But to the glory of God today, I don’t think those negative acts can even be imagined or be carried out along that corridor again.

“I made a promise to myself that day that even if it is remaining one week, we must make sure that we fix this road. Today, to the glory of God, the road has been fixed.

“I am happy that today, we are all here gathered happily that this particular dream has come to reality,” he said.

The governor reiterated that his desire for the State is not just about embarking on projects but in doing those things that  will touch the lives of the  people positively.

He reaffirmed  the  commitment of his administration to complete the Trans-Kalabari Highway, another major road project linking several coastal communities in the State.

He expressed appreciation to the people for their love and cooperation especially for allowing the contractors to do their jobs without hitches.

“You have shown me so much love. Nobody can take that away. One particular project that cannot be denied is the Trans- Kalabari Road that we are doing. I want to beg you that if I cannot meet all you requests today, don’t  worry, my successor will continue from where I will stop,” he said.

Special Guest of Honour, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema Kingdom, King Desrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, who officially  commissioned the project,  commended the state government for its rapid infrastructure development, noted that the rehabilitation of the roa has drastically improved travel time, safety and the living conditions of the people.

“In the past, for you to leave any of our communities to Port Harcourt, you must, as a matter of fact, go into a one-day fasting and prayers the previous day. Otherwise, you are not sure you will get to your destination.

“Today, I can leave my palace in Abonnema by 10:00 AM, and I will be wherever I want to be in Port Harcourt before 11:00 AM,” the royal father said.

King Bob-Manuel stated that the reconstructed  road would not only enable the local fishermen to transport their catch directly to urban markets in Port Harcourt for better profit margins, but will open the  riverine communities to new investments.

President Bola  Tinubu has appointed Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 27, 2026.

Enitan succeeds Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who will retire soon from the Federal Civil Service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

Mr Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, working at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

Enitan, according to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.

Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation to Mrs Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation and for the reforms, impact and innovations witnessed in the Civil Service during her tenure.

“The President wishes her a fulfilling and successful life after service and conveys the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service,” the statement added.

Tinubu charged the incoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to consolidate on the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President further urged Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife. He later attended the University of Lagos and graduated in 1988 with a B.Sc. in Finance and Banking.

In 2015, Enitan obtained an M.Sc. in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Maxi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has said the 66th Annual General Conference of the association will inject significant economic value into Rivers State, with more than 23,000 lawyers and other participants expected to converge in Port Harcourt today for the main event.

Osigwe stated this recently while speaking ahead of the conference that started last Friday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.

The NBA President pointed out that the gathering would provide an opportunity for lawyers from across the country and beyond to deliberate on issues affecting the legal profession and national development.

According to him, the influx of delegates, service providers, contractors and support personnel would stimulate business activities across the state, particularly in the hospitality, transportation, food and other service sectors.

Osigwe noted that the economic impact of the conference would extend beyond the venue, as delegates would patronise hotels, restaurants, transport operators, shops and other businesses during their stay in Port Harcourt.

He described Port Harcourt as a historic city with a significant place in the history of the legal profession, noting that the NBA rotates its annual conference among different cities to promote cultural exchange, unity and national integration.

He said the return of the conference to Rivers State also presented an opportunity for lawyers to reconnect with the city while contributing to its economic and social development through their presence.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the NBA Annual General Conference Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, said the theme of the conference, “Beyond Limit,” was carefully chosen to reflect the need for Nigeria to unlock its vast potential and accelerate national progress.

Mohammed explained that the theme would provide a platform for critical conversations on how the country could overcome existing limitations and harness its human, economic, institutional and technological resources for sustainable development.

He said the conference would bring together legal practitioners, policymakers, academics, business leaders and other stakeholders to examine contemporary issues affecting the nation and the legal profession.

On his part, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 66th Annual General Conference, Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for the hospitality extended to the association ahead of the annual gathering.

Krukrubo noted that the NBA’s decision to return its annual conference to Rivers State fulfilled a commitment made by the association to host the conference in the State once democratic governance was restored, expressing optimism that participants would have a memorable experience in Port Harcourt.

King Onunwor