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RSG Campaigns Against Food Wastage …Plans School For Disabled
The Rivers State Government has pledged to put in place measures that will help the state to preserve its natural resources from extinction and curb food wastage.
The Commissioner for Empowerment and Employment Generation, Dr Ipalibo Harry said this while declaring open a three-day seminar on the environment, orgainsed by the African Centre for Environmental Protection (ACEP) in conjunction with the Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority in Port Harcourt.
Dr Harry described the environment as very critical to human survival, noting that the government was working hard to ensure that the environment was preserved for future generations.
He described as apt, the theme of this year’s World Environment Day celebration, which is ‘ Think, Eat and Save”, explaining that it was a lesson to people to think before they harvest, transport as well as eat.
In a similar development, the state government has said that it is mounting campaign to check food wastages by pupils and students in schools.
Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence –Nemi, said this during the second day of the seminar, noting that the theme of the celebration was designed to enable people fashion ways to check food wastages.
Dame Lawrence-Nemi reeled out statistics from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) to buttress the importance of the campaign.
According to her, given the high rate of poverty in our country, there was need for an urgent call for the eradication of wastages of food in our society.
She also said that, given the enormous imbalance in lifestyles and the resultant devastating effects in the environment, “this year’s theme encourages you to become more aware of the environmental impact of food choices you make and empowers you to make informed decisions”.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Clement Agba, yesterday said that over 1.3billion tons of food produced annually in sub-Saharan Africa was wasted.
Agba stated this during the 2013 World Environment Day in Benin, adding that the impact of food wastage had many consequences which went beyond financial.
“If food is wasted it means that all resources and inputs used in the production of all the food are also lost.
“For example, it takes 1,000 litres of water to produce a litre of milk.
“The resulting greenhouse gas emissions from the cows and throughout the food supply chain, all end up in vain when we waste food,” he added
Meanwhile,Rivers State Government will soon commence the construction of a school for students with special needs at the Greater Port Harcourt City.
This is coming one year after Governor Chibuike Amaechi ordered the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation to liase with the Ministry of Education to relocate the school from its former site in old township area due to lack of space and facilities.
Speaking to newsmen after the official handover of the site between Kpondo and Aluu communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area by representative of the sole Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt, Mr Noel Elenwo, Education Commissioner, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi and her counter part in the Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Hon. Joe Poroma, assured that work will commence soon.
Lawrence Nemi disclosed that her ministry has already commenced designs for the new school for those with special needs.
She said: “Let me on behalf of the Ministry of Education and my colleague, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, thank His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for giving hope to the physically challenged in the state and also the Sole Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam. I am gladdened in my heart today that I and my colleague are here (site for the school) today.
According to her, Amaechi’s vision for students with special needs in the state will now become a reality.
On his part, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Hon. Joe Poroma said the students with special needs in the state will have a new beginning with the school.
“It’s a great day in the lives of those that are physically challenged in our state. It has always been the dream of this administration to come up with a dream home, as you may as well call it school for those that are physically challenged in the state. Today is a new beginning; we’ve come here to inspect the land, and I promise everybody in this state that by the time this administration comes to an end, there’s going to be a befitting school for those that are physically challenged”, Poroma submitted.
The representative of the Sole Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, and Manager of the Survey Department, Mr. Noel Elenwo, said the land for the special school falls within the educational layout of the Greater Port-Harcourt City, and is about 3.48 hectares.
John Bibor
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo