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Agbami Scholarships Excite Rivers Indigenes
Stakeholders in Rivers State have applauded the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals Scholarship Awards which were presented to 183 beneficiaries from the state early in the week at the auditorium of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The scholarship was established by Agbami partners: Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited (a Chevron Company); Famfa Oil, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Statoil Nigeria Limited and Petroleo Brasileiro Nigeria Limtied (Petrobras).
Dr Elechi Amadi, the Chairman Rivers State Scholarship Board who represented the State government commended Chevron and the Agbami partners for offering the scholarships to the students stating that the Education sector in the State had a back ground of inadequacy and near desperation especially before the coming of the present administration.
The Chairman, who urged other corporate bodies to emulate Chevron because they draw their workforce from the products of the educational system, noted that the paramount role of education in the life of any nation could not be over-emphasised. “All other government programmes will ultimately collapse if education is not accorded the priority it deserves,” he stated.
In his own remarks, Rt Hon. Tonye Harry, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly commended the efforts of Chevron and its partners to address the issue of educational development for which he said the state has been disadvantaged. The speaker who was represented by Hon Hope Ikiriko, the Deputy House Leader noted that the gesture would greatly contribute to the efforts of the present State government to resuscitate the educational sector on which it has declared a state of emergency.
The Speaker, who called for the increase in the number of awardees in the next round of awards, congratulated the present recipients and the Scholarship Board confirming that the selection process was merit-based. He implored them to see the award as an opportunity to prove their mettle in their chosed professions and to come out to contribute to the development of the society. “beyond the scholarships and your educational attainment, you all should know that the essence of knowledge is not for you to depend on government for jobs, but to help create jobs by yourselves,” he stated.
Also expressing her excitement about the Agbami scholarships, Hon Maureen Tamuno, the Chairman, Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Education described the gesture as a visible commitment to assisting the state in educational development.
Encouraging the awardees not to misuse the opprounity offered by the scholarships, she called on other Companies in the State to emulate Chevron and its Agbami partners.
Earlier in his remarks, Andrew Fawthrop, the Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited noted that the Agbami deepwater partners have demonstrated commitment to conducting their business in Nigeria in a socially responsible way; lending hands to add value to the lives of the people and contributing positively to the socio-economic development of the country.
The Managing Dierctor, who was represented by Steven Shryock, the Deepwater Asset Manager, Stated that the Agbami partners were committing significant resource to Corporate Social Responsibility programs including the scholarship scheme for which N118 million has been earmarked for 860 beneficiaries during the first session. He therefore challenged the benefiaries to make the best use of the opportunity.
Rivers State Government has taken a step toward improving urban aesthetics in the State with a new agreement reached with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) on the adoption of uniform fence colours across designated auto dealership zones.
The initiative, which is part of broader urban renewal efforts, aimed at enhancing visual orderliness and creating a more structured business environment within the state’s growing commercial corridors.
The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon Amairigha Edward Hart, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with leaders of the motor dealers’ association at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.
Hart explained that the move aligns with the government’s commitment to building a modern and visually appealing city that reflects planning standards and coordinated development.
According to him, the ministry has approved a white and blue colour scheme proposed by the association, noting that the choice resonates with the identity and official colours of Rivers State.
He stated that AMDON is expected to submit detailed design specifications to guide implementation and ensure uniformity across all approved dealership locations.
The commissioner commended the leadership of the association for demonstrating cooperation and readiness to support government policies aimed at improving the built environment.
He noted that such collaboration between the public and private sectors remains critical to achieving sustainable urban development goals.
Earlier in his remarks, AMDON Chairman, Christian Okolie, confirmed that members of the association had collectively agreed to adopt white and navy blue as the standard colours for fencing around their business premises.
Okolie explained that the uniform colour scheme would not only enhance visibility but also make it easier for customers and visitors to identify auto dealerships within designated areas.
He added that while the standardization would create a consistent outlook, individual businesses would still retain their unique brand identities and signage.
Describing the engagement with the ministry as productive, the AMDON chairman said the agreement represents a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the government and operators in the sector.
He stressed that the decision underscores the association’s commitment to promoting orderliness and supporting policies that foster a conducive business environment.
Implementation of the new colour scheme is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative will contribute to a more organised and visually cohesive urban landscape in the State.
By: King Onunwor
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term to enable him continue the implementation of his “bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development” of the country.
Fubara gave the charge last Thursday while declaring open a meeting of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He described President Tinubu as a “dedicated and highly patriotic” leader, who should be given a second chance, stressing that with him in the saddle, Nigerians should be rest assured that the nation is in safe hands.
He recalled the various achievements of the Tinubu administration in the last three years and projected that a lot more will be achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda, if Tinubu is re-elected in 2027.
“We are all witnesses to the transformation of our battered economy and the ongoing infrastructural revolution, including the remarkable coastal road project in the southern and other parts of the country in just three years.
“Although challenges remain in certain regions, we all trust in Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and dedication to safeguarding our nation, transforming the economy and delivering equitable development to all regions.
“In football, the saying goes that no coach changes a winning team. Therefore, Nigerians have no choice but to support President Tinubu at this crucial time and work together to re-elect him in 2027 to continue implementing his bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development of our nation,” he said.
Welcoming the royal fathers to the meeting, Fubara said their presence in Port Harcourt was a testament to the fact that Rivers State is very peaceful and ready to host high profile visits, meetings and events as well as a confirmation of the unity of the people of Southern Nigeria.
“Although we are ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse to some extent, the beauty lies in the fact that we are all committed to being part and parcel or an ever- indivisible Nigeria, despite our differences. As a region, we have a duty to build our future together and promote the collective interests of our people for a better life which we can achieve more rapidly through collaboration with the Federal Government.
“Similarly, southern cooperation and solidarity will offer a clearer and more practical pathway for sharing knowledge and ideas, working together to realise the common goals and aspirations of our people for sustainable peace, security, and development,” he said.
The governor who acknowledged the strategic position of the traditional rulers in Nigeria, stated that by being the closest to the grassroots, they serve as a link between the people and the government, wielding capacities and influence that extend beyond their ceremonial roles.
He commended their commitment to peace and progress of southern Nigeria and urged them to stay vigilant and focused on pursuing their cultural, economic and political goals for the region and its people.
Fubara further charged the traditional rulers to dwell on productive discussions that will foster peace, security and progress in Southern Nigeria and the country at large.
The meeting which had in attendance traditional rulers from the South -South, South-East and South-West zones of Nigeria, was billed to discuss the roles of traditional institutions in promoting unity peace, cohesion and development across Southern Nigeria.
Among the royal fathers present at the meeting were the Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Co- Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council and Obi Obinugwu, His Majesty Eze Cletus Ilomuanya; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; and the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, the Eze Oha Apara IV and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, amongst others.
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has been named Social Impact Man of the Year 2025 by Daily Independent Newspapers.
The award was presented at the Independent Awards 2025 Silver Jubilee Edition held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary of editorial excellence.
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers, Steve Omanufeme, said the award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and transformative impact in their respective fields. He explained that recipients emerged through a rigorous process involving public voting, editorial board scrutiny, and assessment by a panel of judges.
Omanufeme noted that Zabbey’s selection reflects his outstanding contributions to environmental restoration and community development in Ogoniland through the Ogoni cleanup project.
With over two decades of experience spanning research, advocacy, capacity development, and administration, Zabbey has, within three years of leading HYPREP, implemented people-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Under his leadership, the project has reportedly created more than 7,000 direct jobs and facilitated the training of thousands of youths and women in high-demand skills, including mechatronics, cybersecurity, commercial diving, underwater welding, and data analytics.
HYPREP has also trained over 5,000 beneficiaries across 21 vocational skill areas, providing start-up kits to support entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
In the area of environmental sustainability, the agency has established 31 environmental clubs in secondary schools and trained 2,500 youths with International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification to support shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration efforts.
The project has recorded significant ecological milestones, including the cleanup of over 1,000 hectares of shoreline and restoration of 560 hectares of mangroves. This progress contributed to the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as a Ramsar Site of international importance.
Beyond environmental remediation, HYPREP has expanded its social intervention programmes to include educational grants and scholarships for over 1,000 students, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and skills training for persons living with special needs.
Infrastructure and healthcare development have also featured prominently, with ongoing projects such as the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, a Cottage Hospital, the Ogoni Power Project, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration. The agency has further strengthened emergency healthcare delivery by donating five ambulances to medical facilities in the region.
Additionally, potable water has been provided to more than 40 communities, alongside the construction of wind-powered water systems in underserved areas.
Speaking on the award, Zabbey described it as a validation of HYPREP’s integrated approach to environmental restoration, healthcare improvement, and economic empowerment.
“We remain committed to delivering a cleanup that not only restores the environment but also improves livelihoods in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
HYPREP, in a statement, expressed appreciation to the management of Independent Newspapers for the recognition, the Federal Ministry of Environment for its oversight role, and the Ogoni communities for their continued support and collaboration.
The agency was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and restore areas impacted by oil pollution.
By: Donatus Ebi
