News
Amaechi Kick-Starts $30m Pet Plant At Indorama
The Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday inaugurated a $30million world-class Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plant built by Indorama Group at Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, in Eleme, near Port Harcourt.
While commissioning the 86,000 tonnes per year largest PET Plant in Sub-Sahara Africa, Amaechi insisted that only industrialisation and job creation would stem the tide of crime in the country.
The governor, who commended Indorama for the prompt completion of the new PET Plant, few months after it announced an investment portfolio of $2billion for PET, fertiliser and methanol projects in the next five years, said the projects would go a long way in helping the country realise its vision 2020 goals.
According to him, “key to us as a government is expansion of the state’s economic base, and the fact that Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals will create new employment opportunities for our people. We believe that as more industries spring up in the state, we will be able to reduce the crime rate, and once you create employment opportunities, you put those opportunities in the hands of Rivers people”.
He advised Eleme people not to take any action that could frustrate smooth operations of the petrochemicals company, warning that the law to deal with anyone who disturbs the operations of any company would be invoked on trouble makers in any part of the state.
Amaechi commended Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals for discharging its corporate social responsibilities to its host community, and urged the management to continue in that spirit.
Speaking, Group Managing Director of Indorama Corporation, Amit Lohia said the new PET Plant has capacity for producing 86,000 metric tonnes of PET resins per annum, adding that Indorama’s dream was to turn Nigeria into a net exporter of PET resins.
Lohia stated that for now, Nigeria imports 100 per cent of its local demand for PET resins, and pledged that very soon, Indorama’s PET production would cover all local demand and exports to neighbouring African countries.
“Our new PET Plant has capacity to help Nigeria to save a whopping $140million from import substitution,” stressing that polyethylene terephthalate, is raw materials highly needed by the plastics, foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, breweries and allied industries.
According to him, application of PET is largely in bottles for table water, aerated water, fruit juices, drugs, beers, beverages, among others.
The Indorama group managing director noted that PET Plant was the second in Africa, the first, a 120,000 metric tonnes capacity plant located in South Africa, while the Indorama PET Plant is the first in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Lohia said Africa’s total demand for PET resins stood at 500,000 metric tonnes per annum, emphasising that even with Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals’ 86,000 metric tonnes per annum and South Africa’s 120,000 metric tonnes per annum, African continent still has growth potentials of over 300,000 metric tonnes of PET resins.
Managing Director, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Manish Mundra, listed the success story of Indorama since it acquired the Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited in 2006 through the privatisation programme of the Federal Government, adding that “we are committed to our investments in Nigeria.”
Mundra said that Indorama was operating an excellent model of public private partnership in which case the petrochemicals company was now owned by core investor with 65 per cent stake, Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Bureau of Public Procurement (BPE) with 15 per cent, Rivers State Government with 10 per cent share, host community (7.5 per cent) and employees (2.5 per cent).
Also speaking, Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers State branch, Mrs Emilia Akpan, said the coming on stream of the Indorama PET Plant was a major boost to Nigeria’s quest for industrialisation.
Nelson Chukwudi
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