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Wike’s Decentralisation Of RSU, N16.6bn Release Excite Stakeholders
Stakeholders in Rivers State have commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for releasing N16.6billion for the upgrade of facilities at the Rivers State University in Port Harcourt.
Guests made the commendation during a Rhythm 93.7 FM radio phone-in programme ‘Viewpoint’, in Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
Speaking as a guest at the programme, a Professor of Econometrics, University of Port Harcourt, Prof Okey Onuchukwu, described the development as a timely intervention to expand the tertiary education sector and improve the rural economy of the state.
The renowned economist called the people of the state to jettison political sentiments and support Wike and his team so that the basic objective of transforming the rural communities would be achieved through decentralisation of the Rivers State University.
Onuchukwu, a former Director of the Business School of the University of Port Harcourt, said the decentralisation would not only enhance rapid socio-economic development of the three local government areas but would also make tertiary education more accessible to the people of the state.
The university don, who was part of the team that drew up the development blueprint of the NEW Rivers Vision of Governor Wike said, “The Rivers State University is a very critical area Governor Nyesom Wike had in mind earlier before he came into government, that look, ‘I am going to intervene in this university by ensuring that the campuses are decentralised and build a world standard medical college.’ That has been there. Wike didn’t just jump into governance; he had a well-prepared blueprint of how he is going to develop the various sectors of the state.”
He described the move to establish a standard medical college at the university as one of the best things that has happened to Rivers State as it would address the dearth of medical doctors in the health sector of the state in the nearest future.
Onuchukwu said there was nothing wrong in the governor’s award of scholarship to students of the PAMO Medical University, who are indigenes of the state, saying that it would encourage the graduation of more medical doctors to complement the personnel requirements of hospitals in the state.
He dismissed claims of ethnic colouration in the development agenda of the Wike-led administration, saying that “in the first place, we should commend the effort of the Rivers State Government and try to play down on this ethnic colouration.”
“And one thing I will say here is: government has done this much in this present situation. Some other governments will continue and provide. There is no way government can address all the issues bothering on development at a time and at a go,” he said.
Speaking in the second the segment of the radio programme, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Coalition of PDP Support Group of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, Hon. Edwin Ibanichuka and Arch. Meme Samuel, respectively, described Wike as a detribalised leader who has taken into consideration equality, service and justice in the execution of his administration’s development agenda.
They maintained that although the Wike-led administration has ensured the spread of development projects to all the 23 local government areas of the state, there was no way the government or any other group can ignore the need for urban renewal programme since 90 per cent of Rivers people improve their economic wellbeing in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas that constitute the capital of the state.
According to Samuel, “For access to economic wellbeing for businesses to thrive, for comfort, every responsible government would want to open up the urban centres so that the inflow of people from the rural areas and those coming from outside the state with their goods, their services would have a pot everybody can come and feed from, and that is what the government is doing.
“I can assure you, it is Wike today, tomorrow, there might be another governor. Let me tell you, every governor that sits at the Brick House will always embark on urban renewal, and in so doing, cannot succeed in Rivers State without investing in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor,” Samuel said.
Samuel, however, defended the state government on the issue of decentralisation of projects.
“You will be unfair to Governor Wike when you constantly miniaturise the NEW Rivers Vision by saying that development is concentrated in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, while a lot is happening across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
“For example, the expansion of the Rivers State University campuses to three local government areas on its own has ripple effects socially, economically and even security wise because insecurity thrives when focus of government is not there.”
Buttressing their claims with a list of 106 projects executed by the Wike-led administration in the 23 local government areas, he said, “now, for us in the next 20 to 30 years, if there is continuity of programme by succeeding governments, you will see that in the next 10 years, Emohua, Ahoada and Etche will open up because there will be careful, deliberate implementation of policies from the school projects.”
It would be recalled that the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, had last Wednesday, announced that the state government has released N16.6billion for the upgrade of facilities at the Rivers State University.
Out of amount, N7.6billion is for the proper establishment of the College of Medical Sciences of the university while N3billion each will go to the three campuses of the university to be established at Emohua, Ahoada and Etche local government areas, Nsirim said.
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