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Abdulasami, Umahi, Ooni Hail Wike On Projects Delivery …As RSG Unveils Rex Lawson Cultural Centre …Garrison-Trans-Amadi- Woji-Elelenwo Road Comes Alive …Gov Orders New Flyover At Garrison
The Rivers State Government has officially unveiled the ultra-modern Rivers State Cultural Centre completed by the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.
The project, which was commissioned by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, last Saturday, is a facility for the promotion of culture, arts and tradition.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in the heart of Port Harcourt Township, Wike renamed the edifice Rex Lawson Cultural Centre.
He noted that the new name is to immortalise the legendary musician whose music promoted Rivers State and brought joy to the people.
Wike said that the cultural centre was abandoned by the immediate past administration, but added that his administration resolved to complete the project because of its importance to the state.
“We did not re-award the contract. We negotiated with the contractor that abandoned the job, paid him and ensured that this superlative edifice is delivered.
“There will be urban renewal around this neighbourhood where the centre is located. We have reconstructed Creek Road and we will develop other facilities to beautify this area”, he said.
He stated that the state government would lease the facility out for private management as a means of sustaining it, insisting that similar facilities were destroyed by civil servants.
“For the opportunity given to me by Rivers State, there is nothing that I cannot do for the state. I will pay the state back in a big way”, he said.
In his remarks, Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Umahi commended Wike for completing the magnificent Rex Lawson Cultural Centre.
He noted that the Ebonyi State Government would replicate same edifice in Abakiliki, and praised the governor for serving Rivers people diligently.
Commissioning the project, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi lauded the Rivers State governor for promoting culture, tourism and tradition through the Rex Lawson Cultural Centre.
He praised Wike for working for the ordinary people, a situation which has made him very close to the people.
Ogunwusi noted that he was proud to be associated with Wike because of the governor’s love for Rivers people, and urged other governors to emulate the Rivers State governor.
The Ooni of Ife appealed to Nigerian leaders to set aside politics of bitterness and destruction, and focus on service to the people.
“Your Excellency, God will continue to be with you. God will continue to be with the good people of Rivers State. How many leaders can execute and commission projects so close to the people? How many leaders can stand tall and speak so close to the people.
“Today, I am very proud to be associated with ‘Mr Projects’, the governor of Rivers State for the love he has for his people. I want other governors to learn from him”, the Ooni of Ife said.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Oniyide said the Rex Lawson Cultural Centre was the best on the continent, explaining that it has state-of-the-art facilities.
After the commissioning ceremony, the Rivers State governor, his Ebonyi State counterpart, the Ooni of Ife, and selected guests watched cultural dances, comedy and musical performance.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr Dave Umahi has praised Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the monumental transformation taking place in the state.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony of Pamo University of Medical Sciences in Port Harcourt, last Saturday, Umahi said that the numerous quality projects being churned out by the Rivers State governor were outstanding.
He noted that as someone who lived in Rivers State for over two decades, he appreciates the infrastructural development in the state.
Umahi said: “I am excited by the outstanding projects’ delivery taking place in Rivers State. I am happy with the quality of work done by the governor.
“As a professional civil engineer of over 30 years, I can tell you authoritatively that quality work is taking place in Rivers State.
“It is very easy to forget where we are coming from. I have watched the daily commissioning of great projects across the state”.
The Ebonyi State governor lauded his Rivers State counterpart for the sacrifices he was making to move the state forward.
He noted that the cost of projects in Rivers State was service-oriented and not aimed at enriching anybody.
“I want to join voices with others to commend Governor Wike for living up to the expectations of Rivers people”, he said.
He noted that though the forces of darkness would rise up against Wike, he would emerge victorious by the support of God and Rivers people.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike congratulated new students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences, stressing that the state government has kept her promise of sponsoring 500 students on scholarship in the next five years.
Wike said that the first set of 100 students was already studying in the institution.
He advised Rivers students under the state government scholarship at Pamo University of Medical Sciences to put in their best, so that they could contribute to the development of the state in future.
The former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, who is the chancellor of the institution, former Rivers State governor and Pro-Chancellor, Dr Peter Odili, and other leaders attended the matriculation ceremony.
Also, with majestic streetlights, modern traffic lights and excellent dual carriageway in full splendour of the night, the Rivers State Government, last Friday, unveiled the 8.4-kilometre Garrison-Trans-Amadi-Slaughter-Woji-Elelenwo Road.
Fitted with 16 telecommunication ducts on the two sides of the dual-carriageway, the Garrison-Trans-Amadi-Slaughter-Woji-Elelenwo Road has six bridges and seven exquisitely designed roundabouts with delicately placed walkways and gardens.
It was awarded by the immediate past administration in 2009, but abandoned due to the refusal of that administration to fund it.
However, upon assumption of office, Governor Nyesom Wike financed the execution of the project through internally generated revenue.
Commissioning the Garrison-Trans-Amadi-Slaughter-Woji-Elelenwo Road, the former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar praised the governor for his delivery of outstanding projects to Rivers people.
He said that the Garrison-Trans-Amadi-Slaughter-Woji-Elelenwo Road, which leads to the economic nerve-centre of Rivers State, was a major contribution to the growth of the state.
The former Head of State charged those using the road to use it responsibly.
“I want to appeal to people using this road to ensure it is well maintained and pub in good use.
“Let me draw your attention to the need to keep peace not only in the state but in Nigeria. Without peace, no development will take place”, he said.
Abdulsalami called for the sustained maintenance of the road, adding that people must pay their taxes for more roads to be constructed.
In his address, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated he would always use Rivers resources to develop world-class infrastructure for the state.
He said though the Garrison-Trans-Amadi-Slaughter-Woji-Elelenwo Road was awarded by the Chibuike Amaechi administration, it was abandoned at less than 30 per cent completion.
The governor added that his administration retained the same contractor, till the road was delivered.
“This road traverses Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas. When we came on board, RCC left the site because the road was not funded. Our administration paid over N17billion to complete this project.
“This road is very key to the development of the state. Trans-Amadi is an industrial hub. The poor state of the road drove companies away. But now, most companies are back. The roundabouts have changed the landscape”, he said.
He directed the construction of a flyover from Government Vocational Centre to Saint John’s on Aba Road.
The governor added that all projects that would impact on the lives of the people would be completed by the administration.
The Rivers State Works Commissioner, Hon Dumnemene Dekor said the road would enhance the development of the area.
In his remarks, the representative of RCC, Engr Nabel Esawi thanked the Rivers State Government for funding the road to completion.
Also speaking, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Prince Amadi Oparaeli thanked the Rivers State governor for the major road that would improve the economy of the state.
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.