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Doctors’ Quarters, Rex Lawson Centre: Promises Kept
It all started after the dilapidated old Doctors Quarters was gutted by fire. The fire incident compromised the lone building which housed senior medical professionals.
Governor Nyesom Wike led top government officials for an on-the-spot assessment. It was obvious that the integrity of the building had been compromised. Nothing could be salvaged. Governor Wike ordered the immediate relocation of the doctors to high level Government Guest Houses and pledged to build an ultra-modern quarters for them.
In fulfillment of this pledge, Governor Wike on 13th of February, 2017 invited then Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo , to flag off the construction of the Doctors Quarters at the Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital (BSMH), Port Harcourt.
Whilst laying the foundation stone for the Doctors Quarters , Professor Osinbajo, said that the doctors quarters would help in repositioning medicare in the state.
He said: “It is my special privilege to lay this foundation stone of this doctors quarters at the Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital.
“It is very special because this is a special contribution to the creation of access to healthcare in the country. And especially the welfare of doctors who do the commendable work of ensuring the health of the people”
The Acting President declared: “I lay this stone to the glory of God, the welfare of the good people of Rivers State and the country at large”.
In his address at that event, Governor Wike declared his commitment to the provision of quality facilities in hospitals across the state.
He said: “For me, my engagement with the people is premised on the provision of projects across the state. In Rivers State, it is projects, projects and projects. We shall not deviate.”
Governor Wike said that the objective of the project is to restore the existing accommodation and expand it to accommodate more specialist doctors serving at the BMSH.
He noted that the quarters has over 40 units of luxury three bedroom flats with a community canteen and dedicated water facility.
Since that foundation laying ceremony, Governor Wike has made the supervision of the project a daily affair. Sometimes, he inspects with the media, at other times, he goes alone.
Two of the structures are completely near, while the third has been re-modelled for use by the doctors.
From the first block laid by Vice President Osinbajo, the doctors Quarters has emerged as an imposing structure. A beauty to behold!
The Doctors Quarters at the BSMH is yet another confirmation of the commitment of Governor Wike to quality healthcare for Rivers people. This administration is developing the personnel and facilities for optimum performance.
Shortly, the Mother and Child Hospital in Port Harcourt will come on stream, just as the College of Medical Sciences at the Rivers State University is nearing completion. The zonal hospital at Degema, Bori, Eberi and Ahoada are all in the offing. There are 13 General Hospitals that have been reconstructed and equipped. They are awaiting commissioning.
The administration is also equipping and upgrading the entire BSMH to make it a teaching hospital for the Rivers State University. This project is almost completed.
Healthcare delivery is one of the cornerstones of the transformational agenda of Governor Wike in the last three years. The people in all the 23 local government areas have been reached with properly designed projects and programmes aimed at changing their fortunes. Little wonder everyone is singing one song – Governor Wike will consolidate the gains of visionary leadership till 2023.
Meanwhile, it is said that culture is the way of life of a people. The Rex Lawson Cultural Centre was initiated for that purpose, to promote the culture, tradition and philosophy of Rivers people.
It was situated at the heart of the Old Port Harcourt Township. Granted, it was started by the immediate past administration, but in their character, they abandoned this laudable project after three years of block work.
They stopped the funding of the project and channelled all resources to funding APC National Campaign. Therefore, the minimal structure they had erected became a robbers hide-out and security threat to the Old Port Harcourt Township. It was embarrassing that the Rotimi Amaechi administration neglected this project despite the huge resources at her disposal.
Upon assumption of office, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, called for the project situation report. Upon evaluation, he invited the contractor for negotiation. The negotiation led to the return of the contractor to site.
Governor Wike directed the dedicated funding of the Rex Lawson Cultural Centre and backed the funding of the project by regular supervision visits to the site. These supervision visits ensured the timely completion of the edifice. It was delivered after 120 days of sustained construction.
Considered as the best cultural centre in the South of the Sahara, the Rex Lawson Cultural Centre has exciting modern facilities to promote arts, culture and tradition.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Oniyide, explained the situation thus: “A structure like this that could not be delivered for eight years due to irregular funding was delivered in 120 days.
Facilities at the edifice include: international standing lighting, sound project systems, ambience simulator, artitistic environment, all structured for outstanding cultural pleasure.
According to the commissioner, the Rex Lawson Cultural Centre has a touch of French, British and American architecture, steeped in traditional Nigerian planning. The international outlook is designed to stage national and international events at the facility.
To optimise pleasurable experience, the cultural centre has an ice cream bay, popcorn centre, restaurant, 4000 gallon water reservoir, governor’s lounge, light projector system, fire room, 48 restrooms, central air-conditions, 1200 square metre stage and 1800 sitting capacity.
Fundamentally, this facility has changed the landscape of old Port Harcourt Township. Governor Wike stated that by reason of its completion, a profound urban renewal will take place in the adjoining area. To begin with, the popular Dame Patience Jonathan Road (former Creek Road) has been reconstructed. The Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty is almost completed. The Creek Road Market is already being designed.
There is the job component of the Rex Lawson cultural centre. The Rivers State Government has resolved to lease out the management of the edifice for the creation of employment opportunities and sustainability .
The beauty of the Cultural Centre was highlighted shortly after the project was commissioned by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi . Artistes displayed their artistry on stage to the admiration of a select audience.
All the facilities were put in motion for the viewing pleasure of the select audience. For 40 minutes, performing artistes, comedians and musicians exhibited their talents.
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 Governor Wike for working for the ordinary people, a situation which has made him very close to the people.
He said that he was proud to be associated with Governor Wike because of the governor’s love for Rivers people. He urged other governors to emulate him.
“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.
Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Umahi, who witnessed the commissioning of the cultural centre declared that he would replicate same in Abakiliki.
Governor Wike said that his administration’s decision to complete the project stems from its relevance to the promotion of culture and tradition.
Upon renaming the edifice, Governor Wike outlined why the State government chose to honour Rex Lawson.
He explained that the new name is to immortalise the legendary musician whose music promoted Rivers State and brought joy to the people. Rex Lawson is best known for quality highlife songs that ruled the airwaves for many years.
Governor Wike noted that the cultural centre was abandoned by the Amaechi administration, but his administration resolved to complete the project because of its importance to the State.
The Rex Lawson Cultural Centre represents Governor Wike’s commitment to the comprehensive development of the State. From sports to infrastructure and education and from healthcare to judiciary and now cultural development, Governor Wike has shown that Rivers State will accommodate all shades in the evolution of a New Rivers State.
Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media.
Simeon Nwakaudu
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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.