Featured
Support Wike, Odili Tells Rivers People …As Buhari Hails Ex-Gov At 70

Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili has called on all Rivers people, irrespective of political affiliation to totally support Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to consolidate on the rapid rise of a New Rivers State.
This is as the Chaplain of Our Lady of Holy Chaplaincy of Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Rev Monsignor Pius Kii stated that lowest point in the 70 years of former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili was when his political godson, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi attempted to destroy his political life through a kangaroo Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Both leaders spoke at the Special Thanksgiving Mass for the 70th Birthday Celebration of Dr Peter Odili organised by the Rivers State Government at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
The former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili declared: “Let me use this opportunity to request our people, all Rivers men and women, our chiefs and the entire political class, everybody that is proud to be identified and called a Rivers man or woman, to give your total support to this governor.
“I am not saying it from a political position. I am talking from the position of an elder-statesman. This is because, with his leadership, we can achieve total cohesion and unity of our people. Once that is achieved, the sky is the take off point for the New Rivers State that he is building “.
Odili described Wike as a loyal politician who was outstanding in his commitment to the development of Rivers State.
“I have been governor, I have worked under governors and I have seen governors after me. This man is unique.
“Just to tell you that of all the people we have worked politically with, from way back in the eighties. Nobody in the political terrain can compete with this governor”, Odili said.
He thanked Wike for initiating the celebration of his 70th Birthday, noting that the family had planned for a private low-key celebration.
In his homily, the Chaplain of Our Lady of Holy Chaplaincy of Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Rev Monsignor Pius Kii said despite betrayals by the likes of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Wike stood by Odili.
Kii said: “One of Odili’s lowest moments was when he was dragged by one of his erstwhile sons to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up by the Rotimi Amaechi administration aimed at damaging his reputation and preventing him from holding political offices.
“Despite these betrayals, we are grateful to God that some remain loyal sons, particularly His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and countless others in the state and in the country.
“Having the love of one like Governor Wike is having the love of many. For one with Wike is majority. For in him, God put 10 men in one man. Your Excellency, Dr Peter Odili, be rest assured that those who are for you and with you are more than those who have abandoned you”, Kii said.
The cleric declared that Dr Peter Odili spiritualised political language, noting that he invoked God at all times.
He added that Odili never used his investments and appearances in churches for political opportunities.
Kii said that Wike has taken over from Odili, developing the Christian faith and embarking on massive developmental projects.
Highpoint of the Holy Mass was the cutting of the 70th Birthday Cake provided by Knights of the Catholic Church.
The Holy Mass was attended by former governors, serving National Assembly members, former ministers, traditional rulers, jurists and prominent leaders of Rivers State.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his good wishes to former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, on the occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary.
A statement by his media office, yesterday, said “President Buhari recognises the important contributions the celebrant and prominent political figure has made to the development of his immediate community, home state, the Niger Delta, the nation and humanity as a physician and third governor of Rivers State.
“As a statesman and Knight Commander of the Order of St Sylvester in the Catholic Church, the President appreciates Sir Odili’s role in fostering peaceful and harmonious environment in the wider Niger Delta region through peaceful engagement and meaningful dialogue, in line with this administration’s commitment to peace, stability and development in the region.
“As family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gather to celebrate Dr Odili’s milestones and achievements, President Buhari prays God almighty to sustain him with continued good health and fulfillment in the coming years”, the statement added.
Featured
FG To Seize Retirees’ Property Over Unpaid Housing Loans

The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board says it has begun the compilation of list of retired civil servants who have defaulted on the full repayment of housing loans obtained.
Head of Information and Public Relations, FGSHLB, Mrs Ngozi Obiechina, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
Obiechina quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, as saying that the move was aimed at recovering mortgaged properties from retirees who failed to meet their loan obligations.
Ahmed noted that the decision followed a recent memo issued by Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to her, the memo reminded public servants of the mandatory requirement to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness to the FGSHLB and MDA Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a precondition for retirement.
The Executive Secretary said that the board would take necessary legal steps to repossess properties where applicable, in line with the terms of the loan agreements.
She said this was in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules 021002 (p), issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“I am directed to bring to your attention the provision of Public Service Rule (PSR) 021002 (p), which mandates all public servants to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness as a prerequisite for retirement.
“The Federal Government will commence the seizure of mortgaged properties belonging to retiring federal public servants who have failed to fully repay housing loans obtained from the board,” she said.
Ahmed explained that the FGSHLB reserves the legal right to repossess any mortgaged property in cases where a public servant exits service without fully repaying the loan.
She reiterated that the directive also applied to already retired officers who were still indebted.
She urged all affected public servants to regularise their loan status and obtain the required clearance certificate without delay.
“The board is currently compiling a list of such retirees, which will be forwarded to relevant regulatory agencies for debt recovery.
“The FGSHLB remains committed to enforcing compliance and ensuring proper loan recovery procedures are followed, “ she added.
Featured
FG Begins Induction For New Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General

The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
“The expectations are high, and the responsibility is immense. But with commitment and teamwork, we can deliver a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred public service.
“This final lap of FCSSIP 25 calls for urgency, accountability, and strategic focus. You must translate vision into measurable results,” she stated.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the programme as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
The sessions featured expert-led discussions, simulations, and strategic briefings facilitated by a distinguished faculty, including Engr. Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources; Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination; Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice; Alh. Yusuf Addy, retired Federal Director; Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Amb. Mustapha Lawal Suleiman, Mr. Adesola Olusade, and Dr. Ifeoma Anagbogu, all retired Permanent Secretaries.
Participants include Dr. Obi Emeka Vitalis, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Mr. Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, Dr. Keshinro Maryam Ismaila, Dr. Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma, Dr. Umobong Emanso Okop, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen, Mrs. Oyekunle N. Patience, Dr. Kalba U. Danjuma, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Mr. Onwusoro I. Maduka, Dr. Usman Salihu Aminu, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, Dr. Anuma N. Ogbonnaya, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olaninre, and Mr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, alongside the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.
The induction programme will feature sessions on public sector leadership, policy delivery, ethics in service, digital transformation, and performance management.
Featured
NNPCL To Undergo Forensic Audit Soon -FG

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will begin soon.
Edun revealed this at the ongoing Nigerian Investor Forum, held alongside the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
The minister explained that the recent changes in the NNPCL management are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to clean up and examine the company closely.
While addressing top global investors, including representatives from J.P. Morgan, Edun shared key reforms the government has introduced to revive the economy and restore investor confidence.
He told the investors that the government’s bold economic steps have laid a strong foundation to attract private investment.
He stated, “Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it. We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this.”
Edun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rolled out major reforms that are already making a difference.
He added that the Nigerian economy grew by 3.84 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 and recorded a 3.4 per cent growth for the year.
Edun further stressed the importance of the reforms, describing them as “unprecedented,” adding that, “We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course.”
He pointed out signs of progress such as lower budget deficits, a better trade balance, and a more stable exchange rate.
He also said that the focus is now on growing key sectors, especially agriculture.
According to Edun, agriculture is at the top of the government’s agenda, with the aim of improving food supply and increasing productivity.
“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,” he said.
On infrastructure, Edun revealed that the government has rolled out 90,000km of fibre optic cable to improve internet access.
He said this move is crucial for supporting young Nigerians and tech startups.
He also noted that 4,000km of roads have been offered for private sector participation, with the first 1,000km already approved for construction.
-
Business4 days ago
USTR Criticises Nigeria’s Import Ban On Agriculture, Others
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
DELSU Spends N720m On Electricity Annually -VC
-
Rivers4 days ago
Perm Sec Tasks NUJ Leadership On Unity
-
Opinion4 days ago
Respecting The Traditional Institution
-
Politics4 days ago
Nasarawa PDP Sets Up Reconciliation Committee
-
Rivers4 days ago
SEEPCO Initiates Blood Donor Club in Nigeria
-
Nation4 days ago
Gunmen Abduct 14 Passengers In Benue
-
Rivers4 days ago
Police Investigate Officer’s Suicide In PH