Niger Delta
Wike Scores Diri High On Performance
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has described as outstanding the performance of his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, in just two years in office.
He stated that Governor Diri’s achievements on his second anniversary surpassed that of some governors, particularly in the opposition party, that had been in office for almost eight years.
The Rivers State Chief Executive, fondlyrefered to as ‘Mr Project’ by his admirers and party faithful stated this in Yenagoa,theBayelsa state capital at the weekend while inaugurating projects at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU).
Governor Wike commended his Bayelsa colleague for putting in place road infrastructure and other meaningful projects that would impact positively on the lives of the people,just as he saluted the Diri’s administration on the projects at the BMU, which include lecture halls and a pathology laboratory, saying the requirements for such a facility costs billions of naira.
The Rivers state Chief Executive promised that his administration would support the building of the university’s teaching hospital with the sum of N500 million as the institution was strategic in serving the people of both Bayelsa and Rivers states, applauding the governor Diri’sexamplary leadership in running an inclusive government, which he noted has given everyone a sense of belonging.
“Whatever problems we have we would resolve them amicably. We need to support one another as people of the Niger Delta. We need to be our brother’s keeper.Just two years in office, Governor Diri has performed exceptionally well compared to some governors on the other side that had done almost eight years.
“It is when you have something to show that you invite people to come. Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party is telling people from Sokoto in the North and people in the South-South, South- East and South-West to come and see what his government has done”, Wike said.
“That is why when God gives you the privilege and opportunity to serve, you need to thank God. While PDP governors are busy executing and inaugurating projects, others are giving excuses.Till now, Nigerians do not understand the modus operandi of the ruling All Progressives Congress, because everyday they find excuse not to sign the amended Electoral Act.
“After all that the National Assembly has done, Buhari keeps refusing to sign the amended Act. I know it is because they are afraid of the provision on electronic transmission of election results in the Act. Mark my words, Buhari won’t still sign the amended Electoral Act”, governor Wike added.
Speaking, Governor DouyeDiri said his administration was building on the vision of his predecessors in the late Chief DiepreyeAlamieyeseigha, who initially proposed a 500-bed hospital, and Senator Seriake Dickson, who later converted it to a medical institution.
Diri said the BMU was one of the best medical facilities in the country with a crop of distinguished medical professionals,just as he directed directed the Commissioners for Health, Education and Finance to ensure completion of the building project of the University’s Teaching Hospital so as to make it become functional before the end of this year.
In his welcome address, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. EbitimitulaEtebu, said the institution was established in 2018 and approved by the National Universities Commission to commence academic work in the 2019-2020 academic session,noting that the BMU, which initially offered nine academic programmes in the faculties of Science and Basic Medical Sciences through the support of Governor Diri now offers 18 programmes, which according to him, include Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, Dentistry, Optometry and Medical Laboratory Science amongst others.
By: AriweraIbibo-Howells Yenagoa
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.