Featured
RSG Rewards Rivers Queens With N50m For Winning Handball Trophy

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has feted Rivers Queens Handball Team with N50million for emerging female champions of the 2023 National Handball Competition, the first trophy to the State under Fubara as governor.
Fubara announced the cash reward to the team at the Government House, Port Harcourt, where the team led by the Captain, Hamzat Mohammed, who also emerged Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, presented the champions’ trophy to the governor, yesterday.
The State Sports Commissioner, Barrister Christopher Green, had told the governor that the development also marked the first time in the history of Rivers State, the coveted trophy for the best team in the National Handball Competition would be won by the State.
Elated at the feat, Fubara told the victorious team, “This success and victory is not just for the team, but for the sports image of our dear State. It shows among the numerous works we are doing, we are also delivering quality sports enhancement projects.
“For this particular victory, the government is supporting the team with N50million. This money does not belong to Ministry of Sports. It belongs to the team. I’m told it’s a team of about 25 members. You people know I know calculations. So, this could also help you (team members) and also your families.
“When we came on board, we were briefed on the challenges you face. We knew if we give you necessary encouragement, you would deliver and we didn’t hesitate to do that. Today, we are happy, those encouragement have delivered this success to us. I commend you.”
On advancing Rivers sports, Fubara said, “We will encourage sports at all levels. We intend to catch them young, rejuvenate sports development from the basic school level to the university, so that talents are harvested when they are still young and not when they are outliving the age of sports.
“You know, we have sports age. After such age, when you still indulge in sports, you then turn to one of our footballers they bought many years ago. They tested his age and discovered he was over 40 years while posing as much younger youthfulness. The sports team had to engage him in their factory.
“Our case would be when young, we show the energy to maximise our skills and talents and by the time we hit our prime, we have won all the laurels, accolades and fame, then we bow out honourably as role models and inspiration to the younger generations.
“So, we will continue to support sports and all Rivers people involved in it, not just for handball, but for the various fields of sport.”
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, informed the governor that, “This is the first we are bringing to you. Rivers is not only known for football, but should be known in our sports. You are going to have many more trophies, from basketball, athletics, volleyball and others. We want to be at the top always.
“We have dearth of coaches due to retirement of many in Rivers. I appeal that the challenge be looked into because most of these coaches that come to Rivers are employed as civil servants which comes with bottlenecks of getting them employed through the system.”
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.
-
Rivers2 days ago
Police Investigate Officer’s Suicide In PH
-
Business2 days ago
FG Rakes In N6.96bn From Mining Fees
-
Politics2 days ago
PDP Crisis Deepens As Orbih Appoints CTC Excos For Bayelsa, Edo
-
News2 days ago
Army Chief Gives Troops One Month Marching Order To Flush Out Bandits In Niger, Kwara
-
Nation2 days ago
Monarch Preaches Peace As He Unveils Palace
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Eno Promotes ARISE Coordinator To Perm Sec
-
Business2 days ago
Multipurpose Terminal Hosts 6,606-Foot Capacity Vessel In Onne
-
Politics2 days ago
Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings