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Lady Fubara Restates Rivers’ Support For President’s RHI …As Mrs. Tinubu Launches RHI-WASP For S’South To Curb Food Crisis
Lady Fubara made the declaration while speaking to journalists after the flag off of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday.
The wife of the Rivers State Governor, who is also the Renewed Hope Initiative Coordinator for Rivers State, described the flag off performed by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Kashim Shettima, as a huge success.
Lady Fubara explained that the beneficiaries of the programme from Rivers State have already been supported by the President’s wife with N10million fund to boost their agro businesses.
She said, “The programme was a success, and I say a very big thank you to our mother, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was fully represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Kashim Shetima.
“The farmers in Rivers State were present and they will receive the cheque of N10million handed over to me as the State Coordinator for onward disbursement to the 20 beneficiaries to support them in their agricultural projects”, she said.
Lady Fubara spoke of the importance of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, which long term benefit will impact on all and sundry.
She noted that it was for that reason that the Rivers State Government has always supported the programme of the First Lady aimed at empowering women and curtailing food shortage in the country.
“As the First Lady has rightly said, she is of the opinion that the monies being given to the farmers be utilized for the agricultural projects to empower the women, to help reduce shortage of food in Nigeria.
“This is why the Rivers State Government is always in support of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, because it is a programme that is going to be beneficial to all and sundry.
“So, Rivers State women, of which I am the Coordinator, will support the programme to its fullest, and whatever is needed to improve the lives of our people, the Rivers State Government is fully in support of it”, she declared.
Earlier, wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had launched the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP) in the South-South geo-political zone and Renewed Hope Initiative Financial Empowerment Support Programme for People with Disabilities Small Business Owners.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, the wife of the President, who is also the National Chairman of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), announced the support of N500,000 each for 20 women farmers in each of the South-South states of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Cross River.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman, RHI, Hajia Nana Kashim Shettima, Senator Tinubu noted that the Initiative is committed to supporting women farmers, cognizance of President Tinubu administration’s recognition of the important role agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises the important role agriculture plays in achieving sustainable development and ensuring food sufficiency in the nation.
“Therefore, the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to supporting women farmers nationwide aligns with the broad national agenda to strengthen the agriculture sector.
“Today, we are supporting 20 women farmers per state in the South-South zone with the sum of N500,000 each. To this end, a draft of N10million per state for the South-South zone will be handed over to the First Ladies of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, who are also Renewed Hope Initiative State Coordinators for onward disbursement to all beneficiaries in their respective states”, she said.
According to Senator Tinubu, “the flagging off of the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support Programme for the South-South zone is in fulfilment of our promise to continue to promote the women folk, particularly farmers across the nation.”
She noted that “currently, this programme has been successfully held in all the five geo-political zones, namely North-Central in Plateau State, North-East in Borno State, North-West in Kebbi State, South-East in Imo State, and South-West in Ogun State. I commend the dedication of the beneficiaries in these zones, and it is my trust that very soon, we will begin to reap bountiful harvests.”
The wife of the President hinted that the RHI will be collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower potential farmers while also carrying along already identified women farmers in the 36 states.
She also implored the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity to grow their businesses and contribute to the nation’s food production while also serving as role models for others.
“In a short while, the RHI will be collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to empower potential farmers in these states. 70 percent of the beneficiaries will be young female farmers, while 25 percent will be for our young male farmers. They will be all specially identified, trained and empowered.
“Also, the pre-identified 80 women farmers in each state for our agricultural support programme will be carried alone.
“I want to urge our women farmers who are receiving support today to seize this opportunity to extend their agricultural ventures, contribute to local and national food production and serve as role models for others aspiring to join the agricultural sector”, she said.
She also announced the empowerment of 100 people with disabilities with the sum of N100,000 each in Akwa Ibom State to recapitalize their existing businesses.
According to her, “Given the mood of today, we have decided to have a twin events. The Renewed Initiative Social Investment Programme, will be empowering 100 persons with disability small business owners in Akwa Ibom State with the sum of N100,000 each to recapitalize their existing businesses. All pre-selected recipients of the grant will receive the funds today through our Renewal Hope Initiative Coordinator for Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno.”
In his goodwill message, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, thanked the wife of the President for her humanitarian disposition through of the RHI that had impacted vulnerable groups across the country financially, with 250 elderly persons in Akwa Ibom benefiting N100,000 each.
Governor Eno said the State Government has so far supported and adopted the initiative by launching the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, which elders from the 369 wards in the state, especially the vulnerable ones, are given N50,000 each to take care of their needs, especially foods and medicines.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor and State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who noted the challenges women in agriculture face, including limited access to resources, land and poor education, described the programme as crucial step towards a more inclusive and sustainable society.
She commended the wife of the President for empowering women in agriculture and supporting individuals with disabilities, a development she observed promotes equality and leads to innovation and diversity.
Also speaking, the wife of the Bayelsa State Governor and Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), South-South Zonal Chairman, Dr. (Mrs) Gloria Douye Diri, said the programmes of RHI were a paradigm shift from the usual, making lasting positive impacts across six geo-political zones of the country.
She noted that, “No doubt, the farming tools, inputs and cash grants will boost economic growth and stimulate new horizons for all the beneficiaries towards enhancing and achieving food availability and sufficiency in South-South zone”.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to the wives of the South-South States’ Governors and Renewed Hope Initiative State Coordinators, and empowerment grants to some beneficiaries of persons with disabilities business recapitalization grant in Akwa Ibom by wife of the President.
The event was attended by wives of the governors of Rivers – Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara; Bayelsa – Dr (Mrs) Gloria Douye Diri; Delta – Deaconess Tubore Oborewvori; Akwa Ibom – Pastor Patience Umo Eno; Edo – Dr (Mrs) Betsy Obaseki; and Cross River – Rev (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu.
Others are wives of governors of Imo – Barrister Chioma Uzodimma; Osun – Titilola Adeleke; and Ogun – Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.
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