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We’ll Support Efforts At Building Productive Civil Service, Fubara Assures Walson-Jack

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4 months ago

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the leadership of the Federal Civil Service at building the capacity of the workforce for greater productivity, and assured that the Rivers State Government will not relent in offering tenable support that will contribute to the success of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The Governor maintained that in addition to joining efforts with the President Tinubu-led administration to achieve its Renewed Hope Agenda for the country, the current Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, has been a true ambassador of Rivers State with sterling performance that requires support.
Governor Fubara made the acknowledgment when he received on courtesy visit, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Monday.
On her entourage were; Eyo Okpo-Ene, the South-South Zonal Chairman/Local Organising Committee of Nigerian Institute of Management, Prof. Abubakar Garuba, council member and North-East Zonal Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Management, and Sir Emmanuel Okafor, council member of Nigerian Institute of Management.
Governor Fubara said: “Let me also say this to everyone, when you become an ambassador of our State, the ambassador, as I understand it very well, is that you are representing a people.
“You might be a messenger to protect their interest or maybe, do one or two things for your people. It is always good for your person to speak peace and not trouble. I can say it here without fear that you symbolize peace, and we are very proud to associate with you.
“We will, by the special grace of God, in anyway we can, support you. We will support you because we know what you stand for. We also appreciate the work you are doing, and we are going to join hands together with you to support the success of the administration of Mr. President.
“Because it is important, if we fail from the head, it will also go down to the toe. So, we need all aspects of succeed,” he added.
Governor Fubara told his quest the need to bring back the glory that was once reckoned with the Rivers State Civil Service.
He said when Mrs Walson-Jack was still with the Rivers State Civil Service, she worked with dedication and attained a certain level in the service to merit the recommendation that took her to federal level because she was an outstanding officer.
“So, those of you that are here, you can see what it means to work hard, and to be dedicated. And today, it is because of those qualities, those hard works that led her to go to the federal, and she is now the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. It is not a walk in the pack, no. It is a big achievement. So, I am happy that you were able to achieve it for us.”
Governor Fubara said lots of initiatives and actions have been taken since he assumed office to reposition the State Civil Service that was nearly dead.
One of the decisions implemented, he stated, was to commence the promotion of civil servants who had been denied such statutory rights for upwards of 11 years, stressing that the decision has restored hope in them as a workforce of the government.
“We came in and it wasn’t easy, but we have to give the civil servants hope by ensuring that they were promoted. When we came on board, we inherited a near dead civil service. A service that there was no promotion for 11 years.
“We didn’t even end there. We immediately, when Nigerian Institute of Management visited us earlier, we assured them that they are going to be consultant to the Civil Service in terms of training, which is key.”
Governor Fubara also bemoaned how civil servants have been deprived of functional training opportunities that should expose them to contemporary procedures and work ethics, which had taken a toll on the entire service.
He said: “Training is the only thing that can build the service that will give us that level of result. Result of transparency, efficiency, even assurance that there is hope. It is only when you start building them and they feel secured that they also understand that something is at stake.
“I can’t remember the year that any of the civil servants here had gone for any training. I think the last time we did training was in 2010. That was the last time the civil service was involved in any training. So, I know what it means, because that is my primary constituency,” he said.
Governor Fubara noted with delight that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation showed respect by undertaking the courtesy visit that most government functionaries find it difficult to do because they do not want to be in the bad book of somebody.
Specifically, he said: “I feel very honoured, I am overwhelmed with so much joy and my reason is this: We’ve had cases where people come into our State, people come in to represent the President in events, and they don’t bother paying courtesy (visit).
“The singular reason is for fear of some persons in Abuja. So, I am really happy that you are doing what is the normal standard everywhere in the federation.
“Somebody of your calibre cannot come into Rivers State without paying a courtesy call to the Governor. And by that, we also recognize you, because if anything happens to you while you are here, it is our problem. So, I want to thank you for honouring us,” he added.
In her speech, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, she is dedicated to ensuring that Rivers State’s concerns and aspirations are amplified at the highest level of government.
She pledged her readiness to support any initiatives that align with the goals of advancing the State because of her passion to build a civil service that is robust, responsive, dynamic, and one that meets the needs of the people.
She said, “At the Federal level, our ongoing civil service reforms are focused on performance management and digital transformation to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency.
“In today’s rapidly changing world, technology has become indispensable. We have embraced digitalization in the Federal Civil Service to streamline processes, enhance communication and deliver better services.
“I look forward to discussing how the Federal and Rivers State Civil Services can collaborate on technology-driven initiatives that can serve as a model for other states and regions.”
Speaking further, she said: “Your Excellency, I have long admired your commitment to public service, and I am excited to explore how we can work together to strengthen the Rivers State Civil Service further by prioritizing initiatives such as capacity building, promotion of transparency and accountability, and fostering greater citizen engagement. We can build the service that meets and exceeds expectations.
“Your leadership vision and dedication to good governance are not just commendable, but also critical to the success of our efforts at the Federal level.
“I am confident that together, we can advocate for policies that would unlock Rivers State’s full potential, and ensure its citizens have access to the resources and opportunities needed for sustainable growth and development.”
Mrs Walson-Jack expressed delight at learning how Rivers State under the leadership of Governor Fubara is determined to host the annual Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in November, 2024, and is on the verge of securing the hosting right for the 2024 meeting of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
She said the prestigious events would further advance the standing of Rivers State as a centre for national activities, and demonstrates it’s capacity for excellence.
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Fubara Flags Off Upgrading Of 135 Primary Healthcare Facilities In Rivers 

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14 hours ago

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February 5, 2025

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The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare that is accessible to the Rivers people.

 Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the flag-off of the renovation and upgrading of 135 Primary Healthcare facilities in 135 Wards across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State, last Friday.

 Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Governor Fubara said his administration was doing everything possible to ensure that healthcare delivery would be accessed even in the most remote communities, by facilitating this unprecedented State-wide renovation of Primary Healthcare Centres.

“This is to increase geographical access to quality basic healthcare services and reduce maternal Infant and child mortality and prevalence of non-communicable diseases and other preventable illnesses in Rivers State”, the Governor stressed.

The State Chief Executive expressed gratitude to World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance, through the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress, by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

 According to him “We collectively strive towards the reduction of maternal, infant and child mortality and tackling Non-Communicable Diseases, thereby accelerating economic growth and development in the State”.

In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, stated that it was fitting for the Governor to have delegated the Deputy Governor to represent him and flag-off the revitalization and re-equipping of 135 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.

 She extolled the Deputy Governor’s drive, passion, and commitment to steering the State’s Primary Healthcare Task Force, which had led to significant transformation.

 Dr. Oreh expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his leadership and dedication, which had contributed to the transformation of the State’s healthcare system.

 Also speaking, the Chairman of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management   Board, Prof. Blessing Jaja, said that the revitalization of the Healthcare Centres would lead to a significant modernization of the facilities, ultimately improving the overall Healthcare system of the State.

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I Won’t Allow Spoils Of Office To Change Me – Fubara …As Rivers People Mark Gov’s 50th Birthday With Prayers

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7 days ago

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January 30, 2025

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he will not be drunk with power or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government to change him.

 

Rather, the governor assured that he will remain committed to his vows made to Rivers people when he got their mandate, to completely put things in place that will transform the State to become what they dreamt it to become.

 

Governor Fubara made the remark when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the State paid him a birthday visit to celebrate him as he attains 50 years at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning.

 

The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, explained that he had never subscribed to celebrating  birthdays but seeing leaders of the State gather to celebrate him pulled out tears of joy from his eyes.

 

Governor Fubara said: “I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know; power will not change me. I will still make sure that what I hold dear in life remains, which is God and my respect for people. I will continue to maintain it.

 

“Power will come, power will go, but I will still remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely, even if we don’t get it completely, we will put those things in place that will channel and drive us to that Rivers State with your support.”

 

Governor Fubara emphasised: “That is the only thing that I know I can assure you. I will not do anything, act in any manner that will bring disgrace to myself or to everyone of you that have decided and ready to sacrifice everything for us.

 

“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is a morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years, according to you. But the most important thing is: I am celebrating my Golden Jubilee. It means that I have joined the league of the old men from today.”

 

Fubara, on behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie and family, expressed gratitude to God for divine grace, and thanked all the leaders who made sacrifices to be in attendance so early to wish him well.

 

In his remark, former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, thanked God for installing Governor Fubara, who has become a deliverer of the State and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying Rivers State.

 

He said, it is, therefore, worthwhile to celebrate such a patient and meticulous leader, loved by all Nigerians on his 50th birthday because he has continued to prioritise the interest of the State and protect it.

 

The former Governor recounted the strength of faith in God that Governor Fubara has demonstrated, enjoyed divine direction in governance, and pledged the continued support of  Rivers people to ensure the success of his administration.

 

In his speech, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, said regardless of who a kingmaker is, as soon as the king is crowned, such person must give way to the king to perform his duties but regretted that

the immediate past Governor, who styled himself as kingmaker had continued to do things to distract the king.

 

But Prince Secondus, noted that amidst the brewing crisis, Rivers people, and indeed, Nigerians have come to admire and love the character of steel, fear and total trust in God that Governor Fubara has demonstrated, including forging unity, and inclusivity, which are evidence of his mandate as divine.

 

Highlights of the event were prayers by the clergy for the Governor, his administration and the State; a toast; the cutting of the 50th Birthday cake by the Governor, who was supported by his wife; presentation of gifts to the Governor; rendition of special birthday songs; and a special birthday party organised by the elders and stakeholders to celebrate the Liberator of Rivers people at 50.

 

Later in the morning, members of the State Executive Council; Local Government Council chairmen; Permanent Secretaries; Government House staff; Service Commanders; and many others visited the Governor to wish him a glorious birthday, and presented gifts to celebrate his Golden Jubilee birthday.

 

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Tinubu Seeks Multifaceted Response To Terrorism, Other Security Threats

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7 days ago

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January 30, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday called for a multifaceted response to terrorism, insurgency and other forms of security threats in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call when he declare open the 5th meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, the Borno capital.

The Tide source reports that the meeting, which was hosted by the Yobe State Government brings together eight Governors from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and the Republic of the Niger.

The event also brings humanitarian organisations, and local and international communities to address pressing security challenges and explore solutions for stability in the region.

The president said the chain of events that disrupted the stability of the region over the past 15 years demands that power must be wielded responsibly to guarantee the safety and prosperity of the people.

The Nigerian leader noted that while military power was necessary to contain the security threats, it must be accompanied by strategies that address their root causes.

This, according to him, in include poverty, inequality, and lack of job opportunities for the region’s young population.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our response to these threats must be multifaceted.

“While military solutions are indispensable, they must be complemented by strategies that address the root causes of insecurity – poverty, inequality, and the lack of opportunities for our youth.

“It is a tragic irony that Africa, a continent with the youngest population in the world, sees its youth become cannon fodder for destructive ideologies and the drivers of conflict.

“This is the challenge before us: to transform this demographic dividend into a force for good. Power’s true essence lies not in its possession but in its application.

“Hard power may secure borders, but it is soft power—through diplomacy, culture, and shared values—that builds bridges and binds us together,” he said.

Tinubu said every part of the world was entangled in its own unique security challenges, resulting in the global military gulping “a historic 2.4 trillion dollars in 2023, with no signs of slowing.”

He, however, observed that: “hard power, detached from the moral imperatives of justice and diplomacy, only widens the very divide it seeks to bridge.”

Tinubu told the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum that it was only by sticking to the vision for which the forum was created that pursuing and adopting partnerships that benefit the people could be achieved.

Such partnerships, he said, include the collective commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

He noted that the choices made “today will echo through generations, shaping the future of this region.”

He recalled the successes recorded so far in repelling threats to the region’s borders and sovereignty by elements of terror.

The President attributed past victories by member countries to the joint missions they had embarked on.

Tinubu cautioned the governors and other stakeholders against allowing “the geopolitical tensions across the world to sow discord” in the region, and submitting themselves “to become tools in any proxy agenda.

“The salvation of the Lake Chad region is neither in Europe nor in the Americas. It lies in the hands of all those gathered here today.

“You, distinguished representatives of this forum, embody not only our collective will to protect the region but also the transformative potential that stability brings.

“The true enemy remains the non-state actors—those who exploit weak borders, poor governance, and fragile economies to challenge our claim to civilization.

” However, the worst threat we may face is not the insurgents or terrorists at odds with our humanity.

” It is the absence of cooperation, sincerity, and fidelity to our shared pact as brothers’ keepers.

“We undermine this pact when we renege on agreements to secure our borders when misinformation and falsehoods breed mistrust, and when we jeopardize the freedom and choices of our people.”

Earlier, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, had said that the forum was an opportunity for states around the Lake Chad Basin region across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon Republics to discuss and reflect on the journey so far.

He noted that as partners in progress, the Yobe Government provided the platform for participants to strengthen contact and collaboration towards ensuring stabilisation, recovery, and resilience across the Lake Chad Basin in the months and years ahead.

Also, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, commended the strategic partners of the forum, saying their contributions have enabled governments of the forum to tackle some of their challenges to strengthen and rebuild the region.

He said the platform was a rallying point for political cohesion, fostering regional interaction, sustaining the socio-economic development of the region, and regional integration.

On his part, Gov. Umaru Fintri of Adamawa, noted that the Basin had passed through the worst environmental moment, leading to the shrinking of the Lake Chad

“The United Nations Environmental Programme has recently revealed that Lake Chad has shrunk 90 per cent in six years and blamed the situation on climate change, irrigation and construction of dams and population increase.”

The Executive Secretary of Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, said the forum’s meeting “serves as a critical platform for fostering dialogue and enhanced collaboration.”

He also said that the meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the lake chad basin.

He noted that the theme of the meeting reflects the immense progress achieved so far and the equally immense work that needs to be done.

Ms Cynthia Rowe, Development Director for the British High Commission, Nigeria, and Representative of International Support Group, commended the governors of the region.

Rowe stressed that the region had recorded marked improvement in the face of daunting challenges.

She, however, pledged the support of the funding partners to continue in their efforts towards assisting the forum achieve its objectives.

 

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