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Doctors’ Quarters, Rex Lawson Centre: Promises Kept
It all started after the dilapidated old Doctors Quarters was gutted by fire. The fire incident compromised the lone building which housed senior medical professionals.
Governor Nyesom Wike led top government officials for an on-the-spot assessment. It was obvious that the integrity of the building had been compromised. Nothing could be salvaged. Governor Wike ordered the immediate relocation of the doctors to high level Government Guest Houses and pledged to build an ultra-modern quarters for them.
In fulfillment of this pledge, Governor Wike on 13th of February, 2017 invited then Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo , to flag off the construction of the Doctors Quarters at the Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital (BSMH), Port Harcourt.
Whilst laying the foundation stone for the Doctors Quarters , Professor Osinbajo, said that the doctors quarters would help in repositioning medicare in the state.
He said: “It is my special privilege to lay this foundation stone of this doctors quarters at the Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital.
“It is very special because this is a special contribution to the creation of access to healthcare in the country. And especially the welfare of doctors who do the commendable work of ensuring the health of the people”
The Acting President declared: “I lay this stone to the glory of God, the welfare of the good people of Rivers State and the country at large”.
In his address at that event, Governor Wike declared his commitment to the provision of quality facilities in hospitals across the state.
He said: “For me, my engagement with the people is premised on the provision of projects across the state. In Rivers State, it is projects, projects and projects. We shall not deviate.”
Governor Wike said that the objective of the project is to restore the existing accommodation and expand it to accommodate more specialist doctors serving at the BMSH.
He noted that the quarters has over 40 units of luxury three bedroom flats with a community canteen and dedicated water facility.
Since that foundation laying ceremony, Governor Wike has made the supervision of the project a daily affair. Sometimes, he inspects with the media, at other times, he goes alone.
Two of the structures are completely near, while the third has been re-modelled for use by the doctors.
From the first block laid by Vice President Osinbajo, the doctors Quarters has emerged as an imposing structure. A beauty to behold!
The Doctors Quarters at the BSMH is yet another confirmation of the commitment of Governor Wike to quality healthcare for Rivers people. This administration is developing the personnel and facilities for optimum performance.
Shortly, the Mother and Child Hospital in Port Harcourt will come on stream, just as the College of Medical Sciences at the Rivers State University is nearing completion. The zonal hospital at Degema, Bori, Eberi and Ahoada are all in the offing. There are 13 General Hospitals that have been reconstructed and equipped. They are awaiting commissioning.
The administration is also equipping and upgrading the entire BSMH to make it a teaching hospital for the Rivers State University. This project is almost completed.
Healthcare delivery is one of the cornerstones of the transformational agenda of Governor Wike in the last three years. The people in all the 23 local government areas have been reached with properly designed projects and programmes aimed at changing their fortunes. Little wonder everyone is singing one song – Governor Wike will consolidate the gains of visionary leadership till 2023.
Meanwhile, it is said that culture is the way of life of a people. The Rex Lawson Cultural Centre was initiated for that purpose, to promote the culture, tradition and philosophy of Rivers people.
It was situated at the heart of the Old Port Harcourt Township. Granted, it was started by the immediate past administration, but in their character, they abandoned this laudable project after three years of block work.
They stopped the funding of the project and channelled all resources to funding APC National Campaign. Therefore, the minimal structure they had erected became a robbers hide-out and security threat to the Old Port Harcourt Township. It was embarrassing that the Rotimi Amaechi administration neglected this project despite the huge resources at her disposal.
Upon assumption of office, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, called for the project situation report. Upon evaluation, he invited the contractor for negotiation. The negotiation led to the return of the contractor to site.
Governor Wike directed the dedicated funding of the Rex Lawson Cultural Centre and backed the funding of the project by regular supervision visits to the site. These supervision visits ensured the timely completion of the edifice. It was delivered after 120 days of sustained construction.
Considered as the best cultural centre in the South of the Sahara, the Rex Lawson Cultural Centre has exciting modern facilities to promote arts, culture and tradition.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Oniyide, explained the situation thus: “A structure like this that could not be delivered for eight years due to irregular funding was delivered in 120 days.
Facilities at the edifice include: international standing lighting, sound project systems, ambience simulator, artitistic environment, all structured for outstanding cultural pleasure.
According to the commissioner, the Rex Lawson Cultural Centre has a touch of French, British and American architecture, steeped in traditional Nigerian planning. The international outlook is designed to stage national and international events at the facility.
To optimise pleasurable experience, the cultural centre has an ice cream bay, popcorn centre, restaurant, 4000 gallon water reservoir, governor’s lounge, light projector system, fire room, 48 restrooms, central air-conditions, 1200 square metre stage and 1800 sitting capacity.
Fundamentally, this facility has changed the landscape of old Port Harcourt Township. Governor Wike stated that by reason of its completion, a profound urban renewal will take place in the adjoining area. To begin with, the popular Dame Patience Jonathan Road (former Creek Road) has been reconstructed. The Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty is almost completed. The Creek Road Market is already being designed.
There is the job component of the Rex Lawson cultural centre. The Rivers State Government has resolved to lease out the management of the edifice for the creation of employment opportunities and sustainability .
The beauty of the Cultural Centre was highlighted shortly after the project was commissioned by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi . Artistes displayed their artistry on stage to the admiration of a select audience.
All the facilities were put in motion for the viewing pleasure of the select audience. For 40 minutes, performing artistes, comedians and musicians exhibited their talents.
Commissioning the project, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, lauded the Rivers State Governor for promoting culture, tourism and tradition through the Rex Lawson Cultural Centre.
He praised Governor Wike for working for the ordinary people, a situation which has made him very close to the people.
He said that he was proud to be associated with Governor Wike because of the governor’s love for Rivers people. He urged other governors to emulate him.
“Your Excellency, God will continue to be with you. God will continue to be with the good people of Rivers State. How many leaders can execute and commission projects so close to the people? How many leaders can stand tall and speak so close to the people.
“Today, I am very proud to be associated with Mr Projects, the governor of Rivers State for the love he has for his people. I want other governors to learn from him”, the Ooni of Ife said.
Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Umahi, who witnessed the commissioning of the cultural centre declared that he would replicate same in Abakiliki.
Governor Wike said that his administration’s decision to complete the project stems from its relevance to the promotion of culture and tradition.
Upon renaming the edifice, Governor Wike outlined why the State government chose to honour Rex Lawson.
He explained that the new name is to immortalise the legendary musician whose music promoted Rivers State and brought joy to the people. Rex Lawson is best known for quality highlife songs that ruled the airwaves for many years.
Governor Wike noted that the cultural centre was abandoned by the Amaechi administration, but his administration resolved to complete the project because of its importance to the State.
The Rex Lawson Cultural Centre represents Governor Wike’s commitment to the comprehensive development of the State. From sports to infrastructure and education and from healthcare to judiciary and now cultural development, Governor Wike has shown that Rivers State will accommodate all shades in the evolution of a New Rivers State.
Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media.
Simeon Nwakaudu
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.