Rivers

RSG Assures On People-Oriented Budget In 2024

Published

1 year ago

November 22, 2023

The Rivers State Government says the 2024 budget will be people-oriented and people-friendly, and also rated the performances of the 2023 budget high.
The Director of Budget, Rivers State Government, Mrs Blessing Loveday Idaminabo, said this in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the 2024 pre-budget workshop in Port Harcourt.
Idaminabo, who is covering the duties of the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said next year’s budget will be people-oriented and friendly.
“We are actually expecting a people-oriented and people friendly budget, because like I told us, our inputs will count.
“We are here to do a public consultation so that all of us can make our inputs.
“Government wants to know what we want and we are there to collate that for government to execute.
“So, we are expecting a realistic, people=friendly, people-oriented budget”, she said.
Speaking on the performance of the 2023 budget, Idaminabo said this year’s budget is neither surplus nor deficit but just a balanced budget.
“The implementation is very high. We have done our performance for first, second, and third quarters and as I tell you, the Ring Road is ongoing, so the budget is realistic”, she said.
She said the numerous projects embarked upon by the immediate past administration in the State are indication that the budget was fully implemented.
She also commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the numerous projects embarked upon within the first 100 days in office.
Idaminabo said government will continue to do its best to improve the lives of the people.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Isaac Kamalu, has expressed optimism that next year’s budget will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
“I am happy to inform you that just as in previous years, it is our expectation to deliver a budget that is practical, feasible, and totally supportive of the developmental needs of our people and the State”, he said, adding that several areas have been explored as far as the workshop was concerned.
Kamalu, who declared open the workshop, said in an address read by Dr Stephen Oduye, that the event was meant to acquint participants with development in respect to the economy and other fundamentals guiding the budget process.
He commended the participants for their dedication and commitment and for being great partners, adding that the Ministry is grateful for their support over the years.

By: John Bibor

Rivers

Ohaneze Ndigbo-Group Hails Eze Umuokobo as Asst Treasurer

Published

2 hours ago

February 7, 2025

The Tide

Some concerned stakeholders of the various villages Of Umuokobo Kingdom in Oyigbo Local Government Area have thrown their weight behind Eze Nwankwo Nanna Nwankwo who emerged Assistant Treasurer at the recent Ohananeze Ndigbo world congress at Enugu.

A statement signed by Dr. Obenachi Ekeke, Bishop Chikwem Theophilus, Engr. Chimezie Odomene, Chief Friday Nwadukwa, and Chief Odinakachi Uwakwe described as faceless, radio broadcast casting aspertion on the revered monarch of Okobo Kingdom, HRH Nwankwo, and by extension the Umuokobo Clan, over his emergence as executive member of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

They described the group as faceless for casting aspersions over the radio while they are neither indigenes of Okobo Clan, nor Oyigbo Local Governance Area of Rivers State.

According to them, HRH Eze Nwankwo is a direct descendant of the Okobo/ Okweleze Royal family and the Founder of Umuokobo Clan, and was duely selected and coronated Ezeala IX Umuokobo on April 15, 2017 by the last surviving Kingmaker, the late Chief Nwakanma Okere, and other Paramount Rulers of the component villages.

They asserted that Ohaneze Ndi igbo is a socio-cultural organization and not a political party and as such integrity and experiences of HRH Eze (Sir) Nwankwo, was required to pilot the organization to a higher level.

In the words of the group, “Our revered monarch will not resign and will remain on the throne of his forebears till God calls him. There are a good number of traditional rulers who are members of the Exco, and HRH Eze Nwankwo Nwankwo is no exception”.

They, therefore, called on the general public to disregard qhat they tagged “the baseless and hurtful comments” made against HRH, Eze Nwankwo “as that does not in any way affect his status and integrity’.

Urging the public not to be swayed by mischievous individuals, they assured of the ability of the traditional ruler to discharge his royal functions fairly and justly to everyone in the kingdom and beyond.

Warning the sponsors of the faceless group to desist from mischief, the stakeholders harped on the need for peace and development in Umuokobo and Oyigbo in general.

Kevin Nengia

Rivers

Appreciate God, Elder Statesman Urges Nigerians

Published

2 hours ago

February 7, 2025

The Tide

An Elder Statesman and highly respected son of the Niger Delta Region in Nigeria, Sir Achebelema-Igah, has urged Nigerians in general to always appreciate God for any good gesture they receive.

He harped on the importance of demonstrating appreciation to God, saying such gratitude will atteact more devine blessings into their lives and families.

Sir Achebelema-Igah made this declaration recently while speaking with newsmen during a Thanksgiving Service organized by his bossom friend, Chief Joseph Orubo, at his country home in Okirika, Rivers State, to show appreciation to God.

According to Chief Achebelema, most Nigerians hardly realize the fact that both their wealth and lives solely depend on God’s grace, hence “there is need to always show appreciation for all that one is and able to achieve, even for life itself”.

According to him, “no one chooses where or when to be born, to be rich, poor, healthy or sickly. Rather, one makes effort and had to rely on grace or providence to see him through.

“That is why we should always acknowledge the giver of lives and wealth (God Almighty), as my friend, Chief Joseph Orubo has done.

“Chief Joseph Orubo, did not just organize the service to show-case his wealth to the public. But he did the Thanksgiving service with the little he has, to simply appreciate God”.

Speaking at the occasion, the celebrant, Chief Orubo, said acknowledged that God has been very nice to his family, especially last year, 2024, so he decided to appreciate God in form of Thanks-giving service.

The occasion attracted dignitaries from different walks of life, especially, members of Okirika Council of Chiefs, the academia, government officials, friends and well wishers.

Rivers

Dep Gov Hails LG Boss Over Development … Says ONELGA’ll Always Stand With Fubara

Published

2 hours ago

February 7, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has commended the Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Isaac Umejuru, for his developmental strides within his First 100 days in Office.

Prof. Odu gave this commendation recently during the ONELGA Empowerment Programme to celebrate the Chairman’s First 100 days in Office at St. Stephen’s Primary School, Omoku.

She noted that Governance is about touching the lives of the people who ordinarily would not have been remembered, saying that the dream of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is to ensure that Rivers People get a new lease on life.

According to her, the presence of prominent dignitaries at the event demonstrates the fact that the Chairman is doing well and following the footsteps of the Governor.

“I want to appreciate the Chairman, who is doing like his father. I want to thank Umejuru and tell him that he has not disappointed us in any way.

“Your achievement is huge, what you owe the Governor is prayer and loyalty because he does what he says. So, now is the time for double empowerment”, she said.

Prof Odu said the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area would continue to stand with the dreams and aspirations of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In his remarks, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Edison Ehie, praised the Administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara for its commitment to the Orashi people, stating that they have never had this good in Governance.

He highlighted the Governor’s continuous recognition of the region through key appointments and the execution of critical infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and hospitals.

Dr. Ehie contrasted the current Administration’s efforts with the immediate past Government, which, he said, offered little benefit to the Orashi people despite their significant contributions to its success.

According to him, “Orashi people took all the risks. We were at the forefront to ensure Wike became Governor and succeeded, but benefited nothing. But under Governor Fubara’s Administration, what they promised and could not fulfill, is now a reality”.

He further noted that several key projects, including the near-completion of Omoku Zonal Hospital, Ahoada-Omoku Road, the completed Omoku-Egbema Road, and the ongoing Elele-Ikiri-Omoku Road, demonstrate the Governor’s commitment to the region.

“Who then is your true brother, if not Governor Fubara, who has initiated all these?”, he asked.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Isaac Umejuru, described ONELGA as a peaceful and welcoming LGA, attributing this to Governor Fubara’s leadership style, while assuring the Governor of their continuous support.

Hon. Umejuru also outlined some of his Administration’s achievements within its first 100 days in office, including the completion of several markets, renovation of healthcare facilities, distribution of cars and tricycles, and financial support for small and medium enterprises.

The delegation had earlier visited the Palace of HRM, Eze Oba of Ogba Land, His Eminence, Barr. Nwachukwu Nnam Obi lll.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso