Tag: Fubara

Rivers state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has extolled the virtues of former Governor Peter Odili, saying his fatherly roles are helping the state navigate the current political crisis.

Fubara in a statement signed on Wednesday, August 14, by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, to mark the 76th birthday anniversary of Dr. Odili, praised the former governor for his unblemished leadership qualities and fatherly mentorship.

Fubara described Odili as an exceptional statesman, a living legend, and a catalyst for propelling many individuals into the political spotlight, both in Rivers State and the country

He said Odili’s good fatherly role in helping the state government navigate the present political situation was exemplary.

He said: “The state needs leaders like Dr Peter Odili to take the people to the promised land of our dream.

Read Also: We won’t fail Rivers people despite crisis, says Fubara

“You are an embodiment of genuine leadership, a mentor and preeminent political colossus, responsible for elevating every member of the political class in the State, without any pecuniary interest.

“You have continued to lend your voice on critical State issues as a devoted crusader for justice, equity, and fairness in your desire for a peaceful and united Rivers State.

“I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Rivers State, pray that Almighty God continues to guide, prosper, and bless you with resounding sterling health and many more fruitful years of celebration and distinguished service to humanity, Rivers State and Nigeria.”

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that despite the ongoing political crisis in the state, his administration will not fail Rivers people.

He described governance as provisions of quality development of both infrastructures and appropriate social amenities to make living pleasurable and better for the people.

He assured that his administration would remain focused with greater determination to deliver on its responsibility to justify the support received from over eight million Rivers people.

Fubara spoke shortly after inaugurating five new commissioners and two special Advisers at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The commissioners that were sworn in were Ilamu Arugu (Abua/Odual); Dr Roland Obed-Whyte (Degema); Sir Austin Emeka Nnadozie (Etche); Samuel Eyiba (Ahoada West); and  Samuel Anya (Abia State); while the Special Advisers were  Forgive Amachree (Ahoada-West); and Mr Achor Nna (Obio-Akpor).

Fubara said: “We are into governance now, not politics. When we get to the time of politics, we will talk about politics. But today, what we are doing here is welcoming you onboard, charging you to be good ambassadors, not just to this administration, but to your people.

“It is a call to duty. Work in a manner so that everybody will be happy. Governance is about making the people happy, and that is our aim.

“At the end of the day, Rivers people will not ask us what or the number of court judgements that we have or the protests that we did. They want to see results. Joining us today is to help us to have enough A’s on our report cards.

“Let me at this point thank our team for your continuous support. We will continue to make the good people of Rivers State proud: that their standing by us wasn’t a mistake.”

Fubara congratulated the new appointees, saying despite knowing some of them personally and through recommendations, they should not disappoint the confidence reposed in them.

He urged them to defend the State and the government at all times without involving in anything that would delay the course of governance.

Fubara said: “So, I want to say that, finding yourself here is an opportunity for you to defend the Government, and also ensure that what these millions of people fought for about 11 and half months ago is not in vain.

Read Also: Fubara sends five commissioner-nominees to Oko-Jumbo Assembly

“They stood for something, and today, because of that standing, we are still here, standing and conducting governance, even in the face of little distractions, here and there.

“Joining our team today is an opportunity for you to add value. We are not bringing you on board to criticize or engage in abusing people, because the only reason why the detractors are intensifying their shots is so that we will miss our target. Don’t give them such room”.

Fubara particularly advised the Abia-born Dr. Samuel Anya,  appointed as a representative of non-indigenes to be open to accommodating all non-indigenes from the west, east, north, and the minorities with equal treatment.

He said: “Don’t say because you are from the East, it is all about the East. Please, be a better representative, so that your people will be happy and this support that we are getting from the non-indigenes will increase. We need their support”.

Rivers Governor Siminialayi Fubara has sent five commissioner-nominees to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as members of the state Executive Council.

The lawmakers responded immediately by inviting the nominees for screening on Tuesday.

Read Also: Fubara hails Tinubu for appointing Walson-Jack HOS

The nominees Mr Ilamu Arugu, Dr. Rowland Obed Whyte, Dr Sam Anya, Samuel Eyiba, and Sir Austin Emeka Nnadozie were asked to appear before the legislators at 10am.

They were asked to come along with 12 sets of their curriculum vitae (CV) and the originals and photocopies of their credentials.

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu over the appointment and inauguration of seasoned administrator, Dame Didi Esther Walson-Jack, as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF).

 Fubara also lauded Walson-Jack for not just being a trailblazer but also an ambassador of Rivers and the Niger Delta region.

He noted that since her remarkable career in the civil service, culminating in her appointment as a Permanent Secretary in 2017, she had shown exemplary leadership, a high level of integrity, courage, perseverance, and resilience.

Fubara in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said Walson-Jack’s distinguished and exceptional public service career would inspire many young girls in the state to strive to achieve great heights in their lives.

“As you assume duties as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation effective August 14, we are proud of the significant milestone you have achieved in your public service career,” he said.

Read Also: Fubara pays N300m grant for 389 doctors on residency training

Fubara emphasised that President Tinubu’s thoughtfulness and belief in merit in appointing Walson-Jack was worthy of emulation, and commended him for being a father to all.

The governor noted that Mr. President had once again shown that he remained a leader committed to fairness, justice, and national integration while upholding the principles of federal character in his administration.

He expressed the hope that Walson-Jack would bring her wealth of experience to bear in her new assignment and innovation in implementing the service reforms enunciated in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President for the benefit of Nigerians.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the release of over N300million grant to 389 medical doctors on residency training in the state civil service.

It was gathered that the released fund would meet 2023 to 2024 Residency Training Grant requirements ranging from N800,000 to N900,000 per resident doctor for each year.

About 215 resident doctors received the funding for the year 2023, while 174 resident doctors had so far received the training grant in 2024 in the state.

A statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said with the milestone, the governor had set a new record in the healthcare funding as residency training grants had only been paid twice in the past 16 years, with the last one paid in 2018.

The governor expressed the belief that with such support from his administration, the benefitting medical doctors would be dutiful with the residency training, describing it as an essential stage of graduate medical education to acquire the needed competence.

Read Also: Fubara pays N300m grant for 389 doctors on residency training

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, acknowledged the importance of the course updates and components to the capacity of the personnel to address the challenges in quality healthcare delivery in the State.

Dr Oreh said: “These are essential for doctors to stay current with the latest medical knowledge and practices, ensuring they can provide the best possible care to patients.

“Research is a critical component of medical training, and these funds help cover the costs associated with developing and presenting research proposals and dissertations.

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the release of over N300 million grant to 389 medical doctors for residency training in the state civil service.

It was gathered that the released fund would have 2023 to 2024 Residency Training Grant requirements ranging from N800,000 to N900,000 per resident doctor for each year.

About 215 resident doctors received the funding for the year 2023, while 174 resident doctors have so far received the training grant in 2024 in the state.

A statement signed by the governor’s chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said with the milestone, the governor had set a new record in healthcare funding as residency training grants had only been paid twice in the past 16 years, with the last one paid in 2018.

The governor expressed the belief that with such support from his administration, the benefitting medical doctors would be dutiful with the residency training, describing it as an essential stage of graduate medical education to acquire the needed competence.

Read Also: Fubara unveils 135-cylinder per day medical oxygen plant in Rivers

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, acknowledged the importance of the course updates and components to the capacity of the personnel to address the challenges in quality healthcare delivery in the State.

Dr Oreh said: “These are essential for doctors to stay current with the latest medical knowledge and practices, ensuring they can provide the best possible care to patients.

“Research is a critical component of medical training, and these funds help cover the costs associated with developing and presenting research proposals and dissertations.

“Also, travelling to examination centres can be costly, especially for doctors stationed in various parts of the State. For these examinations which are usually held outside the State, and in some cases, outside the country, this funding ensures that transportation costs do not hinder their ability to attend necessary examinations”.

Oreh further spoke on the burden examination fees pose on medical personnel.

She said: “The examination fees for the Parts I and II residency exams are very expensive, and by covering these fees, the government ensures that financial constraints do not prevent doctors from advancing in their careers.”

She thanked the governor for paying attention to the needs of personnel in the health sector, explaining that Fubara’s proactive action and political will to address critical issues that impede human capacity development was worthy of emulation.

The commissioner emphasised that the gesture of Fubara, barely one year in office, would ultimately yield better health outcomes for the Rivers people.

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated a 35-cylinder oxygen plant at the General Hospital in Ogale community, Eleme Local Government Area of the state  

The Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant, a public-private initiative, was jointly built and installed by UNICEF  in partnership with Federal Government of Nigeria, Rivers State Government, Canadian Government and IHS Towers.

 Fubara said that the project was in line with the three-point agenda of his administration.

He said that the state recorded  tremendous success in the reconstruction, equipping and staffing of health facilities under his tenure more than ever before.

He boasted that healthcare services were increasingly becoming more accessible to all residents in the state at primary, secondary and tertiary levels to ensure a healthy society.

Fubara maintained the healthcare breakthrough waa only achieved in the last six months when liberation of the state was eventually secured amidst the political crisis.

He said: “We might have had so many things in mind or written down before we came on board. But half way the journey, we found out that we need to redirect ourselves and understand the needs of our people.

“The need for quality education, the need for affordable healthcare services, the need to put food on the tables of our people became more pertinent. And that is why we brought this three-point agenda: healthcare, education and agriculture, and you are witnesses to it.

“What we have done, not in one year but in the past six months of our liberation, is that, we have touched healthcare services like never before in our State. We have spent and we are spending to make sure that Rivers State becomes health (medical) tourism State.”

Fubara explained that about 70 per cent work of reconstruction and upgrading of the zonal hospitals has been achieved.

He insisted that the zonal hospitals had been remodelled to international standard, adding that other sundry investments in the health sector, served as compelling evidence to the UNICEF and partners to consider the Medical Oxygen Plant for the State.

He said: “They saw what we’re doing, and they believed that it will be right to partner with Rivers State. Let’s set the record straight: It is not our project. The Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Plant is a UNICEF project, supported by the Federal Government and other partners. 

“But, the unique thing about this project is that it needed to be sited somewhere that people understand its need, people who are spending, making positive investment in healthcare. And that is why we gained that privilege.

“A situation where people from the East, people from other South-South states will be coming to access this facility. You know what it means? On your lands that we’re building more roads for you, people will start buying them to start living here. 

“More medical facilities will start to spring up. As a matter of fact, don’t be surprised, most of these international organizations might be coming to set up some plants around here, because what is coming out of here is a very important ingredient in healthcare services.”

Fubara assured that the project would  be protected, and enjoined the people of Eleme and the Hospitals Management Board to do everything within their powers to secure the plant.

The Governor said the Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Plant would be useful in generating oxygen that would serve the needs of patients with respiratory-related illnesses caused by  exposure to polluted environment.

 Fubara enjoined every resident in the State to continue to be patient with the government noting that tenable and enduring policies were being implemented to ensure that a better society is secured for every one.

He said: “We’re starting from a very bad point. But we know we’re going to get to the right place. For those people, our people that are protesting, they have the right to do so. But they should not allow the enemies of progress to hijack this protest and destroy the little quality development that we have recorded in our State. 

“It is only one who loves this State that will protect the interest of this State. Nobody will love the State and connive with people to destroy it. If you do so, it means you don’t love this State. If we love this State, we will do all we can to make sure we support and protect the interest of our State.”

Fubara further appealed to all Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu, saying the President was doing everything possible to lead the country out of the inherited woods.

In her address, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, said the event marked a significant milestone in the collective journey of strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that the derivable services are improved upon.

Oreh explained the importance of oxygen in medical care in today’s global health challenges, and how the visionary leadership provided by Governor Fubara had made it possible for patients to have the hope of accessing same within Rivers State.

She said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for a reliable and sustainable supply of medical-grade oxygen to support patients in respiratory distress and other medical emergencies. 

“The PSA Oxygen Plant we are commissioning today represents a vital step forward in ensuring that our healthcare facilities are equipped to deliver timely and effective medical care to those in need.

“The oxygen plant can fill 135 cylinders (20-liter bottles) in 24 hours. These can provide 720,000 liters of medical oxygen within the same time frame. This capacity ensures that 100 children with severe pneumonia or 50-60 COVID-19 patients can receive round-the-clock oxygen treatment simultaneously.”

Dr Oreh also said that: “This PSA Oxygen Plant is a tangible demonstration of your administration’s commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of our citizens. 

“It will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of our healthcare facilities to respond to medical emergencies and provide life-saving treatment to our people.”

Oreh said the PSA Oxygen Plant would provide a steady and reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen to hospitals and healthcare centres across the State. 

Also speaking, the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, said the partners were delighted to hand over the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant to the Rivers State Government as an evidence in the collective endeavour of improving health outcomes for Rivers people.

Ms. Munduate emphasised that many diseases, including pneumonia, had remained as leading causes of death of children under five years, adding that it was for that reason that a prompt and proper administration of medical oxygen treatment has become imperative. 

She said: “Yet, despite its critical importance, we know that access to medical oxygen has been a persistent challenge across many regions.

“This Pressure Swing Absorption medical oxygen plant is more than just a facility; it stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and the power of collaboration. 

Read Also: Fubara joins race to restore degraded Niger Delta Mangrove forest, prevent floods

“It is the result of unwavering partnership between UNICEF, IHS Nigeria, the Government of Canada and the Government of Rivers State and other invested stakeholders who have recognized the imminent need to address the gap in medical infrastructure.

“This plant will significantly boost the capacity of Eleme General Hospital and surrounding healthcare facilities to provide life-saving medical oxygen. It will ensure that medical oxygen is readily available and accessible, reducing dependency on external supplies and ensuring that emergencies are swiftly and effectively managed. This facility … will save lives, improve health outcomes, and provide a stronger foundation for the comprehensive healthcare that every individual deserves.

“As we hand over this plant to the Rivers State Government, we are confident that they will be maintained and utilized effectively to maximize their impact. I am particularly happy that the State has opted for operationalizing this plant using the public private partnership model.”

The Rivers state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has joined efforts by some global organizations to restore the Niger Delta Mangrove and avert further deforestation of the forest.

Fubara’s interest was reportedly triggered by statistics showing the degradation of the forest in the region, which formed a larger part of Nigeria’s mangroves occupying 10,500 km², making it the largest in Africa, and the third-largest globally.

Despite the crucial roles of the mangroves in the ecosystem such as biodiversity support, flood prevention, coastal erosion protection and carbon sequestration, they were said to have suffered significant damage in the region.

It was gathered for instance that between 1996 to 2016, the Niger Delta region alone witnessed a loss of approximately 40% of its mangrove forest equivalent to over 65 million dollars.

To demonstrate his seriousness, Fubara recently signed an agreement of 30 years with the Serendib Capital, Eight Versa, and Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) to launch the restoration and conservation project.

It was gathered that Serendib Capital’s interest in working with state governors to restore the mangroves in the region was consolidated on July 30th, 2024, when it established its first office in Nigeria, which was inaugurated by the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Maximus Nwafor, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the governor and the state government.

Nwafor said the project would help the state to increase its Internally Generated Revenue, adding that the government was ready to ensure the success of the project.

Read Also: Fubara to caretaker chairmen: empower your people or be sacked

The Chief Executive Officer of Serendib Capital, Rafat Rizvi, highlighted the importance of the project, saying it would generate carbon credits and provide an alternative income source for local communities.

He said: “The credits will also bring tangible benefits to the state and contribute to the global fight against climate change. The initiative underscores the importance of preserving Nigeria’s mangrove forests, which are crucial for coastline defence, pollution filtration, and carbon sequestration.

“By safeguarding these ecosystems, the project ensures the long-term health of the planet and the well-being of local communities.”

He explained that the collaborative effort sought to drive transformative environmental and socio-economic gains in Rivers and would serve as a model for future mangrove restoration projects globally.

Rizvi said the project’s launch marks a significant step towards preserving Nigeria’s vital mangrove ecosystems and promoting sustainable development in the oil region.

He further said that the mangrove restoration project aimed to prevent the deforestation of 170,000 hectares of forest through reforestation, and revegetation, adding that it was part of the larger Delta AZURE programme poised to become the world’s largest blue carbon project.

He said: “Nigeria’s mangrove forests, spanning 10,500 km, are the largest in Africa and third-largest globally. These vital ecosystems provide biodiversity support, flood prevention, coastal erosion protection, and carbon sequestration.

“They face severe degradation, with the Niger Delta region losing approximately 40% of its mangrove forest between 1996 and 2016″.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has told local government caretaker committee chairmen to either empower their people or face removal.

Fubara, who spoke through Victor Oko-Jumbo, at the unveiling of the empowerment programme in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, emphasised that the primary responsibility of the chairmen was to serve their people.

Oko-Jumbo, who is the factional  Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly,  asked them to learn from the governor’s commitment to empower the people.

He highlighted Fubara’s bold response to the August 1 hunger protest, showcasing his connection with the people.

Oko-Jumbo emphasised that officials must follow the governor’s lead, increasing empowerment initiatives in their respective local governments.

He said: “Any caretaker committee chairman that is not empowering his people, we will remove that person.

“Your duty is for your people first, it is to your people. Today, we are here to witness that empowerment which was the instruction the governor gave.”

Read Also: Ijeododo community urges Sanwo-Olu to construct road

Oko-Jumbo assured the governor of uninterrupted support until 2027 and beyond.

He praised the unified leadership of Ikwerre LGA for standing firm with the governor, resulting in development for the people.

He said: “Let me use this medium to assure our people that the Rivers State House Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo will Continue to give the governor the needed support so that the state must succeed till 2027.

“We will make sure that the Governor will have uninterrupted four years of governance in this state. And if you permit, he will have another four years.

“Let me also use this opportunity to thank the leadership of Ikwerre LGA, I believe that at this stage the entire leadership is there because it has been unified and has stood firm with the governor and it is because of the unity that you are now seeing development in our people.”

Fubara warned chairmen that failure to conduct further empowerment programmes would result in invitations to account for their actions.

Earlier, Darlington Orji, Caretaker Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, said the unveiling of the empowerment programme was a fulfilment of his long-held desire to enhance security in the council.

Speaking at the unveiling of empowerment programmes, Orji revealed his past prayers for an opportunity to make a difference.

As former Chief of Staff to the former council chairman, Samuel Nwanosike, Orji said he had identified security challenges and advocated for attention.

He said he had delivered on his promise, presenting operational vehicles to all six police divisions in the council, including the DSS.

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has told protesters to shun their action and remain patient insisting the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were at the verge of ushering in a greater country.

Fubara acknowledged the hardship facing Nigerians but sued for patience and peace harping on the need to work together with Tinubu..

The Governor spoke during the funeral reception of late sister Inyangette Shulammite Yobana, mother of Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Amb. Marvin Yobana, at her home town, Kono in Khana Council Area on Saturday.

The Governor reassured his administration’s position not to toy with the education of Rivers children and healthcare of the people, emphasising that the government would invest massively in agriculture with a view to boosting food production.

He said: “We are in trying times. So, we need to work together to make sure that we build that Nigeria, that Rivers State of our dream.

“Please, everybody should learn to be patient and peaceful. It gets hard before it gets better. We are at the point of that breakthrough to a wonderful State, and the envy of the country. When I say the envy of the country, if we pass through this state, Nigeria will be great. We just have to support Mr President to make sure that this phase passes.

“I have said it before, and I am saying it again: I will not leave without making a positive impact in the life of our State. No matter the distraction, our eyes are on the ball.

“We will not play with the education of our children. We will not joke with quality healthcare (for the people), and we will make sure that we invest heavily in food production in our State”.

Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, noted that the late Yobana lived a good life, and left indelible legacy worthy of emulation.

Read Also: Rivers protesters obstruct Fubara’s convoy

The Governor admonished Yobana to follow the footsteps of his late mother to live long on earth as well as join hands with his siblings to ensure that the legacy of their mother is kept alive.

He said: “Mama has gone, I can say she lived a good life. Seventy is the Bible age, when the blessings of God is upon you. For you to add additional 10 plus, it means God loves you. So, Mr. Marvin, your mother lived well, and I believe that you will live like her so that you can also stay up to 80, if not more.

“And the secret is this: ensure that your hands are clean. Live a clean life. Don’t be in any meeting to undo people so that you don’t get old while you are still young.

“Just be strong and whatever is remaining, know that you are the head of the family. Join forces with other members of your family to ensure that the memory, the good life and the legacy of your mother is kept alive,” the Governor advised.