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Rivers won’t progress amid disagreement, says Fubara

…says ‘I am ready to make required sacrifices for peace’

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to do everything required of him to ensure peace in the state.

Fubara, who spoke on Thursday while inaugurating the 10.7km Egbeda-Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, insisted that the state could never make progress without peace.

The governor, who was accorded a red-carpet reception by a crowd of residents and supporters, called on all lovers of Rivers to eschew disunity and embrace togetherness.

He further promised the people that development would get to all the nooks and crannies of the state, but maintained that progress would not come to the state in an atmosphere of disagreement.

Fubara said, “My plea will continue to be that everyone should try to maintain peace. We can’t develop our place in an atmosphere of disunity. Progress will not come to our people when there is disagreement and fighting. Everyone who loves this State I will continue to say we need peace for development to come into Rivers State.

“I stand here to make this promise again. Whatever is required of me to ensure that there is total peace, I will continue to do it. I also make this promise to the good people of Rivers State that development will get to every part of this State. We will make sure that we touch every part of the State. It is our promise today, and we will live up to it.

Speaking on the project, the governor recalled that it was borne out of his promise when he came to the area about a year ago to inaugurate the other side of the road.

“We were here about a year ago to commission the other side of the road. At that event the people of Emohua, Egbeda in particular, requested that this stretch, 8.7km, if the government were magnanimous by doing the road, it would bring development to the people.

“We made a promise that we are going to do the project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to the Emohua people, Egbeda community, and Omarelu people.

Read Also: No rift with Rivers lawmakers, says Fubara

Fubara frowned on the idea of ceremonious inauguration of projects in Africa, but said he decided to embrace it to let people know his administration’s story.

He said, “You know, in Africa, what we do is when we deliver projects, we call our people to showcase what we have done. But in the real sense of it, what is the purpose of governance? Governance is to provide services to the people.

“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if you don’t tell people our story, a lot of people won’t know that we are doing something to show.

“Let me thank everyone of you for your support. Like I said, we don’t even need to come here to do this, but if we don’t tell our story, who will?

“So we are here to tell the world that even in the face of our tribulation, we were still focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour.”

The governor reinstated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his administration would back all groups working to deliver him in 2027.

December 11, 2025
No rift with Rivers lawmakers, says Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said there is no friction between him and the lawmakers in the House of Assembly.

Addressing supporters yesterday while inaugurating the Ahoada-Omoku road dualised by his administration, Fubara said he had not been able to meet with the lawmakers because the arrangement for such a gathering had yet to be made by the concerned leaders.

The governor averred that the Leader of the state’s Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, could attest to the constant efforts he had made to meet with the lawmakers.

He particularly said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he fondly called “our leader”, had not arranged the meeting.

He refuted the insinuations in some quarters that he was unwilling to meet with the lawmakers and fulfill their demands.

Fubara, who vowed to meet the demands of the lawmakers, said he was ready to satisfy them in the interest of peace, development and progress of the state.

The governor said he had suffered a lot of attacks because of biased reports, lamenting that most times, people failed to hear his side of the story on an issue.

Fubara said the unity of the state was not about him but for the overall interest of Rivers and called on all stakeholders to work together for development.

Fubara said: “I do not have any disagreement or any anger anywhere with our members of the National Assembly or that of the State Assembly. Let me be very particular. I do not have any issue with the members of the State House of Assembly.

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“I have made every effort, I believe that the leadership of the State Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, can attest to this. I have made every effort to meet with them, and the arrangement wasn’t for me to call them directly. It was for our leader, the Minister, to arrange the meeting, and, till now, that meeting has not been fixed.

“So, when people go about saying I don’t want to meet with them or that I don’t want to meet their demands, that is not true. I don’t have any reason to do that.

I personally said whatever their need is, I am ready to meet it so that we can have peace in the State.

“So, please, I am saying it here. Whoever is telling you that I don’t want to meet with the members of the State House of Assembly is not true. I met with our leaders, and they said they will arrange a meeting. I don’t want to go behind them so that it won’t look like going behind is to divide the house. I am a gentleman and very principled. That is the reason I am saying it here.

“I have suffered so much due to a single story. A lot of times, things happened nobody heard my own side. But I just have to deviate a bit to say it here. Please, Mr. Speaker, the leadership of the House and other members, I have made every effort to meet with you; I am just waiting for that meeting to be fixed.

“The understanding we had is that they are going to arrange a meeting. So whoever is saying that I refused to meet you and there is an arrangement presented to me, and I said I am not going to do it. It is not true. Please, we need to come together for the interest of the State. It is not about me, it is about the State.”

Fubara, who composed a new song for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promised to drive the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to all nooks and crannies of the state.

He recalled that he met with the President and later made a decision to move his supporters to the APC to enable Rivers reciprocate the love Tinubu had shown him.

Fubara, who insisted that his administration was still standing because of Tinubu’s support, said the Renewed Hope was in the state with unimaginable vigour.

Speaking on his recent political decision, he said: “My supporters, I know you have been eager to hear from me. Though the story is everywhere. First, the reason we took this decision is not personal, or for personal ambition, but to see that our State succeeds.

“We cannot thrive in an atmosphere of rancour. Development cannot come to our State when there is continuous disunity. You are also aware that we are standing because of the support of Mr. President.

“Let it be very clear to everyone that the Renewed Hope Agenda is here with a vigour that you can imagine. We are out and we are ready to drive it to every door in every local government area of Rivers State.

“Let me say here that we are out to move into everywhere to preach without limitations the gospel of Asiwaju in Rivers State.”

Fubara thanked God for making the road inauguration possible, observing that people within and outside the state were wondering about the situation of his government.

The governor described the inaugurated road as a campaign promise he made to the people of Ahoada, recalling that he promised to execute the project if the people cast their votes for him and President Tinubu.

He said: “Today, we have rolled our drums out, with our dancing shoes, to celebrate with our people. To tell them that even in the face of our challenges, we are still focused on delivering the dividends of democracy

First, this project was a campaign promise to the people of Ahoada and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni when we came here to seek their support, when we came to commission the first phase of the project by my predecessor, the immediate past governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

“We made a promise that if you support us, vote for us, and Mr. President too, because it wasn’t just me alone, that we will extend the road to Omoku. We are here today to tell you that we have fulfilled that promise.

“This project will enhance the economic activities of this region. I also believe issues of insecurity experienced in this area before will be a thing of the past.

“The success of this project cannot only go to us, but it also goes to the people of Ahoada and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni. Let me thank every one of you and assure you that because of this continuous support, we have every reason to come here from time to time.”

He promised not to take the support of the people of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni and Ahoada for granted but warned the people against disrespecting the simplicity of his administration.

The governor urged the people to be peaceful, saying that no part of the state could be developed in an atmosphere of rancour.

December 11, 2025
Fubara denies rift with Rivers Assembly, vows to meet lawmakers’ demands

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied reports of a personal conflict with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Ahoada-Omoku dualised road, Fubara explained that he had not met with the lawmakers because arrangements for such a meeting had yet to be made by the relevant leaders.

He noted that the Leader of the State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, could attest to his ongoing efforts to engage with the lawmakers.

Fubara also said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as “our leader,” had not facilitated the meeting.

He refuted claims that he was unwilling to meet lawmakers or address their concerns.

The governor affirmed his commitment to meeting the legislators’ demands in the interest of peace, development, and progress in the state. He lamented being subjected to biased reports and called for stakeholders to work together, emphasizing that the unity and growth of Rivers State transcend personal matters.

Fubara said, “I do not have any disagreement or any anger anywhere with our members of the National Assembly or those of the State Assembly. Let me be very particular. I do not have any issue with the members of the State House of Assembly.

“I have made every effort, I believe that the leadership of the State Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, can attest to this. I have made every effort to meet with them, and the arrangement wasn’t for me to call them directly. It was for our leader, the Minister, to arrange the meeting, and till now that meeting has not been fixed.

“So when people go about saying I don’t want to meet with them or that I don’t want to meet their demands, that is not true. I don’t have any reason to do that.

I personally said whatever their need is, I am ready to meet it so that we can have peace in the State.

“So, please, I am saying it here. Whoever is telling you that I don’t want to meet with the members of the State House of Assembly is not true. I met with our leaders, and they said they will arrange a meeting. I don’t want to go behind them so that it won’t look like going behind is to divide the house. I am a gentleman and very principled. That is the reason I am saying it here.

“I have suffered so much due to a single story. A lot of times, things happened that nobody heard my side of. But I just have to deviate a bit to say it here. Please, Mr. Speaker, Leadership of the House, and other members, I have made every effort to meet with you. I am just waiting for that meeting to be fixed.

“The understanding we had is that they are going to arrange a meeting. So whoever is saying that I refused to meet you and there is an arrangement presented to me and I said I am not going to do it, it is not true. Please, we need to come together for the interest of the State. It is not about me, it is about the State”.

Fubara, who composed a new song for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promised to drive the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to all nooks and crannies of the state.

He recalled that he met with the President and later made a decision to move his supporters to the APC to enable Rivers to reciprocate the love Tinubu had shown him.

Fubara, who insisted that his administration was still standing because of Tinubu’s support, said the Renewed Hope was in the state with unimaginable vigour.

Speaking on his recent political decision, he said, “My supporters, I know you have been eager to hear from me. Though the story is everywhere. First, the reason we took this decision is not personal or for personal ambition, but to see that our State succeeds.

“We cannot thrive in an atmosphere of rancour. Development cannot come to our State when there is continuous disunity. You are also aware that we are standing because of the support of Mr. President.

“Let it be very clear to everyone that the Renewed Hope agenda is here with a vigour that you cannot imagine. We are out, and we are ready to drive it to every door in every local government area of Rivers State.

“Let me say here that we are out to move everywhere to preach without limitations the gospel of Asiwaju in Rivers State.”

Fubara thanked God for making the road inauguration possible, observing that people within and outside the state were wondering about the situation of his government.

The governor described the inaugurated road as a campaign promise he made to the people of Ahoada, recalling that he promised to execute the project if the people cast their votes for him and President Tinubu.

He said, “Today we have rolled our drums out, with our dancing shoes, to celebrate with our people. To tell them that even in the face of our challenges, we are still focused on delivering the dividends of democracy

First, this project was a campaign promise to the people of Ahoada and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni when we came here to seek their support, when we came to commission the first phase of the project by my predecessor, the immediate past governor, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

“We made a promise that if you support us, vote for us, and Mr. President too, because it wasn’t just myself alone, that we will extend the road to Omoku. We are here today to tell you that we have fulfilled that promise.

“This project will enhance the economic activities of this region. I also believe issues of insecurity experienced in this area before will be a thing of the past.

“The success of this project cannot only go to us, but it also goes to the people of Ahoada and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni. Let me thank everyone of you and assure you that because of this continuous support, we have every reason to be coming here from time to time.”

He promised not to take the support of the people of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni and Ahoada for granted but warned the people against disrespecting the simplicity of his administration.

The governor urged the people to be peaceful, saying that no part of the state could be developed in an atmosphere of rancour.

December 10, 2025
We feel nothing but pity for Gov. Fubara, says PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Tuesday that it feels nothing but pity for Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, saying the governor willingly travelled the path that took him to his present destination.

Reacting to the defection of the Rivers governor to the APC, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the PDP wished the governor well.

The party, however, said the constant defection of opposition members to the APC was shrinking the democratic space and putting democracy in danger, adding that Fubara cannot accuse anybody of abandoning him.

The statement reads, “The National Working Committee of our great party received the news of the formal defection of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara the Governor of Rivers State from our Party to the ruling party. This news as pitiful as it is, is an exemplar of the old legal maxim Volenti non fit injuria, meaning “to one who is willing, no harm can be done”.

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“Everyone who has followed the developments that culminated in this uneventful defection, will recall that the Governor willingly travelled the path that took him to this destination. Having done so voluntarily, he cannot turn around and accuse our party, or any other person or group of abandoning or not protecting him.

“Whilst a person who is at a crossroad of threats of existential proportion, will most likely suffer from temporary amnesia caused by trauma, the Governor should have nothing less than praise for our party, civil society organisations, and all Nigerians who freely stood up in his defence since this crisis started until he capitulated.

“It is our prayer that the Governor should not suffer from Stockholm Syndrome, where a victim falls in love with his captor. In all, despite these, we pity the Governor and wish him well.

“Furthermore, the Rivers situation is a testament to the dysfunctional nature of our democracy, where individuals are bigger and stronger than institutions and can use the apparatus of the Federal Government to obfuscate political life out of their opponents and bring them to their knees.

“Democracy is terribly threatened by acts of this kind, and all well-meaning people should unify in condemning this progressive decline of democratic norms.

“Finally, we reiterate to Nigerians and the global community that with the unrelenting disposition of the ruling party towards the attainment of a one party state, and the constriction of the political space, democracy is under severe attack in Nigeria. Everyone must rise together to oppose this ignoble trip toward electoral authoritarianism.”

December 9, 2025
BREAKING: Fubara dumps PDP for APC
- …says Tinubu kept him as governor
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his decision to move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with his teeming supporters.

The governor declared his intention to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC during a stakeholders’ meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

The governor disclosed that he went to the Presidential Villa on Monday to consult with the President, adding that the visit was not personal but of state interest.

Fubara said as part of his meeting, he briefed the President about the development in Rivers and assured the stakeholders that Tinubu would act on it.

He said President Tinubu was the reason he remained in office as the governor, insisting that without the president, he would have been referred to as a former governor.

He said to demonstrate his appreciation for Mr. President’s support and identify with him fully, he decided to move his supporters to the APC.

Fubara said, “I know you have been waiting to hear from me. I have to arrange this meeting so urgently. I know it will end on a good note

“You are aware that I went to see Mr President yesterday, and the reason I went for that visit is not just personal, but a state interest consultation.

“I don’t want to make any mistakes this time around. I also don’t want to step on any landmine that anyone is laying for us. So I was with Mr. President yesterday to brief him on the situation of things in our state, which I believe he has taken note of, and he is going to act swiftly on it.

“The most interesting part of the meeting is what you all have been waiting for, and you have been asking me, the signal has finally arrived.

“We have the full support and the positive nod to leave where we are because we didn’t get any protection, to go to where the reason we are still standing is because of that place.

Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu meets Fubara, Nwifuru behind closed doors in Abuja

“The truth is, without Mr. President, there won’t be any His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara; it would have been the former governor.

“So, we have every reason. Let no one be fooled in this State, we have the people and the supporters as well as the numbers. Our only thank you to Mr. President is to support him. We can’t support Mr. President in isolation, and we can’t show that support if we don’t fully identify with him, not backyard support.

“So, we have taken that decision today, since we have got the pass. Everyone here who has followed and suffered with me, our decision today, we are all moving to APC.

“Now that our position has been made clear, every other formal process will commence. Let me thank you all for your support. I have not let you down before, and I won’t let you down now.

“The message is simple. We are the ones that will give that support, and we will give that support with a loud voice, because we know that the people of Rivers State are with us”.
December 9, 2025
JUST IN: Tinubu meets Fubara, Nwifuru behind closed doors in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday met separately with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, at the State House, Abuja.

The engagements, held behind closed doors, came amid mounting political tension in Rivers State and renewed speculation over Governor Fubara’s future in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fubara was sighted entering the State House at about 5:01 p.m. and was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before proceeding to the President’s office.

He departed around 5:45 p.m., but details of the discussions were not disclosed as at press time.

Minutes earlier, Governor Nwifuru had also been ushered in for a separate meeting with the President.

The purpose of his visit similarly remained undisclosed.

The meeting with Fubara came on the heels of Friday’s defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The shift in party alignment has altered the balance of power in the state legislature and heightened uncertainty around Fubara’s political standing.

Only three lawmakers viewed as loyal to the governor remain in the PDP, and they have not resumed sitting since emergency rule in the state was lifted on September 18.

Governor Nwifuru, a former Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly and now an APC governor, has in recent months held several engagements with the Presidency, focusing largely on infrastructure development and security coordination in the South-East.

December 8, 2025
Fubara to inaugurate 10 critical projects across Rivers LGAs

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared his readiness to inaugurate and flag off 10 major projects across six local government areas of the state.

The governor announced the plan in Port Harcourt on Monday through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba.

Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the mandate given by the people of Rivers State.

He stressed that delivering tangible development and democratic benefits remained a top priority of his government.

‎He said, “Beginning from Wednesday, December 10 to 23 December, the projects for commissioning and flag-off will cut across Ahoada East and West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Kwerre, Emohua, Obio/Akpor, and Port-Harcourt City Local Government Areas of Rivers State.”

‎The governor commended the people of Rivers for finding him worthy to serve them and vowed to keep delivering the dividends of democracy to all citizens, irrespective of location, while maintaining the peace and development of Rivers.

He said, “As a government that secured its electoral victory on the popular mandate of the good people of Rivers State, we pledged, at the inception of this administration, to make the welfare of our citizens a primus of our social contract, and this we have assiduously worked to protect and to provide, through the provision of critical infrastructure and other welfarist programmes, including keeping the peace and order of the state, for its socioeconomic growth and development.”

Fubara noted that the six-month state of emergency created a temporary setback, but emphasized that his administration was ready to resume its development agenda without delay.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for intervening and facilitating his return to office as Governor despite resistance from opposing interests.

‎The governor further assured Rivers people of their security and urged them to follow the path of peace.

‎He said, “Despite the resultant effects of the interregnum in democratic governance, we have taken off in earnest, from where we stopped, particularly in the initiation, execution, and completion of projects, with special appreciation to the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose timely and fatherly intervention and magnanimity ensured that this administration returned to fulfil its obligation to the people of the State.”

The projects to be inaugurated are the extension of dualization of the Ahoada-Omoku road, the Egbeda-Omerelu link road, Ikwerre road-Igwuruta-Airport, RIVTAF Housing Estate/Anniversary Celebration, and Ihuowo-Ihuama ring road

Others are Obodhi-Ozochi road and bridge, Ogbakiri junction (roundabout)-Ogbakiri Waterfront road, Ahoada Zonal Hospital, Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters, and Federal High Court Complex, while Ipo town-Airport road bypass would be flagged off.

December 8, 2025
Flooding: Rivers communities appeal to Fubara to desilt canal

Residents in Rumuokania 2 new-Layout, in Ada George area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), of Rivers State have expressed anguish over the challenge posed to members of the communities as a result of a blocked waterway.

This is just as they hauled the Governor Siminialayi Fubara for the construction of internal roads in their area.

The people said the development has not only eased human and vehicular movements, but has also accelerated business and economic growth in the area.

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The landlords in a statement signed by the chairman, Pastor Joel Gbandi and the Secretary, Lucky Atiegoba, also appealed to the governor, to preserve the durability of the road by desilting the blocked canal in the axis.

According to the group, the canal transversed through over 12 communities, stressing that the blockage has hindered the free flow of water each time it rains, thereby causing flash flood on the beautifully constructed roads, homes and businesses.

December 7, 2025
Fubara: I returned as gov because of Tinubu’s special favour

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara has credited his return to the Rivers State Government House after six-month of emergency rule to ‘special favour’ from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Fubara disclosed this during the combined 37th and 38th convocation of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

He noted that many issues would not have arisen if democracy had not been temporarily interrupted in the state.

Addressing the issues raised by the RSU management, the governor said:

“Like you said, a report was given to us. But you all know what happened in the life of our administration. It is only by the special grace of God, the special favour from Mr President, that we are standing here still as the ones presiding over the affairs of Rivers State.”

Fubara went on to assure the institution’s stakeholders that his administration would resume full responsibilities, pledging to address the complaints raised during the convocation.

He added that satellite campuses outside Port Harcourt facing operational challenges would receive accelerated attention in 2026.

“We will continue to fulfil our financial obligations to the university, ensuring improved infrastructure as well as the security and welfare of staff and students. Education remains the most vital investment for national development,” Fubara said.

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Congratulating the 13,242 graduates of the combined convocation, he said:

“As you step into the future, let integrity, hard work, and honesty guide you. Cherish the sacrifices made for your education and live a life of purpose, kindness, and compassion. ”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, expressed delight presiding over his first convocation since his March 6, 2025, appointment by Governor Fubara. He highlighted progress under his administration, including accommodation for 40,000 students and full accreditation for all programmes.

Of the 13,242 graduates, 10,648 received first degrees, 2,594 completed postgraduate programmes, 157 earned First Class honours, 2,587 received Second Class Upper, and 6,275 were awarded Second Class Lower degrees.

December 7, 2025
Fubara approves upgrade of NYSC facilities in Rivers

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the upgrade and renovation of facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Rivers State.

Fubara gave the approval while receiving the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu on a working visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.

Fubara said Rivers remained peaceful and hospitable, noting that he was not surprised by reports that many graduates and parents preferred the state for national service.

He said, “Rivers State is a very hospitable state. We have a very wonderful nature; we accommodate. And the truth is that we are also a peaceful people.

“So, I am not surprised when you talked about the surge in people wanting and struggling to come to Rivers State, and when parents are also very happy that their children are coming to Rivers State because of our spirit of accommodation.”

Fubara said the state’s stability reflected the core duty of government to protect lives and property and provide basic amenities.

He said, “The purpose of government, basically, is to protect lives and property, and to provide basic amenities and a stable economy. That is the basic function of government; everything else is secondary. And we are doing what we should do as a government.”

The governor directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benino Anabraba to assess the required work at the camp and submit a report for immediate action.

He assured that the state would provide office space for the newly established NYSC regional office and consider the relocation or remodeling of the NYSC State Secretariat, which he described as no longer befitting.

“We agree that this agency is a federal agency. But who are the people closest to these facilities? They are Rivers State people. So it is also on us to ensure that we do whatever we can to put these places in order and make them comfortable for both our people and the visitors,”

“So, I can assure you that the complaints you have raised particularly the need to expand the facility in line with your projection for next year have been noted. Secretary to the State Government, please take note of that. The few repairs that were also mentioned, and other things that need to be sorted out, should be scoped properly and brought to my attention.”

The NYSC Director-General, Brig.- Gen. Olakunle Nafiu said he was in the state as part of a nationwide tour of orientation camps.

He disclosed that 2,586 corps members were currently undergoing the 2025 Batch C orientation programme in Rivers State, making the state the fourth most preferred deployment destination adding that 8,349 indigenes of Rivers were also serving in various states.

The DG highlighted the contributions of corps members to national development, saying their services saved the state up to ₦15bn annually if valued at full salary rates.

He sais: “With this figure, Rivers is the fourth destination across the country with the highest number of corps members after Lagos, FCT and Oyo.

“It goes to show that corps members are welcomed here. The security of lives and property we have in this state gives confidence to the parents and guardians of corps members posted here.”

He thanked the governor for the state’s support including land for residence and plans to improve camp facilities.

He appealed for the reconstitution of the state and local government NYSC governing boards and requested the relocation of the NYSC office currently situated in a congested market area in Mile 2, Diobu.

The DG noted that the NYSC, which began in 1973/74 with 2,764 corps members, now has over 400,000 participants.

He said over 650,000 graduates were qualified for mobilisation for the 2026 service year, making expansion of facilities necessary nationwide.

November 26, 2025