By George Mgbeleke

The Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment towards the speedy execution of the Oyorokoto Beach Resort project, pledging to ensure that it is fully developed to make Rivers State a tourism hub in Nigeria.

Governor Fubara made the pledge on Monday at Government House, Port Harcourt during a ceremony where the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) to advance the Renewed Hope Cultural Project, an initiative of the Federal Government designed to expand the creative economic sector in the country.
He disclosed that in the last three years, the Rivers State Government had invested a lot of resources in expanding the tourism sector in the state because of its desire to develop leisure spots, create jobs and diversify the local economy.

“We have invested in expanding the tourism sector of Rivers State. Some months ago, the project for the new Tourist Beach which we embarked upon in partnership with Landmark kicked off. They’ve already started their work and from what they promised, by this December the first phase will be unveiled and made ready for public use,” he said.

According to Governor Fubara, some aspects of the Renewed Hope Cultural Project were part of what his administration had in mind when it initiated the Ngô- Atlantic Oyorokoto Road project in Andoni Local Government Area of the state.

“It is a project that will open up that axis of Rivers State. The Oyorokoto Beach is one of the best beaches in this country. Today, I can tell you that all over the internet, I’ve been seeing pictures of elephants, lions and other sorts of wildlife that are being showcased as part of the tourist attractions on that new road,” he said.

Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara (right) presenting a plaque to Miss World, Nigeria 2026, Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George during her visit to Government House Port Harcourt on Monday.

Governor Fubara observed that infrastructure development is not just about building roads, bridges and hospitals but also about building an economy for entertainment and relaxation. He said that in Europe and some of the Middle East countries such as United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, their economies are not just boosted by their good roads but also by the hospitality industry they have created to provide comfort and relaxation to tourists.
“If not for this crisis in Iran, the closest tourism destination that everybody yearns for is Dubai, to go to there and enjoy. So what we are trying to do here is, if we can’t go to Dubai, let’s provide our own Dubai in Rivers State. If we can’t go to Qatar, let’s provide our own Qatar or Spain in Oyorokoto,” he said.

Governor Fubara gave assurance that Rivers state will not just sign the agreement, but will make sure that it goes further to put up something visible in the next four months. He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for picking Rivers State as one of the key states for the project, adding that both parties to the MoU will work as partners in progress.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa signed the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government, while the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Culture, Mr Ishmael Tomonialadeokuma, signed on behalf of the state.

In her brief remarks, the Minister of Arts Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa described the project as timely adding that it is in line with the desire of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure collaboration between the Federal Government and the various states on expanding the creative industry in the country.

According to the minister, the main goal of the project is economic diversification and expansion as well as job creation. She hailed Governor Fubara for what his administration has done in the area of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, describing it as been very vast.
” I’m very glad today that we have signed this Mou on the Renewed Hope Cultural Project. It is a project that spans across the Arts Culture, Tourism and Creative industry. It is really to catch up with what you have already done in the state. It is to see what we can do at the federal level to support you so that we can use it as a Tourism, Cultural and Creative hub as well as an Arts space.

“Mr President wants us not to work in silos but to work together with the different sub nationals to see how the Federal Government can support all your efforts in the state.
We have to collaborate and share our vision with the state. It is not complete if the FG does not collaborate with Rivers State. In fact it is one of the low hanging fruits.
“In coming into Rivers State, I can see that there is a huge diverse culture. Rivers State is one of the low hanging fruits. There is infrastructure, there is access, you have a number of international flights that come into Rivers State.
Our hope is that Rivers State, with the sort of idea and vision that you (Gov Siminalayi Fubara) have, that we can work together to make sure that Rivers State becomes a huge expression in making Nigeria the cultural and creative hub of Africa,” Musawa said.

By George Mgbeleke

The Senate on Thursday passed a resolution demanding increased funding for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, and ordered emergency rehabilitation of critical federal roads nationwide.

This followed consideration of the report of the Joint Senate Committees on FERMA and National Security and Intelligence on the Onyagede-Ogobia road off the Otukpo-Oweto highway in Ohimini Local Government Area of State.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Abubakar Abdullahi (APC Kebbi North), said only 2km of the 28km road was still motorable after inspection.

He said severe structural failure, erosion and poor drainage had made most sections impassable, disrupting transportation, economic activities, healthcare access, education and security operations in the area.

The committee recommended immediate emergency rehabilitation of the road pending full reconstruction at an estimated cost of N15.06 billion, calling for improved drainage, erosion control and stronger security presence.

To address connectivity gaps nationwide, the Senate adopted the recommendation to rehabilitate two critical federal roads in each of the 36 states and the FCT, totalling 74 roads targeted for intervention.

Senators from Kogi, Lagos and Bayelsa States backed the report and urged prompt action on failed federal roads in their states.

Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP Benue South) however cautioned colleagues to limit debate to the committee’s report and file separate motions for roads in their constituencies.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC Edo North), urged the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise maintenance of existing highways over new construction.

“The federal ministry of works must be properly guided. While many existing federal roads have deteriorated beyond acceptable standards, attention is being shifted to constructing new roads,” he said.

Oshiomhole described the Benin-Asaba, Benin-Warri and Auchi-Abuja highways as strategic national corridors needing urgent intervention. He said sustained maintenance was key to national security, economic growth and movement of goods and agricultural produce.

The Senate adopted all committee recommendations, including periodic legislative oversight and increased budgetary allocation for FERMA.

It also commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway, describing them as transformative.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed that copies of the report be sent to relevant ministries, FERMA and appropriation committees for implementation and budget consideration.

Meanwhile, the Red Chamber has embarked on its annual recess and adjourned sitting to Sept.15,2026.

By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has hailed the Nigerian Army over its efforts in combating pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering, saying the efforts are yielding positive results.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi,Governor Fubara gave the commendation on Friday, when the chief of Army Staff ( COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt. The COAS, accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah and other senior officers of the Nigerian Army were on the visit as part of activities heralding the 163rd Nigerian Army Day celebration holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In his welcome remarks, Governor Fubara said that the efforts of the military in curbing disruptions in oil production has resulted in the production of higher quantum of crude oil and more revenue to the country. He noted that the operations of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt has also helped Rivers State in terms of security of lives and property.

Governor Fubara congratulated the COAS on his appointment, stating that a lot of positive things have happened in the security sector within the short period he ( Shaibu) has been on the saddle.
“I’m commendng you because within the short period that you’ve been appointed, I can conveniently say that there are a lot of positive things that our state has recorded in terms of security.
I wish that your tenure will record a lot more positive improvements for the Nigerian Army.
“I want to also say that we are really happy that in the face of everything, you chose Rivers State for this very wonderful celebration. This is significant for us. It speaks to two things: that Rivers State is peaceful and Rivers State is worth securing,” he said..

Governor Fubara pledged more support for the Nigerian Army, stressing that Rivers State will continue to work with the military to ensure that its personnel operating in the state receive maximum cooperation to do their jobs.
“You’re doing this work and everyone of us is enjoying the positive effects.We owe you our support.We are not going to rest on our oars in ensuring that we do whatever we need to do to make you succeed,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu told Governor Fubara that he was in the state to attend the
163rd Anniversary of the Nigerian Army taking place in Rivers State.
He expressed profound gratitude to the
Rivers State Government for always providing support to the 6th Division to conduct its operations.
“I want to specifically thank you for the support you have rendered us especially the infrastructure, the stadium that you have put at our disposal for hosting the event and other things that you have done at the Divisional HQ as part of your own contributions to ensure the success of the celebration,” he said.
According to the COAS, it is a week-long programme featuring various activities that will impact positively on the various communities, as part of the Civil – Military relations to win the hearts and minds of the people.