#RiversFirst: Putting the #PeopleFirst.

I joined my colleagues in Asaba today for the first @OfficialPDPNig Governors' Forum meeting to hold in 2025, to review the progress made and the current challenges in our various states, for which we reiterated the need for a balanced economic policy. Collectively, we reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing Nigeria's unity, sustainable development and overall prosperity. We are committed to continue working towards a brighter future for all Nigerians. Thereafter, I had an executive council meeting with council members in which sundry state matters were deliberated on.

I am deeply humbled and grateful for the immense love showered on me in celebration of my special and very significant birthday. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my wife, family, stakeholders, friends and well-wishers across the globe for making this day really special. At the South-South Governors' Forum meeting in Bayelsa, I was further honoured by my colleagues with a celebration that was truly touching. The honour is indicative of the power of unity and the prioritization of the development of our region over political differences. Together, we will continue to take ourselves seriously, set strong resolutions, and work collectively towards achieving the Rivers State and the Niger Delta of our dreams. Thank you and God bless you all.

Today, I inspected the ongoing reconstruction work on Rivers State's three major fire service stations: Mile 1 (Abali Park), Rumuodumaya, and Borokiri. After over a decade of neglect, we are revamping these facilities and equipping them to ensure rapid and efficient response to fire emergencies. For too long, we've relied on multinational companies for dealing with fire incidents, but this will soon change. By March 2025, Rivers State will have a fully functional fire service to protect lives and properties.

In solidarity with my Bauchi State counterpart, Governor Bala Mohammed, I visited to condole with him and his family for the loss of his step mother, Hajia Hauwa Mohammed. Though a solemn moment to empathize with him, it afforded us the opportunity of deliberating on issues in which I assured him of our commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties between his State, Bauchi and Rivers State. This is in furtherance of our dedication to ensuring a united and stronger Nigeria, where peace, justice, equity and fairness prevail. We are indeed appreciative of Governor Mohammed’s fervent support for our cause.

Today, I welcomed members of the @OfficialPDPNig Youth Leaders Forum to Rivers State. I commended their passion for ardently working on restoring our party's pride and unity. Together, we must rebuild and energize the soul of our party united as one Nigeria.

I had the pleasure of welcoming the new Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, during his courtesy visit. I congratulated him on his appointment and assured him of our government’s unwavering support in the maintenance of law and order in the state. While emphasizing the need for professionalism and apolitical service, I urged the CP to tackle critical security challenges especially cultism and kidnapping while looking forward to a fruitful partnership with the CP and his team.

With profound gratitude, we honour the courage and sacrifice of our gallant servicemen and women. I pledge N50 million for the welfare of widows of our fallen heroes. It is our modest way of supporting their resilience. We will continue to uphold the legacies of our heroes and build a nation worthy of their service and sacrifice. God bless Nigeria!

Today, we gathered in thanksgiving to honour our fallen heroes and heroines for the sacrifices they made for Nigeria’s unity and peace. Beyond remembrance, our administration is committed to supporting their families and ensuring that those still in service are valued and adequately catered for . As we project inclusive growth for Rivers State, peace, unity and development will remain our guiding principles. I thank all religious leaders for their prayers and urge continued advocacy for progress. Together, let us build a stronger, greater Rivers State.

Today, I signed into law the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill. Tagged “Budget of Inclusive Growth & Development”, the bill is estimated at N1.1 trillion. I deeply appreciate the Rivers State House of Assembly for their diligence and my executives for their unwavering commitment to service. Together, we are setting the pace for a prosperous year ahead, focusing on education, healthcare , agriculture, and infrastructure. Let me, on this note, thank everyone and once again wish you a happy and prosperous New Year ahead as we continue the journey of making Rivers State great again.

At the 2025 New Year State Banquet yesterday, we reflected on what was a challenging, yet transformative 2024 for Rivers State. Through resilience and God's grace, we turned losses into gains. In 2025, we will continue to build on these achievements, prioritizing education, healthcare, security, general welfare of the people and upholding the integrity of our State. Your unwavering support remains the cornerstone of our success. Wishing you a prosperous New Year!

Happy New Year!

As part of activities to usher in 2025, I attended the New Year Eve service at St. Paul's Cathedral, Opobo Town. It was an opportunity to appreciate God for all that He has done and continues to do for me as an individual and for our dear State. The event was also to reassure Rivers people that God is with us and that we are committed to serving the State as I wish them a more productive year ahead in 2025. Happy New Year!

It was an honour to declare open the 119th and 120th Quarterly General Meetings of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers' Council. During the event, we reaffirmed our commitment to tirelessly work for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Rivers State. I also had the privilege of presenting certificates of recognition to four traditional rulers in the state: HRM Winston Odiye Alamina, Oputibeya XII, Amayanabo of Koniju Kingdom, HRM Eze Noble Friday Uwoh (CSO, Rtd), Eze Igbu-Ehuda IV, HRH Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, Amayanabo of Torusarama-Piri Elem Kalabari, HRH Prince Ike Ehie, Eze Igbu Orlukwor. I urged these esteemed leaders to use their positions to foster unity, promote peace, and strengthen harmony within their respective domains.

14. I wish to reiterate that we hold our traditional rulers in high esteem and will not do anything to disrespect, emasculate, or sideline them in the scheme of things, provided you also avoid doing things that would denigrate the sanctity of the traditional institution or bring you into a collision with either the government or the law. 15. We will also not allow Local Government Councils to disregard your input on issues concerning the peace, security, and development of your kingdoms. 16. I, therefore, urge you to work with your Local Government Councils and the security agencies to maintain law and order and rid your communities of crimes and criminal elements whose conduct is inimical to the security of lives, property, and investments. 17. I wish to assure you that our doors are wide open. We are a listening government. We have a pact with our people. We are just a call away from you and will respond as long as the issue concerns the interest of our State, the peace and development of your locality, and the security and well-being of our people. 18. Finally, I have not forgotten our promises concerning your welfare and well-being. I assure you that we will sooner rather than later deliver your cars and all the other individual and collective promises that we made. 19. It is on this delightful note that I exercise the privilege to declare the 119th and 120th Quarterly General Meetings of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council open. 20. Thank you for your attention. May God bless us all.

Today, I presented the 2025 Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development to the Rivers State House of Assembly. With N1.18 trillion, we’re driving progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, and other infrastructural projects. This budget reflects our commitment to advancing prosperity for all Rivers people.