December 22, (THEWILL) — Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda in the Niger Delta, declaring that the Federal Government’s renewed focus on Ogoniland is already yielding tangible results.
The Governor said ongoing efforts to resolve the three-decade-old Ogoni crisis are translating into improved infrastructure, job creation, and renewed confidence among the people of the area.
Fubara spoke on Monday while hosting a high-level Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The delegation also included the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari.
The Governor commended President Tinubu for demonstrating the courage and political will to confront long-standing challenges in the Niger Delta that had remained unresolved for decades.
“For over 30 years, one particular issue has continued to confront this state. I want to thank Mr President for having the boldness to say, let us start from somewhere”, Fubara said.
Highlighting developments in Ogoniland, the Governor noted that more indigenes are now being employed by the NNPC, a situation he described as unprecedented.
He recalled that in the past, local communities were often viewed with suspicion within the oil industry and faced the risk of arbitrary dismissal.
“Today, that assurance and encouragement are coming back”, he said, adding that the new opportunities would have lasting benefits for the state and its people.
On infrastructure, Fubara reported notable improvements on federal roads across Rivers State.
He confirmed that sections of the East-West Road from Eleme Junction to Bonny are now motorable, while the long-standing gridlock along the Mbiama–Port Harcourt axis has been significantly eased. You can now drive from Eleme Junction to Bonny without the hardship we used to experience, the Governor stated.
In the education sector, he announced that the newly established University of Environment has commenced admissions, describing the institution as part of broader confidence-building measures that also include new hospitals and an industrial park.
The Governor also appealed to youths in host communities to grant oil companies access to sites for spill repairs.
He disclosed that the new owners of Shell had sought his intervention to repair aging oil wells leaking due to natural wear and tear, warning that obstructing such efforts would undermine environmental remediation and stall development. If repairs are not allowed, we are only returning to square one, he cautioned.
Assuring the NSA of Rivers State’s cooperation, Fubara urged patience as the state transitions from decades of neglect to renewed development, stressing that sustainable progress cannot thrive in an atmosphere of crisis.
THEWILL reports that in his response, Ribadu conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to the Rivers State Government, noting that the peace currently enjoyed in the state is a product of strong collaboration between federal and state authorities.
Ribadu described the progress in Ogoniland as a turning point for Nigeria, stating that Ogoniland is opening a new chapter for the country and that change is starting there.
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