The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as responsible and effective leadership, noting that Rivers remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
Ribadu gave the commendation while leading a presidential delegation on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. The delegation included the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Lawal; and top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to the NSA, the visit was aimed at consolidating ongoing peace initiatives in Ogoniland, stressing that a new phase of development and stability was emerging in the area. He said Nigeria was entering a new era, with Ogoni playing a key role in that transformation.
Ribadu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu personally directed him to convey his appreciation to Governor Fubara, expressing satisfaction with the governor’s leadership style and his coordination of discussions on the resumption of oil exploration activities in Ogoniland. He also thanked the people of Ogoni for their patience, cooperation and support of the peace process.
The NSA further praised the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and hosting the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as strategic to national unity, noting that President Tinubu places high priority on the welfare of the Niger Delta people. He assured that all sections of the East–West Road within the region would be completed to required standards.
Umahi disclosed that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road in Ogoniland includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government in support of the Federal Government’s efforts. He said the over ₦200 billion project is expected to be completed by April next year.
The minister also revealed that, with presidential approval, design work is ongoing for the dualisation of the Bonny–Bodo Road up to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers. He added that the President has directed a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland.
On his part, the Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Ogoni clean-up project. He said key initiatives recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), including mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development and women empowerment, are progressing steadily.
Also speaking, NNPCL representative, Bayo Ojulari, said the national oil company remains fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process. He noted that the new focus is on the welfare of the people rather than oil production.
Ojulari disclosed that the recruitment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPCL has reached the final stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026. He described the unfolding developments in Ogoniland as a blueprint for a new Nigeria.
Responding, Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as the action of a leader who genuinely cares about Rivers State. He noted that resolving a crisis that lasted over three decades in Ogoniland was a difficult task but said the President’s involvement had made a significant difference.
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