Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed that the people, particularly civil servants, are enthusiastic about his administration due to its focus on people-centered policies and initiatives.
He assured that his government remains dedicated to meeting its responsibilities to the public, safeguarding the state from those seeking to destabilize governance, and maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The governor made these remarks on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, during the launch of the Emblem Appeal Fund in preparation for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15, 2025.
Governor Fubara highlighted key achievements, including the hiring of 2,000 professionals in the health sector and the approval of 1,000 new positions for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) and Post-Primary Schools Boards.
He explained that the previously planned 10,000 civil service appointments were postponed in favor of more strategic recruitment for professional roles.
“We have employed over 2,000 medical doctors and approved 1,000 teaching positions for the UBE and Post-Primary Schools. Our focus is on professional cadre employment to drive the state’s growth,” Fubara stated.
The governor also addressed the state’s scholarship programs, noting that while the scholarship board has not yet been activated, the state government has awarded scholarships to students at PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University.
“Although the state government has not yet launched its scholarship program, we have awarded scholarships to students at PAMO and Wigwe Universities. Once our scholarship board is operational, we will expand these opportunities,” Fubara explained.
He further emphasized the government’s efforts to improve the welfare of civil servants, highlighting the significant salary increase, with civil servants now earning between N120,000 and N140,000, up from the previous N70,000.
“The greatest joy for any government is to ensure the happiness of its people. Today, our civil servants are celebrating because their salaries have improved. They will remember this and recognize that this government made a positive impact in their lives,” he said.
Regarding the Emblem Appeal Fund, Governor Fubara reflected on the importance of honoring war veterans and their families, sharing a personal memory of his late father, a military officer.
“This event is deeply personal to me because I am a child of a fallen hero. Every January, my mother would return from this event smiling, proud of my father’s contribution. We must support the survivors and families of our fallen heroes, as no amount of money can truly compensate for their sacrifices,” Fubara said.
He urged everyone to contribute to the cause, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the nation’s military in defending its sovereignty and unity.
