…Ribadu highlights peace in Rivers
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his responsible leadership, noting that President Bola Tinubu is pleased with the governor’s administration.
Ribadu described Rivers as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, attributing the calm to Fubara’s leadership style. He spoke on Monday while leading a presidential delegation—including Works Minister David Umahi, Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, and top officials of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)—on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.
The NSA said the visit aimed to consolidate ongoing peace efforts in Ogoniland, highlighting that a “new chapter” is unfolding for the Ogoni ethnic nationality. He stressed that Nigeria’s transformation is beginning from the region.
“President Bola Tinubu specifically directed me to thank Governor Fubara and expressed satisfaction with his leadership and coordination of discussions on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni,” Ribadu stated. He also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the people of Ogoni for their patience and support.
Ribadu further lauded the state government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and hosting the South-South Zonal Office of the NSA.
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Minister of Works, Umahi, described the Ogoni Peace Initiative as strategic to national unity and reiterated the President’s personal commitment to the welfare of the Niger Delta people. He assured that all sections of the East–West Road in the region would be completed to standard. At Eleme in Ogoniland, a 15-kilometre stretch of the road includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government to support the President’s efforts.
Umahi added that the ₦200 billion project is scheduled for completion by April 2026, with designs underway—pending presidential approval—to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road and construct two additional flyovers. He also disclosed that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be redesigned to pass through Ogoniland.
Environment Minister Lawal said the Ogoni clean-up project remains a top priority. Following recommendations from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the initiative includes mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment programs.
NNPCL Group CEO, Bayo Ojulare, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Ogoni dialogue process, emphasizing a people-focused approach. He noted that 30 Ogoni indigenes have been recruited by NNPCL, with appointment letters issued and resumption slated for January 2026.
Governor Fubara commended President Tinubu’s intervention, describing it as evidence of a leader committed to Rivers State’s development. He acknowledged the challenges of resolving a decades-long crisis in Ogoniland but noted that the President’s administration has restored mobility along the East–West Road, linking Bonny and Bayelsa.
Fubara stressed that beyond infrastructure, the administration is rebuilding confidence in the region and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the peace process. He appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage youths to facilitate access for oil facility operators, ensuring the repair of faulty equipment and preventing new oil spills during environmental restoration.
