The Rivers State Government has commenced the construction of an 11.9-megawatt peak (MWp) solar mini-grid in Bolo, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, in a move aimed at expanding electricity access, stimulating economic activities and accelerating the state’s transition to clean energy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said reliable and affordable electricity remains fundamental to sustainable development, stressing that no community can achieve meaningful economic growth without stable power.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor described the project, being executed in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as more than an infrastructure investment.
According to him, the solar mini-grid represents an investment in the future of Bolo, with the capacity to transform businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and the local economy.

Fubara expressed confidence that the project would boost electricity supply, stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises, create employment opportunities, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life of residents, particularly women and other vulnerable groups.

He commended the Rural Electrification Agency and its development partners for collaborating with the Rivers State Government to deliver the project, describing the partnership as a demonstration of what can be achieved when governments and institutions work together to improve citizens’ welfare.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the state’s drive towards sustainable electrification and urged residents of Bolo to take ownership of the project by safeguarding the facilities, supporting contractors and cooperating with all stakeholders throughout the construction phase.

He expressed optimism that the community’s support would ensure the successful completion and long-term sustainability of the project.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises improved electricity access, economic growth and job creation.

Aliyu disclosed that the agency had completed 16 renewable energy projects across Rivers State and has another 17 projects in the pipeline, positioning the state as one of Nigeria’s leading beneficiaries of clean energy investments.
Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Power, Engr. Nicholas Iminabo Wokoma, explained that the solar mini-grid would complement the existing 33kV distribution network, providing Bolo community with a more reliable and efficient electricity supply.

He described the project as a scalable model that could be replicated in other unserved and underserved communities across the state, while commending the REA for partnering with the Rivers State Government to strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure.

Earlier, Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Vincent Nemieboka, praised the state government for selecting Bolo as the host community, describing the project as a sustainable energy solution that would guarantee affordable and clean electricity for residents.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Bolo Se Council of Chiefs, Chief Augustus Daddie Oforibokaka, expressed appreciation to the Federal and Rivers State governments for bringing the project to the kingdom.

He said the solar mini-grid would not only address the community’s longstanding electricity challenges but also improve access to potable water, stimulate economic activities and accelerate development.

The traditional leader, on behalf of the monarch, the Council of Chiefs and the people of Bolo Kingdom, thanked Governor Fubara and the Ogu/Bolo council chairman for facilitating the project, describing it as a landmark intervention for the community.

Retirees Get Major Boost as Fubara Sets Aside Over N107bn for Pensions, Gratuities, Death Benefits
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signalled a major commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants in Rivers State, earmarking more than N107 billion in his proposed N1.854 trillion 2026 Budget to settle pension obligations, clear outstanding gratuities and pay death benefits.

Presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill, christened “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” before the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday, the governor said his administration had made adequate provisions to address the long-standing plight of retirees, particularly those owed benefits accumulated over the years.

A breakdown of the budget shows that N20 billion has been allocated for gratuities, another N20 billion for legacy pension gratuities, N55.1 billion for monthly pension payments and N7 billion for death benefits.

The government also proposed N5 billion for Group Life Insurance and N4 billion for obligations under the Employee Compensation Act, bringing the total social protection package for serving and retired workers to well over N111 billion.
Fubara declared that the allocations reflect his administration’s determination to restore dignity to retired public servants by settling longstanding entitlements.

“We have also made sufficient arrangements to clear the backlog of gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants, which had accumulated under previous administrations,” the governor said.

Beyond retirees, the governor proposed N15.22 billion for the recruitment of new workers into the public service, a move expected to strengthen manpower across ministries, departments and agencies while creating employment opportunities for qualified residents.

Fubara said the people-centred budget was deliberately structured to improve the quality of life of Rivers people through sustained investment in human capital and social development.

According to him, the N1.854 trillion budget, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 estimates, was designed through extensive public consultation and reflects the aspirations of residents for a more prosperous and resilient state.

He noted that the budget aligns with his administration’s broader vision of building “a secure, prosperous and resilient State characterised by inclusive economic growth, sustainable development and improved standards of living for all.”

The governor identified economic growth, human capital development, socio-economic infrastructure and social investment as the four major pillars of the 2026 fiscal plan, stressing that every allocation was aimed at improving service delivery and expanding opportunities for citizens.

Describing the appropriation proposal as a budget that would touch every part of the state, Fubara told lawmakers that it was crafted to respond to the needs of Rivers people.

“We present to this Honourable House a budget that reflects the needs and aspirations of our people—a budget that will deliver for all residents of Rivers State,” he said.

The governor urged the House of Assembly to give the budget speedy consideration and approval to enable the government commence implementation of programmes aimed at accelerating development while improving the welfare of workers, retirees and other residents of the state.

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to the Senate, seeking accelerated legislative approval for reforms aimed at strengthening the administration and regulation of public senior secondary education in Nigeria.

The President’s request was conveyed in a letter read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu said the proposed amendment was designed to enhance the management, institutional framework and oversight of public senior secondary education nationwide as part of his administration’s broader agenda to revitalise the education sector.

According to the President, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the bill at its meeting of April 30, 2026, following which the Federal Ministry of Justice vetted and finalised the draft in line with constitutional provisions and legislative drafting standards.

“In furtherance of this administration’s commitment to strengthening educational institutions in the national interest, the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is hereby forwarded for legislative action by the National Assembly,” Tinubu stated in the letter.
He urged the Senate to accord the bill expeditious consideration, expressing confidence that its passage would support ongoing efforts to improve the country’s education system.

Responding, Akpabio referred the proposed legislation to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, directing it to report back to the chamber within one week.
The bill comes amid the Federal Government’s renewed push to reform secondary education.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, recently announced plans to end the policy separating junior secondary schools (JSS) from senior secondary schools (SSS), arguing that the arrangement has failed to achieve its intended objectives.

According to the minister, the policy has created disparities in student enrolment, with overcrowding in many junior secondary schools while several senior secondary schools remain underutilised.

He also disclosed that the disarticulation policy had weakened the transition from primary to senior secondary education, revealing that more than 20 million pupils who enrolled in primary schools did not progress to senior secondary level.

The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Bassey Ewah, has warned officers and men of the state command against stopping citizens to search the contents of their mobile phones without a valid court warrant, declaring the practice unlawful.

Ewah, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, said no police officer has the legal authority to compel any citizen to surrender a mobile phone for inspection during routine road checks without judicial authorisation.

The police commissioner stressed that the directive was part of the command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

He urged residents of the state to firmly but politely refuse any unlawful demand for access to their phones and promptly report erring officers through the command’s established complaint channels.

Reaffirming the command’s resolve to uphold the rule of law, Ewah said the Plateau State Police Command would not tolerate acts of misconduct or abuse of office by its personnel.

“The Plateau State Police Command remains committed to protecting the lives, property and constitutional rights of all residents. We will continue to ensure effective policing in accordance with the law and global best practices,” he said.

The commissioner reiterated that officers must discharge their duties within the confines of the law, warning that violations of citizens’ rights would attract appropriate disciplinary measures.

No fewer than 2,361 members of the 2025 Batch B Stream I of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have successfully completed their mandatory one-year national service in Rivers State, while nine corps members have been directed to repeat the entire service year for various infractions.

The Rivers State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe, disclosed this on Thursday during the low-key passing-out ceremony held at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.

Oleghe said the nine affected corps members comprise seven males and two females, while 35 others — 21 males and 14 females — were sanctioned with extension of service for misconduct committed during the service year.

He urged the outgoing corps members to remain worthy ambassadors of the Scheme by upholding its core values as they advance in their careers and personal endeavours.

According to him, “Continue to uphold the ideals of the NYSC as you climb the ladder of life. Let patriotism, discipline, honesty, integrity, commitment and dedication to duty remain your guiding principles in all your pursuits.”

A breakdown of those who completed the service year showed that 941 are males and 1,420 are females, bringing the total number of those passing out to 2,361.

The State Coordinator also announced that two corps members — one male and one female — received the State Honours Award in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions to their host communities.

He expressed appreciation to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the people of the state for providing a peaceful and enabling environment that allowed corps members to complete their service successfully.

Oleghe appealed for the continued support of the state government and residents towards the NYSC scheme.

He also noted that the 2025 Batch B Stream I service year ended without any recorded death, describing the feat as a remarkable milestone and giving glory to God for the successful completion of the exercise.