Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday inspected the completed Agba–Ndele Bridge linking communities in Abua and Emohua Local Government Areas, expressing satisfaction with the progress made on the project.

Speaking during the inspection, the governor recalled monitoring the construction of the bridge last year and noted that its completion marks a significant milestone for residents of the affected communities.

“I am really happy that today you can see for yourself that the bridge is fully completed,” Fubara said.

He, however, stressed that the full impact of the project would only be realised after the completion of the remaining 14 kilometres of the Ndele–Omofor–Agba–Ndele road.

“The beauty of this job will be appreciated more when the other 14 kilometres are done. But so far, I want to commend the contractor, Setraco, for a good job,” he added.

Fubara, who was accompanied on the inspection by the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Temple Nwofor, praised the contractor, Setraco Nigeria Limited, for its commitment and professionalism in delivering quality work within schedule.

The contractor assured the state government that the remaining section of the road would be completed before the end of May.
Consequently, the governor said the official inauguration of the bridge would be delayed until the road project is fully completed to ensure maximum benefit to the communities.

“So far, I feel happy that we are doing our best to improve on what we met in government,” Fubara said, reiterating his administration’s commitment to sustained infrastructure development across the state.

The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited to commence work on the proposed 70.75-kilometre Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and bridges in the riverine axis of the state.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the assurance when the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, led the commission’s executive management on a courtesy visit to Government House in Asaba ahead of a tripartite meeting involving the state government, NDDC and Chevron.

The governor expressed satisfaction with ongoing discussions among the partners on the strategic infrastructure project expected to link Warri with key oil-producing coastal communities, saying the road would enhance economic activities, improve security and boost infrastructure development across the region.

Oborevwori described the proposed road and bridges as a major transformational project for the state’s riverine communities and reiterated the state government’s readiness to collaborate with both organisations to ensure its delivery.

“I want to say that Delta State is ready to partner with the NDDC and Chevron to deliver this project,” the governor said, adding that his administration would continue to pursue partnerships that translate into tangible development for residents.

He explained that the tripartite arrangement would accelerate the project’s implementation while strengthening collaboration for sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
Oborevwori also emphasised the need for accountability, transparency and cost-effective service delivery in executing major infrastructure projects. He therefore urged both the NDDC and Chevron to determine the overall financial value of the project and outline their respective contributions.

According to him, the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road and bridges represent a strategic corridor that would enhance economic connectivity and promote peace among communities in the riverine areas.

The governor further stressed the importance of engaging a reputable construction firm for the project and disclosed that a technical team would be constituted to work with the NDDC and Chevron on the project’s design, cost evaluation and stakeholder commitments.

Earlier, Ogbuku said the proposed road and bridges would span about 70.76 kilometres, beginning from Omadino near the Opumami Canal and terminating at Escravos.
He explained that the project would consist of a 66.54-kilometre main alignment, a 4.22-kilometre spur to Kokodiagbene and 29 bridges linking several oil-producing and coastal communities across Warri South and Warri South-West local government areas.

Ogbuku reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to partnerships aimed at improving the quality of life of people in the Niger Delta, noting that similar collaborations had delivered key projects in the region.

He cited the partnership between the NDDC and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited on the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia–Nembe Road as a model that could be replicated for other major infrastructure initiatives.

The NDDC chief described Escravos as an area of strategic economic importance and said the commission was mobilising stakeholders to support the timely execution of the road project to improve accessibility to the area.
Also speaking, the Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Segun Kuteyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the project.

Kuteyi said the road would connect Warri directly to Escravos, the hub of oil and gas activities in Delta State, adding that its completion would boost oil production and economic activities in the area.

He noted that the project would also provide direct access to major oil and gas facilities, including Chevron’s Escravos Export Terminal, while enhancing security response, socio-economic activities and relations among communities in the Niger Delta.

Members of the Old Boys Association of County Grammar School Ikwerre/Etche, Rivers State, have elected a new national executive committee to steer the affairs of the body for the next three years, pledging to sustain and expand the development initiatives recorded in recent years.

The new leadership emerged during the association’s first Quarterly National Congress in 2026, held last Sunday at the premises of El Domino School along Rumuolumeni Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

At the congress, members elected a 11-member executive committee and tasked them with consolidating on the achievements of the outgoing leadership while advancing the welfare of members and the growth of their alma mater.

Elected officers include Chief Hon. Vincent Erinwo as National President; Dr. Edwin Ojirika as Vice President; Dr. Godwin Iheanacho as National Secretary; and Mr. Ezebunwo Amadi as Assistant Secretary.

Others are Mr. Nwachukwu Chukwuka, Treasurer; Mr. Echeazu Jonathan, Financial Secretary; Senibo Celestine Ogolo, Public Relations Officer; Mr. Nlem Philip Chinedu, Assistant Public Relations Officer; and Mr. Joseph E. Nwoha, Provost.

The immediate past National President, Venerable Bekwelem Wabara (Rtd.), and Prince Hon. Charles Bekee, a former commissioner in Rivers State, were named ex-officio members.

Speaking after taking the oath of office, Chief Erinwo, who was returned unopposed, commended the outgoing executive for what he described as a “superlative performance.”

He assured members that the new leadership would build on the solid foundation laid by previous administrations while introducing fresh initiatives aimed at strengthening the association and improving the welfare of members.

Erinwo also pledged that his administration would prioritise programmes that would contribute to the advancement of the school and promote stronger engagement among members across different sets.

Earlier, the former national president, Wabara, thanked members for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

He highlighted some of the achievements of his administration to include the hosting of the first national convention of the association, the production of a constitution, and the expansion of membership across different sets.

Wabara urged members to increase their participation in the activities of the association in order to support academic excellence and the continued development of their alma mater.

He also renewed his call on the Rivers State Government to urgently give the renowned institution a face-lift through massive renovation befitting a school of such magnitude.

The quarterly national congress, hosted by the 1979 set, attracted hundreds of old boys from various graduating sets, including members of the 1958 set, regarded within the association as the “Ancients.”

The Federal Government has said it is putting measures in place to shield Nigerians from the potential economic shocks arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly rising inflation and transportation costs.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, warning that disruptions in global oil markets could affect petroleum prices, fertilisers and other key commodities in Nigeria.

Edun explained that while the crisis could trigger inflationary pressure and higher transport costs, the Federal Government was already implementing policies aimed at reducing energy expenses and protecting citizens from the worst effects.

“There will be a direct impact on the price of petroleum products, on the price of fertilisers and a few other things that will be impacted. Inflation will be impacted, transport costs will be impacted,” he said.

According to him, rising transport costs often have a ripple effect on the economy, increasing the cost of goods and services, which makes it necessary for the government to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact.

He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved an expansion of the compressed natural gas conversion programme to reduce Nigerians’ dependence on petrol.

The minister said the government would provide 100,000 additional compressed natural gas conversion kits to enable more vehicles switch from petrol to the cheaper alternative.

“One of the ways in which the President immediately announced was 100,000 extra CNG conversion kits to enable vehicles convert to CNG fuel, which is maybe 25 to 30 per cent the cost of PMS,” Edun said.

“That is the way you decisively move to bring down an important cost, because transport costs permeate so many other areas.”

Edun, however, noted that the government would avoid direct interference in the pricing of petroleum products except under extreme circumstances.

“We will be looking for measures that we can immediately implement other than interfering with an orderly market price. Given the policies and the philosophy of this government, intervention in pricing will always have to be a last resort,” he said.

He added that Nigeria’s growing domestic refining capacity places the country in a relatively strong position to manage potential disruptions in global supply chains.

“Our demand is about 50 million litres per day and the refiners have said they can meet that demand. So we are in a relatively strong position if we can make that a reality on a consistent basis. We must say thank God for our refining capacity,” he said.

The minister also expressed concern over uncertainties surrounding global energy supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a key international shipping channel for crude oil.
“We are not sure what will happen in places like the Strait of Hormuz or how much disruption there will be or how long supply chains will be affected,” Edun said.

He noted that although higher global oil prices could increase Nigeria’s revenue, the gains might be partly offset by higher freight and transportation costs.

“One we benefit from selling at a higher price, but then the costs are also higher. Freight costs and transportation costs also rise, so you have to see whether the gains are more than the losses,” he said.

Edun further warned that global inflationary pressures triggered by the conflict could force countries to raise interest rates.

“If inflation raises its head, the world will rise to fight it because it hurts the common man and the most vulnerable in society more than anybody else,” he added.

The minister, however, assured Nigerians that the government would continue to prioritise policies that protect recent gains in food prices and inflation while supporting domestic food production.

“Our intention is to keep food affordable, working with the farmers and ensuring a steady and adequate supply of food. We have achieved some progress to date and we will continue to take proactive steps to sustain it,” he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), bringing decades of experience in monetary policy, financial regulation and global economic institutions to the apex bank.

The appointment, announced on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

According to Onanuga, the nomination is in line with Section 8(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Yuguda’s appointment follows the recent redeployment of the former Deputy Governor, Bala Bello, who was named Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy.

President Tinubu charged the new appointee to bring renewed dedication, professionalism and commitment to the role, particularly at a time when Nigeria’s monetary authorities are working to strengthen economic stability and restore investor confidence.

Yuguda is widely regarded as a seasoned financial technocrat with extensive experience spanning central banking, international finance and capital market regulation.

His most recent public office was as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Nigeria), where he served from 2020 to 2024, overseeing regulatory reforms and strengthening oversight of Nigeria’s capital market.

An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Yuguda graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 1991.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and also holds the globally recognised Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Yuguda began his professional career in 1984 at the Central Bank of Nigeria as a Senior Supervisor in the Foreign Operations Department, marking the start of a long career within the country’s monetary authority.

He later gained international exposure as an economist in the Africa Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he worked from 1997 to 2001 before returning to the CBN.

During his time at the apex bank, he held several strategic roles and eventually served as Director of the Reserve Management Department, a position he occupied for six years before retiring from the CBN in 2016.

With experience spanning reserve management, international finance, monetary operations and capital market regulation, analysts say Yuguda’s return to the apex bank could strengthen policy coordination between Nigeria’s financial markets and its monetary authorities.

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday swore in five newly appointed commissioners and urged them to give their best in service to the state.

Speaking during the ceremony at the Rivers State Government House, Fubara said the rigorous screening conducted by the Rivers State House of Assembly had already prepared the commissioners for the task ahead.

The governor said the lawmakers had thoroughly outlined the duties and responsibilities of the appointees during the screening process, stressing that he expected nothing short of excellent performance from them.

“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screening exercises is enough to say that those of you who succeeded are fit and ready to deliver for our dear state,” Fubara said.
“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge. I wish you the best, as I expect nothing less than the best from you.”

The five commissioners sworn in are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth and Amairigha Edward Hart.

They had earlier been screened and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday.

The oath of allegiance and oath of office were administered by the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Rivers State, David D. Ihua‑Maduenyi.

The ceremony was held at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House in Port Harcourt.