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We Won’t Have Performed Better Without Cooperation from Other Arms of Govt – Wike

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Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says the existing robust relationship between the three arms of government in the state is creating a very good environment for Rivers people to enjoy democratic dividend.

The governor made the assertion shortly after inspecting the progress of the ongoing civil construction work at the official residential quarters of lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Governor Wike said every arm of government in the State knows, understands and performs its role without interference. Such independence, he pointed out,  has engendered a good work environment for each other to perform their duties.

“So, for us in the State, we believe in the autonomy of each of the arm of government. At the same time, we believe that working together for the interest of the state is better.  Autonomy does not mean that each of government will begin to antagonise themselves.

If they do that,  then at the end of the day,  it is the state that will lose.  Working in harmony,  independently and cooperatively, will bring a lot of benefits to the people.”

Governor Wike stated that it is the posture that has helped his administration to continue to deliver on its mandate, in terms of project delivery and provision of  services, to Rivers people.

“Frankly speaking, it would have been difficult if we do not have a good, robust relationship between the three arms of government. Yes, we are independent but we work cooperatively to see that the state moves forward.

“If we have the relationship that is not good with the legislature, then how would they have passed the budget for the executive to implement?”

Speaking about the legislators’ quarters, Governor Wike stressed that the project is executed deliberately in order to provide the lawmakers and their families a befitting residence.

Governor Wike said his administration has already built similar facility for the judiciary with almost all the judicial officers in the state having their own accommodations.

“Having done that, we also felt, the second arm of government, which is the legislature should also have their own residence. It will be where they can put their heads together, their families can stay and have a good environment where they can work.

“This is four (4) bedroom duplex of 32 units meant for every member of the State House of Assembly. We have 32 constituencies, which means we have 32 members of the House of Assembly.”

The governor, who expressed his delight over the quality of work done already by the contractor,  Lubrik Construction Company, said he expects them to handover the completed project to State Government in December 2021 for commissioning by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, RtHon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Governor Wike , who was accompanied by Senator Lee Maeba and Senator Sam Anyanwuexplained that the legislature deserves the best because they represent the people directly.

According to him, the legislature is as important as the other arms of government, particularly because they do not conclude their work without having a direct input of the people before passing any law.

“You cannot say that for such arm of government that directly represents the people should not have a befitting accommodation.

Governor Wike also noted the amount of jobs the project has provided for youths in the State.

The governor, who also spoke with the workers, encouraged  them to be committed to their work and maintain cordial relationship with the management of the company.

“Look at the number of people who are working here. Assuming we don’t have this kind of project.  This is one particular project but look at the number of people that are being employed and then multiple it with the number of projects going on simultaneously in the state, that will tell you the number of persons who are being employed in the state.”

Kelvin Ebiri

Special Assistant (Media) Rivers State Governor

July 23, 2021

 

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Glo Boosts Lagos Security with N1bn Donation to LSSTF

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In a landmark gesture underscoring its enduring commitment to national development and public safety, communication giant, Globacom, has donated ₦1 billion to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), to strengthen security infrastructure across Nigeria’s commercial capital. The contribution stands among the most significant private-sector interventions from the telecommunications industry to the Fund in recent years and reinforces Globacom’s position as a responsible and patriotic corporate citizen.

The donation follows Globacom’s participation in the LSSTF-organised Private Sector Breakfast Meeting with CEOs, hosted by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, January 30, 2026. The high-level forum emphasised deeper collaboration between government and business on security, innovation and economic resilience—an agenda Globacom has consistently supported through sustained social investment.

Expressing appreciation, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Fund, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, described Globacom’s gesture as “a powerful demonstration of corporate citizenship and a strategic investment in the stability of Lagos State.” He noted that the LSSTF was established to bridge funding gaps in security infrastructure and therefore relies heavily on voluntary contributions from corporate bodies and well-meaning partners.

According to Dr Ogunsan, the ₦1 billion donation will significantly enhance the Fund’s capacity to address critical priorities for 2026, including multipurpose security helicopters and drones, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), water cannons, digital communication equipment and Smart CCTV systems.

These assets are central to proactive policing, rapid response and intelligence-led operations across the state.

Reacting to the development, a senior executive of Globacom described the donation as an extension of the company’s long-standing belief in Nigeria’s future. “At Globacom, we see security not as a government burden alone, but as a shared responsibility. When people feel safe, enterprise grows, creativity flourishes and hope becomes practical,” the official said. “Our support for the LSSTF is about protecting the everyday dreams of millions of Lagosians.”

Globacom’s intervention is consistent with its long-standing approach to social responsibility—practical, timely and aligned with national priorities. Over the past decade, the company has supported relief efforts for flood-affected communities, assisted displaced persons, advanced youth skills through structured training programmes, and invested in education, culture and digital inclusion. These initiatives reflect a philosophy of giving that privileges institutional impact over personal acclaim.

Dr Ogunsan also urged Lagosians to support organisations that invest in the safety and development of the state. “When companies step forward to secure our environment, residents should reciprocate by patronising them. Their support directly impacts the protection of lives, property and economic activity,” he said.

By strengthening the LSSTF, Globacom is investing directly in the conditions that enable commerce to thrive—safety, confidence and stability. With this support, the Fund is poised to scale its interventions further, reinforcing Lagos State’s position as the country’s safest and most vibrant commercial hub.

As Lagos continues its journey toward global competitiveness, Globacom’s partnership with the LSSTF stands as a model of how the private sector can help secure shared prosperity.

In an industry built on signals, Globacom’s clearest signal remains trust—earned through consistency, conscience and action.

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Ex-AfDB Chief Akinwumi Adesina Launches Investment Platform to Drive Capital to Africa

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Africa appears to have found a deal and investment channel that will help lure scarce capital into a continent that houses 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies, as rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions weaken capital flows.

The Global Africa Investment Summit (GAIS), a transformative platform co-founded by Akinwumi Adesina, former president of the African Development Bank, is set to bridge African governments, global CEOs, and institutional investors to accelerate the continent’s shift from aid dependency to investment-driven growth.

With the fastest young demographic in the world and a population of nearly 1.3 billion, Africa is punching below its weight as fragmented markets, under-prepared public assets, and a reliance on aid rather than scalable private investment pose the biggest constraint to growth.

“Africa must unlock its vast sovereign assets to generate wealth,” Adesina said in a statement ahead of the summit scheduled to be held in Angola later this year.

“The Global Africa Investment Summit, as a market maker, is the globally trusted platform to unlock mega deals and assets by connecting Africa to global capital.”

Africa’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) continues to lag behind both developed and developing economies, representing only 6 percent of global FDI in 2024, according to the United Nations Trade and Development World Investment Report.

GAIS aims to boost Africa’s lagging foreign direct investments by providing investors the enormous opportunities abound in the continent some of which includes the continent’s population projected to double by 2030, with a rapidly growing middle class.

Its consumer market is growing, from $1.4 trillion in 2015 to an expected $2.5 trillion in 2030, opening investment windows for FDIs.

According to the organisers, strategic sectors, including critical minerals, metals, rare earths, energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure, are primed for investment.

Global leaders including President of Ghana John Mahama, William Ruto of Kenya, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, Africa’s richest man and President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Robert Gumede, founder and chairman Guma group have all backed the need for Africa to harness its potential for economic growth.

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ADC Knocks Senate over Rejection of Electronic Transmission of Results, Says APC Afraid of Transparent Polls

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the APC-led Senate of being afraid of free and fair elections after rejecting key electoral reforms meant to strengthen transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s voting process.

This was contained in a statement signed and released by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdulahi on Wednesday.

The party criticized the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of election results, saying it signals yet another effort by the APC to manipulate future elections.

Other rejected reforms included the electronic download of voter cards from the INEC website, a reduction in election notice periods, and a shortened timeline for the publication of candidates from 150 days to 60 days.

“The proposed provisions were intended to provide safeguards against electoral abuse and restore voter confidence.

“But the Senate’s action amounts to tampering with the law, creating opportunities for rigging and imposing logistical challenges on INEC that could weaken future elections,” the statement read.

The ADC accused the APC of exploiting its majority in the National Assembly to entrench malpractice, warning that the party’s fear of free and fair elections is driving legislative manipulations.

“By rejecting reforms meant to improve election conduct, the APC has shown its desire to cling to power by all means,” the statement added.

The opposition coalition urged Nigerians to hold the APC accountable and called on the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s submissions.

It also appealed for amendments that reflect democratic principles and the will of the Nigerian people.

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