Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State recently expressed that the people, particularly those in the civil service, are optimistic about his leadership. He attributes this positive sentiment to his administration’s focus on policies and programs designed to benefit the community. Fubara emphasized his government's commitment to meeting the needs of the people, maintaining a stable and peaceful environment, and protecting the state from those who seek to disrupt governance.
These comments were made during the launch of the Emblem Appeal Fund at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, in preparation for Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15, 2025, as reported by Vanguard.
Governor Fubara highlighted key achievements of his administration, including the recruitment of 2,000 medical professionals and the approval of an additional 1,000 teaching positions for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) and Post-Primary Schools Boards. He explained that while there were plans for 10,000 civil service appointments, these were postponed to prioritize more strategic hiring, particularly for professional roles that would foster the state’s development.
“We have employed over 2,000 medical doctors and approved 1,000 teaching positions for UBE and post-primary schools. Our focus is on professional cadre employment to support the state’s growth,” Fubara said, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to enhancing service quality in Rivers State.
Regarding education, the Governor addressed the issue of scholarships, acknowledging that although the state government has not yet activated its scholarship board, it has still provided scholarships to students at PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University. “While the state scholarship program has not yet begun, we have offered scholarships at PAMO and Wigwe Universities. Once our internal scholarship board is activated, we will expand opportunities for students,” he added, signaling future educational support for Rivers students.
Fubara also discussed improvements in the welfare of civil servants in the state, noting that salaries have increased significantly. Civil servants now earn between N120,000 and N140,000, up from the previous salary of N70,000. "The greatest joy for any government is to ensure the happiness of its people. Our civil servants are jubilating because their salaries have improved, and they will remember that this government made a difference in their lives,” he said.
In his speech about the Emblem Appeal Fund, the Governor reflected on the importance of honoring military veterans and their families. Sharing a personal story about his late father, who served in the military, Fubara said, “This event is close to my heart because I am a dependent of a fallen hero. Every January, my mother would return from this event smiling, proud of the contribution my father made.” He stressed that supporting veterans and their families is essential, as no amount of money can truly repay their sacrifices.