POLITICS
Gov Fubara Approves N85,000 New Minimum For Rivers Workers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the payment of N85,000.00 as the new minimum wage for civil servants in the employ of the Rivers State Government.
This is the agreement reached during a closed door meeting presided over by the Governor and attended by representatives of organised labour under the auspices of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council in the State at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, who spoke on behalf of the Government, affirmed that Governor Fubara has graciously approved a new minimum wage of N85,000.00, adding that the government will begin in November, 2024.
Dr George said: “He (Gov Fubara) has pronounced a figure that is higher than the National Minimum Wage. He pronounced a sum of N85,000.00, which is higher than the minimum wage that was prescribed nationally.
“So, as the Head of Service and a major stakeholder in the labour family, I am very happy to say that the Rivers State Civil Servants have never had it this good since the inception of this State.
“The labour union leaders and all the other major stakeholders were happy with this development,” he added.
Responding to possible payment of arrears, Dr Nwaeke, said it is yet to be determined because a technical committee has been set up to critically work out a tenable payment chart, which will cater to issues of arrears.
He clarified, “Issues of arrears will be worked out by the committee that I am going to be Deputy to the SSG. We are already going to work on it in a technical committee that will now get the nitty gritty of the payment and inform the press later.”
On his part, the Rivers State Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Emecheta Chuku, explained that this is their first meeting with Governor Fubara to discuss the issue of the new minimum wage as approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Comrade Chuku pointed to the fact that the gracious approval of N85,000.00 new minimum wage is very appeasing to the labour leaders, addingvthat it demonstrates love for the workers.
He explained, “For the Governor to come, against all the crisis, against all the things that he is facing and more, to say he will pay N85,000.00 minimum wage, I think our hearts are full of joy.
“Of course, we have no doubt, knowing the kind of person we have as our Governor. He is a decent man; very responsible enough; and grew through the rank and file of the system. He understands what it takes to earn a living salary; he understands the difference between gifting money and paying somebody salary that can sustain him or her from the first day to the last day of the month.”
Also speaking, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Chapter, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, noted that the amount approved by Governor Fubara puts Rivers State Government ahead of Lagos State as the highest minimum wage paying State to civil servants in Nigeria.
He stressed, “Why do I say that? Lagos State said N85,000.00 and Rivers State is paying N85,000.00. The IGRs of Lagos State and Rivers State are not the same. So, for the Governor to agree to pay the same rate with Lagos, that means we are at the top of it.
“We are the best, and we want to continue to commend the Governor. We assure him that, as far as this State is concerned, labour is going to stand with him. We will be with him even until the next eight years.
“I want to commend His Excellency, Executive Governor of Rivers State, our own Number One Worker in Rivers State, he has, once again, proven that the workers in Rivers State gave him an award on May Day as the Champion of Labour, as the Most Labour-Friendly Governor in Nigeria. He, again, has shown that to us today, and I want to commend him.”
He added that they were returning to the State Secretariat Complex to inform workers of the Governor’s magnanimity and benevolence towards civil servants in the State.
Signed
Nelson Chukwudi
Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated Associate Prof Phillips Okore Nto on his birthday, describing his life of service as a remarkable contribution to the development of Abia State.
In a goodwill message dated October 26, 2026, Kalu described Nto as a dear brother whose dedication, integrity and commitment to duty have contributed immensely to the growth of the state, particularly in public administration and educational development.
The Deputy Speaker expressed gratitude to God for the gift of Nto’s life and the many years of purposeful service he has rendered to society.
He noted that Nto’s contributions to public administration and the advancement of education remain valuable to the progress and development of Abia State.
Kalu prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Nto as he marks another year, wishing him good health, renewed strength, abundant joy and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
“May Almighty God grant you good health, renewed strength, and abundant joy. May He continue to open doors of honour and fulfilment for you, and may the years ahead bring you greater accomplishments,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker concluded by extending his warmest felicitations and best wishes to Nto on his birthday, expressing hope for many more fruitful and fulfilling years.
POLITICS
Ikpeazu Celebrates Associate Professor Philip Nto on Birthday, Hails Contributions to National Development
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, His Excellency Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has congratulated Professor Philip Okore Okpo Nto on his birthday, praising his contributions to academia, public service and national development.
Ikpeazu, in a goodwill message dated October 26, 2026, and addressed to Nto at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, described the professor’s career as a reflection of dedicated service, intellectual rigour and commitment to nation-building.
Professor Nto, who celebrates his birthday on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, is a distinguished academic at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and a former Abia State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development.
The ambassador also acknowledged Nto’s contributions as a World Bank consultant, noting that his accomplishments in academia, research and public service demonstrated vision, integrity and a commitment to societal progress.
Ikpeazu further commended the professor’s leadership qualities, dedication to mentoring younger generations and efforts towards the development of his community and Abia State.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Nto, wishing him good health, wisdom, peace and long life.
The ambassador also expressed optimism that the professor would attain greater heights in his service to humanity, while wishing him a joyful birthday celebration filled with fulfilment and memorable moments with family and loved ones.
The Abia State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, has congratulated Dr. Philips Nto on his birthday, describing him as a committed party member, patriot and dedicated supporter of the party.
Chukwu, in a birthday message, commended Nto for his loyalty, dedication to the APC and commitment to the development of Abia State.
He described the celebrant as a senior brother he holds in high regard, noting that his character, courage, honesty and wealth of experience make him a worthy example of purposeful service.
According to the APC chairman, Nto’s steadfast commitment to the progress of Abia State and his belief in the collective aspiration for a better state reflect the values of loyalty, patriotism and selfless service.
Chukwu noted that the birthday celebration was an opportunity not only to mark another year in Nto’s life but also to recognise his personality and the values he represents.
While wishing him a fulfilling year ahead, the APC chairman prayed that Almighty God would grant him many more years in good health, peace of mind and abundant blessings.
He also prayed for greater opportunities for the celebrant to serve humanity and contribute meaningfully to the development of Abia State.
Chukwu further expressed hope that the years ahead would bring Nto greater joy, lasting peace and the fulfilment of his heart’s desires.
He concluded by wishing the celebrant a happy birthday and continued success in his personal and public endeavours.
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