Tinubu Happy With You, Ribadu Tells Fubara

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has praised Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his responsible leadership, describing the State as one of the most peaceful in the country.

Ribadu stated this yesterday when he led a presidential delegation comprising the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, as well as top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.

The NSA, who stated that the Federal Government delegation was in Rivers State to consolidate ongoing peace efforts in Ogoni land, noted that a new chapter was unfolding in Ogoni, stressing that Nigeria “will no longer be what it used to be,” with the transformation beginning in the area.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu specifically directed him to thank Governor Fubara, expressing happiness with his leadership style and coordination of the discussion on resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni.

Ribadu also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the people of Ogoni for their support, patience, and understanding.

The NSA further commended the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment as well as accommodating the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

On his part, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as strategic to Nigeria’s renewed unity, noting that the President takes a personal interest in the well-being of the Niger Delta people.

Umahi, who assured that all sections of the East–West Road affecting the Niger Delta would be completed to standard, disclosed that on Ogoniland, the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government to support the effort of the President.

The minister stated that the over N200 billion project is scheduled for completion in April next year.

He also revealed that, with presidential approval, designs are ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its starting point to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers.

Umahi added that the President has ordered a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland.

Additionally, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal stated that the Ogoni clean-up project remains a top priority for the ministry.

He explained that projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are progressing well, including mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment initiatives.

NNPCL’s Bayo Ojulare said the national oil company is fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process.

He emphasised that in the future, the focus would shift from oil to people.

He disclosed that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPCL has reached the final stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026.

He described the developments in Ogoni as a model for a new Nigeria.

In his response, Governor Siminalayi Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, stating that it reflects the actions of a leader who genuinely cares about the state of Rivers.

The governor noted that resolving a crisis that had lingered for over three decades in Ogoniland was a challenging task.

He said with the President’s intervention, residents can now drive with ease along both ends of the East–West Road, connecting Bonny and Bayelsa.

Fubara emphasised that beyond physical infrastructure, the President’s administration is rebuilding confidence in the region.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the peace process and managing emerging conflicts, noting that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of crisis.

He added that adjustments and compromises are necessary for sustainable development to take place.

The governor also appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage the youths to allow oil facility operators access to repair faulty equipment, to prevent fresh oil spills while environmental restoration is ongoing.

The NSA and other members of the delegation later inspected the ongoing Eleme-Onne section of the East-West road and the newly established Federal University of Environmental Sciences, Ogoni.

NSA Visits Ogoni Oil Spill Site

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu visited a massive oil spill site at the Yorla oil field in Khana Local Government Area of Ogoni, Rivers State, on Monday.

The NSA was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal and the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulare.

Speaking with journalists, Ribadu attributed the unfortunate incident to sabotage by individuals with criminal intentions.

He said, “All of us are here; we have seen the devastation. It is extensive, it is terrible. It is something that whoever sees it won’t feel fine. It is unfortunate. Those who are in charge have done a good job of controlling it.

“We can at least stop this spillage. The spill has stopped. Now, we assess the damage and determine how to address it. The serious part of it is that it is a sabotage. It is a well that has not been functional for over 30 years.

“Some people, enemies of the people; unfortunately, very selfish, will come and damage it with the hope of stealing. The damage they are doing is terrible; we have seen the damage they have done.”

Ribadu stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has shown concern for the plight of the Ogoni people from the beginning.

“What we have done today, all of us are worried, and we have shown concern. It is a directive from the President.

“Part of what we have done from the very beginning is engagement with the Ogonis and the Ogoni community. Everything we do is community-driven. We put the community in front, we listen to them,” he said.