Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the people of Rivers State to remain united and peaceful for the continued development and prosperity of the State. He made the call during an Inter-Denominational Church Service held to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Rebisi, in Port Harcourt on Sunday. Fubara was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
Fubara stressed the need for the people to remain united and speak with one voice. He prayed that God would continue to bless and keep the people of Rivers State in peace, assuring that the State would continue to witness greater developmental achievements. The governor urged the Rivers people to pray for unwavering commitment, enduring peace and unity.
In his sermon, the Dean, Church of Nigeria, Archbishop, Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, the Most Revd. Blessing Enyindah, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s challenges, struggles and setbacks. He drew inspiration from Isaiah 49:14-15, where the prophet assured the people of Israel of God’s unfailing love and remembrance.
Enyindah noted that the biblical message remained relevant to Nigeria, declaring that “God is saying to Nigeria and Nigerians, I will not forget you. God has not forgotten Nigeria.” He said Nigerians must examine their character, promote honesty and integrity, improve productivity and contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has vowed to strengthen public health emergency preparedness and health security systems across 10 UNICEF-supported states, including Rivers State. The three-day multi-sectoral meeting held from 21–23 September 2026 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, brought together representatives from State Ministries of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agencies/Boards, State Emergency Management Agencies and other relevant MDAs.
The meeting aimed to focus on flood and cholera preparedness, with participants identifying critical gaps in emergency planning, PHEOC and Rapid Response Team capacity, laboratory systems, emergency stockpiles, logistics, and coordination between disaster management and public health structures. The affected states committed themselves to strengthening surveillance and early warning, multi-sectoral coordination, flood and cholera preparedness, community engagement, continuity of essential health services and domestic financing for emergency preparedness and response.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States. Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
Key points
- Rivers State Governor calls for unity and peace in the state
- UNICEF strengthens public health emergency preparedness across 10 states
- VP Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation to UNGA in New York
