The Rivers State government has mandated the state Ministry of Employment and Economic Empowerment to develop a framework for job creation and economic empowerment for the teeming youths of the state.
The Commissioner for Employment and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, who disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting in Government House on Thursday, said the council reviewed ongoing efforts to create jobs for Rivers youths.
He stressed that the government is determined to open up more opportunities for the young population.
“We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of economic empowerment,. We know our governor, when he makes a promise, he ensures it is fulfilled.”
The council also approved the revalidation of the bidding processes for four contracts, consisting of the renovation of the state secretariat complex, construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in several riverine communities of Opobo/Nkoro, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
The projects earlier advertised for which bid documents were cancelled by the emergency administration and fees returned to the companies that had earlier purchased them.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart explained that the contracts had been awarded in a hasty manner without following due process.
He said the council, therefore, approved the revalidation of the bidding process for all four contracts that were earlier advertised in national dailies on February 19, 2025.
With the revalidation process now on, Dr. Ezekiel-Hart stated that a fresh bidding will be advertised in newspapers for competent and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids.
He listed the projects to include, the construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation of Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area in Rivers State.
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Also listed, is the construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
Others are the construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
Lastly, is the renovation, retrofitting and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat complex.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, announced that the council approved the constitution of a committee to develop a proposal for the creation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT laboratories across the three senatorial districts of the state.
She explained that the initiative is in line with the federal government’s directive that beginning from 2026, all examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will be computer-based.
The committee, chaired by the deputy governor, has the secretary to the state government, permanent secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Works, Information and Communications and commisaioner for energy as members.
Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu said the move will prepare Rivers youths for a digital future and improve the quality of education across the state.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said council also deliberated extensively on the recent flash floods experienced in some parts of the state.
He said the council directed immediate remedial intervention to address the situation, and cautioned residents against the indiscriminate disposal of waste into drainage channels and building on waterways, which worsens flooding.
Dr. Sirawoo further noted that Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the development of Rivers State and determined to accelerate the pace of governance despite time lost.
He added that the administration’s renewed focus and energy will soon place Rivers State firmly back on the path of sustainable growth and progress.
