The Legacies of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON

Born: 27 May 1965 (60 years)

Children: Chimkamkpa Amaechi, Obinna Amaechi, Lemchi Amaechi

Spouse: Judith Amaechi

Parents: Elder Fidelis Amaechi, Mary Amaechi

Education:

1. St. Theresa’s Primary School, Ubima – First School Leaving Certificate (1970–1976)
2. Government Secondary School, Okolobiri – West African School Certificate (1982)
3. University of Port Harcourt – BA (Hons) in English Studies & Literature (1987)
4. University of Port Harcourt – Master’s in English
5. Baze University, Abuja – Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
6. King’s College London – Master’s in Corporate & Company Law

Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON (born May 27, 1965), is a distinguished Nigerian politician whose career spans the legislature executive governance, and federal cabinet leadership, a statesman, and legal practitioner. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022 under President Muhammadu Buhari and was Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. Prior to these, he erved as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for two consecutive terms. He strengthened legislative independence and accountability, passed laws that improved governance, infrastructure, and public services. Under his leadership, the House was recognized as one of Nigeria’s most productive legislative assemblies.

Early Life and Education

Amaechi was born in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, to Elder Fidelis and Mrs. Mary Amaechi. He grew up in Diobu, Port Harcourt, and began his education at St. Theresa’s Primary School (1970–1976). He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Okolobiri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate in 1982.

In 1987, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English Studies and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt where he served as a President of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS).

Later in life, Amaechi pursued legal studies, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Baze University, Abuja, in November 2022. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar on March 5, 2024, as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria—marking a significant milestone in his legal journey.

Political Career

Amaechi’s political career began during Nigeria’s short-lived Third Republic as Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in Ikwerre LGA. From 1992 to 1994, he served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili. During the Abacha transition era, he was the State Secretary of the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN).

In 1999, Amaechi was elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly and served as Speaker for two terms (1999–2007). He also chaired the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria.

In 2007, despite winning the PDP governorship primaries, his candidacy was controversially substituted. Amaechi challenged this in court, and on October 26, 2007, the Supreme Court ruled in his favor, making him the duly elected Governor of Rivers State.

As governor, he prioritized infrastructure, education, healthcare, and transportation. His administration initiated landmark projects, including extensive road networks, schools, hospitals, and the Port Harcourt Monorail. His governance style, marked by bold reforms, earned him widespread acclaim.

In 2013, Amaechi joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was appointed Director-General of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 and 2019 campaigns, both of which led to electoral victories.

He was appointed Minister of Transportation in 2015 and reappointed in 2019. Under his leadership, Nigeria witnessed a revival of the railway sector, with key projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna, Lagos–Ibadan, and Warri–Itakpe rail lines.

In 2022, he contested for the APC presidential ticket and emerged as the runner-up in the party primaries.

Personal Life

Rt. Hon. Amaechi is married to Dame Judith Amaechi, and they are blessed with three sons. A devout Catholic, he is a Knight of the Order of St. John International (KSJI). On his 56th birthday, May 27, 2021, he and his wife released a gospel single titled “Blessed the People the Lord Has Chosen As His Heritage.”

Awards and Honors

1. Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) – Conferred in recognition of his outstanding public service and leadership.
2. Knight of the Order of St. John International (KSJI) – In recognition of his dedication to faith and humanitarian efforts.

Widely respected for his contributions to governance and nation-building, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi remains a towering figure in Nigerian politics.

Achievements as Governor of Rivers State (2007-2015):

1. Education: Built over 500 model primary schools equipped with ICT facilities and libraries; recruited over 13,000 teachers; awarded thousands of local and overseas scholarships.
2. Healthcare: Established more than 300 primary health centres; upgraded hospitals such as Kelsey Harrison Specialist Hospital; employed over 400 doctors.
3. Infrastructure: Constructed and rehabilitated roads, bridges, and a monorail; initiated the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Plan; expanded electricity generation.
4. Culture & Sports: Led Port Harcourt’s successful bid for UNESCO World Book Capital 2014; hosted the National Sports Festival.

Achievements as Minister of Transportation (2015–2022)

1. Rail Development: Abuja–Kaduna, Lagos–Ibadan, Warri–Itakpe, standard gauge rail lines; Kano–Maradi and other national railway projects.
2. Maritime Security: Launched the Deep Blue Project to tackle piracy in Nigerian waters.
3. Port Modernization: Built inland dry ports (e.g., Kaduna, Dala) and introduced modern port equipment.
4. Institutional Reform: Revamped the Maritime Academy of Nigeria; introduced e-ticketing for rail transport; improved inland waterways operations.

Honours and Awards:

1. Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
2. Africa Blue Economy Alliance Award (2022)
3. Minister of the Year (2021)
4. Multiple awards for legislative productivity and infrastructure achievements.

From the speakership of a state assembly to the governorship of an oil-rich state and then the national transportation ministry, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s career is a study in ambition matched with execution. His legacy is marked by education reform, infrastructure renewal, and transportation modernization—anchored by a personal life rooted in family, faith, and service.

THE AMAECHI’S LEGACIES:

Some of the achievements of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in Rivers State:

1. 170 roads
2. 160 Health Centres
3. 500 Model Primary Schools
4. 24 Model Secondary Schools
5. 4 Mega Hospitals
6. Stadium of 65,000 capacity
7. Int’l conference centre (Obi Wali centre)
8. Employed 400 Medical Doctors without sentiment
9. Employed 13,000 Teachers both indigenes and non-indigenes
10. Sponsored over 2,000 Rivers State indigenes and non-indigene in overseas scholarship both undergraduates and post-Graduates level.
11. Revitalized industry for the production of Grand Beer and Beverages
12. Established Songhai farm to boost Agriculture, established Buguma fish farm
13. Established Ubima fish farm
14. Revitalized the Largest oil palm producing company in African called Risonpalm now Siat
15. Rural electrification to rural communities.

Breakdown:

1. Dualization of Rumuokwuta road.
2. Dualization of Ada George road
3. Dualization of Rumuola road
4. Dualization of iwofe road
5. Dualization of Agip junction to Bodokiri Tow
6. Dualization of Okporo road
7. Dualization of Eneka, igwuruta, Etche road.
8. Dualization of YKC, Trans Amada, Garrison road.
9. Dualization of Airport junction to Owerri road.
10. Dualization of Iloabuchi, eagle island road.
11. Dualization of Isiokpo, Umuawa, Ubima road.
12. Dualization of Odili, Elelewo road.
13. Dualization of Nkpogu road.
14. Dualization of Airport Obiri ikwerre road.
15. Dualization of Etche, Okehi road
16. More than 2,000 Over Sea Scholarship.
17. More than 500 primary schools built and finished
18. 13,800 Teachers were employed
19. 23 Mega Secondary Schools bigger than some Universities in Nigeria were built across the 23 LGA’s, not all were completed. But one Named Nnekurubo by onne trailer park was used to test run the free education system with Indians.
20. 160 primary health care centers, with like 3 or more mega hospitals were built, 400 doctors with 400 Nurses were employed, with official car. and it was Free Medicals Care all over Rivers State.
21. Three (3) major farms were built and completed with employment of over 15,000 persons
22. Rehabilitation of SIAT formal RISONPALM with gave employment to over 5,000 persons from the 16 communities that made up SIAT: Ubima, Ipo, Apani, Omerelu, Egbu Etche, Ozuzu Etche, Ozuaha, Omademe, Egbeda, Elele, Akpabo, Omudioga, Ahoda, Ubimini,
23. Building of Songhai Farm, Buguma Farm and Ubima Farm.
24. Bus stops were built in Aba road axis.
25. Low Transport scheme Sky Bank buses all over the State.
26. Amesimieka Stadium Igwuruta
27. Sports Academy Etche
28. Rainbow Housing
29. Lands were aquired for
30. Greater Port Harcourt city
31. Under the Pigrim welfare board, more than 5,000 Christians and Muslims.
32. Buguma Fish Farm.
33. Songhai Farm in Nonwa.
34. Banana Plantation in Tai.
35. Palm Plantation in Ubima.
36. Revitalization of Risonpalm, now SIAT,
37. Improved varieties of seedlings and fertilizers in the state given to farmers to improve there products.
38. Poultry
39. Amaechi’s employment achievements as the Governor of Rivers State:
40. He employed over 13,200 teachers in the education sector and more than 8,000 individuals in the agricultural sector.
41. Amaechi constructed hospitals and health centers, employing over 7,000 health workers and in excess of 600 medical doctors, who were given official cars.
42. He created several agencies, including the Greater Port Harcourt City, TIMARIV, RSSDA, and Rivers State Education Quality Assurance. Thousands of Rivers State youths secured employment through these agencies.

List of what Amaechi did as Governor in Rivers State

INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Dualization of Rumuokuta-Choba East-West Road, Obi Akpor (N10.3bn, 88% completed)
2. Construction of Eleme junction flyover (N7.3bn, 100% completed)
3. Construction of Omofo-Agaba Ndele Road (N4.8bn, 90% competed)
4. Dredging works/Roads at Opobo New Layout (4.52bn, 100% completed)
5. Construction of Ozuzu to CSS Isu-Ogida Owu Egbu(N2.79bnhuge, 100% completed
6. Dualization of Airport-Isiokpo/Omarelu Road (N35.15bn, 98% completed)
7. Dualization of Ada George Phases 1 and 2/ Choba phase 2 NTA/ChobaAirport (N17.04bn, 80% completed).
8. Dualization of Rumuola/Rumuokuta Road and (N2.78bn, 100% completed).
9. Dualization of First Bank/Rumuomasi Road (N3.58bn, 100% completed)
10. Dualization of slaughter-Trans Amadi/Rumuobiakani Road (N6.53bn, 100% completed)
11. Shore protection and land reclamation of Egbomung/Oluk-Ama(N2.18bn, 90% completed)
12. Construction of Bridge at Bolo Creek with approaches (N4.81bn, 100% completed)
13. Dualization of Eneka-Igbo Etche link Road (N2.24bn, 70% completed)
14. Construction of Apani internal Roads (N2.57bn, 100% completed)
15. Construction of Nyokhana-Kenkhana Link Road with Bridge from Luuwa to Bere (N2.93bn, 40% completed)
16. Construction of Odiolugbani-Enito 1 and 2-Oshie Road (N4.51bn, 80% completed)
17. Expansion of Mbiama-Akinima Road (N1.98bn, 100% completed)
18. Construction of Okeh-Ihie-Apani-Omarelu Road (N6.86bn, 97% completed)
19. Construction of Bori internal Roads phase 3 (N1.71bn, 81% completed)
20. Construction of Abua/Okoba Close Rumuibekwe with extension to Elelenwo (N2.19bn, 75% completed)
21. Construction of Ikuru town- Atlantic Ocean Road (N2.38bn, 80% completed)
22. Construction of Okeh-Mba-Umuaturu-Akpoku Obite, 21km with Bridge (N5.02bn, 100%completed)
23. Reconstruction of Town Market (N3.52bn, 100% completed)
24. Dualization of Rumukrushi-Eneka-Igwuruta Road (N13.87bn, 95% completed)
25. Construction of Abuloma-Woji Road Bridge (N13.63bn, 50% completed)
26. Construction of Akpajo-Woji Road/Bridge (N11.06bn, 56% completed)
27. Construction of Ada George/East West Road junction flyover with Rotary turning and service lanes (N5.34bn, 80% completed)
28. Dualization of Elekahia-Rumuamasi Road (N6.50bn, 100% completed)
29. Dualization of Azikiwe Road (UTC) junction-Lagos Bus stop (N6.29bn, 89% completed)
30. Completion of Airport-Igwuruta-Rumuokoro Road (N1.59bn, 100% completed)
31. Reconstruction of Woji Road in GRA Phase 2 with drains and construction of Sani Abacha/NTANwogba Storm Water Drainage (N2.06bn, 75% completed)
32. Reconstruction of Ikwerre Road from Education to Agipflyover (N5.88bn, 100% completed)
33. Reconstruction/As[halt overlay of Igwuruta-Ohokoho-Okehi Road (N1,44bn, 100% completed)
34. Reconstruction of Ken Saro Wiwa Road and flood control works around Ken Saro Wiwa Road/Ezimgbu Link Road-Aba Road, Port Harcourt and construction of Relief Road linking Aba Road to Ken SaroWiwa Road at Worlu street junction (N10.85bn, 90% completed, 30% Canal)
35. Expansion/resurfacing of Kpopie-Bodo city Road (N3.91bn, 62% completed)
36. Shore/protection works at Ndoni (N2.82bn, 100% completed)
37. Dualization of Isiokpo-Ubima-Omarelu Road (15.34bn, 82% completed)
38. Construction of Okrika Ring Road (N4.02bn, 100% completed)
39. Construction of Unity Road, Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Road (N31.00bn, 70% old and 30% new completed)
40. Expansion of Okporo Road (N2.61bn, 100% completed)
41. Reconstruction of Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road (N2.09bn, 66% completed)
42. Reconstruction of Ozuoba-Ogbogoro-Rumuolumeni Road (N5.22bn, 65% completed)
43. Dualization of Chief G.U. Ake Road (N9.95bn, 100% completed)
44. Construction of Nyowii-Dae-Lueku-Bagha-Seme Lueku-scholl to land Road (N3.78bn, 60% completed)
45. Expansion of Amadi-Ama-Abuloma Road with Spur to Okuruama(N4.22bn, 100% completed)
46. Expansion of Olu Obasanjo Road to six lanes and Rehabilitation of Omoku street, Okomoko street and Okomoko street Spur (N3.07bn, 100% completed)
47. Design and Reconstruction of Rumuwoji (mile one) Ultra ModernMarket (N2.99bn, 100% completed)
48. Dualization of Epirikom-Rumuolumeni Road (N9.88bn, 57% completed)
49. Construction of Elioparanwo Road (N2.57bn, 65% completed)
50. Repair of the collapsed Airforce Base flyover Retaining walls and construction of Dual carriage access Road to the Airforce Base flyover (N2.00bn, 100% completed)
51. Reconstruction of Roads in D Line Port Harcourt (N7.55bn, 55% completed)
52. Reconstruxtin of Omuanwa-Elele Road and Elele internal Roads (N2.48bn, 100% completed)
53. Reconstruction of Eastern Bypass, Amadi-Ama OginigbaRoad (N2.89bn, 100% completed)
54. Construction of Flyover at Olu Obasanjo Eliozu junction (N1.68bn, 100% completed)
55. Construction of East/West Bypass and other lik Roads in Ahoada town (N1.17bn, 100% completed)
56. Construction of Oro Ekpo Odoli/Awabie and ChindaStreet (1.66bn, 100% completed)
57. Construction of Timothy Lane, Rumuola/Ohiamini Access Road PH plus Retaining wall (N1.62bn, 100% completed).
58. Construction of Omuanwa internal Roads (N1.50bn, 100% completed)
59. Construction of Rukpokwu-Eneka/Eneka Eliozu Link Roads (N1.32bn, 100% completed)

In all, the length of roads embarked upon by the Amaechi administration will come to about 1400 km. Of this figure, about 900km has been concluded. And that is almost the equivalent of the road distance between Lagos and Maiduguri and represents 64.2% of the total roads he constructed.

EDUCATION

1. Constructing of 513 super model Primary schools: 315 completed while 174 are functional.
2. Construction of 24 model Secondary schools in 23 LGAs. 5 are completed while one is functional.
3. Construction of 3 super model Junior Secondary schools: One completed and ready for use.
4. Fencing of super model primary and secondary schools: 246 completed while 60 are currently ongoing.
5. Landscaping of super model primary schools: 236 completed while 6 are currently ongoing.
6. Furnishing of super model primary schools: 222 awarded, 197 completed while 25 are ongoing.
7. ICT deployment to model schools: 151 awarded, 146 finished while 5 are ongoing.
8. Scholarships abroad: 309 Rivers students studied in Malaysia while 95 studied in Russia.
9. Technical school (Germany): 28 students were sent to Germany, 8 of them retained as instructors.
10. Equipment of Vocational schools: Equipped to handle 4 departments/vocations.
11. Deployment of EduComp solutions: Fully deployed at Nne Furo Kurobo Super Model Secondary School.
12. Education Management Information System (EMIS): Collection and procession of all educational data. This stores data in a retrievable manner . This provides accurate, reliable, quality and time education data for god governance.
13. Induction of 13,201 teachers and internship programmes and annual training and retraining of teachers, payment of teachers salaries as at when due.
14. Need Assessment: Provision of high quality education is the key policy of the Amaechi administration. The achievement of this objective was anchored on the construction of schools with provision of ICT Labs which are well stocked with computers, Libraries, Sickbays, Auditoriums, Well Landscaped and secured environments, Equipped playgrounds, Classrooms not exceeding 30 pupils.
15. Community Secondary School, Amadi-Ama: This project is completed, fully furnished and ready for teaching and learning. ****
16. Free Books distribution Project: Free books distribution to primary and secondary schools.
17. Provision of school chairs to pupils.
18. Borikiri Secondary School: This school is completed, furnished and ready for use.
19. Rivers State Education Quality Assurance Agency: This was inaugurated in 2013 with the mandate to monitor, supervise and evaluate standards for establishment and performance of both public and private schools in Rivers state. An important dimension of the educational programme of the Amaechi administration is this establishment of an Education Quality Assurance Agency to oversight the management of both public and private primary and secondary schools in the state, with a view to having them conform to minimum standards for better education in the State. The agency which was managed by a team of seasoned educationists in the state, led by Emeritus Prof. Otonti Nduka, also created dozens of jobs for some Rivers people. With a global perspective, the Agency has since developed programmes with integrated learning experiences and teaching methodologies designed to bring up our children and wards to compete and excel in the global arena.
20. Cleaning of schools: Over 220 schools are presently being cleaned daily by sophisticated and premium cleaning agencies for the entrenchment of hygiene.

The above listed are some of the quality programmes and projects conceptualized and implemented by the Chibuike Amaechi administration in Rivers state. The education programme of the administration was designed to meet the challenges of the new world order. In a world that promotes skill acquisitions in diverse disciplines, the framers of the policy took into cognisance the need to harness the hidden potentials of the state. This is the marking of Amaechi years.

OTHERS:

1. Construction of Model Primary Schools Under construction: 513 Completed: 315 Functional: 174.
2. Construction of Model Junior Secondary Schools Under construction: 3 Completed, equipped and ready for use: 1
3. Construction of Model Secondary Schools Proposed for construction: 24 – one in each of the 23 LGAs of the state. Completed: 5 Functional. 1 Under Construction: 10 Yet to Commence: 9
4. Fencing of Model Primary & Secondary Schools Completed: 246, On-going: 60
5. Landscaping of Model Primary Schools Completed: 236, On-going: 6
6. Furnishing of Model Primary Schools. Total awarded for furnishing: 222, Fully furnished: 197, On-going: 25
7. ICT Deployments to Model Schools Total number awarded: 151, Completed: 146, On-going: 5
8. Scholarships for Rivers states students a) Malaysia: 309-grauduated, b) Russia: 95-graduated (38of them medical doctors), c) Brazil: 2 (on-going). d) Germany: 15 (on-going)
9. Technical School (Germany) Number sent for training: 28(graduated with 8 retained as instructors in the states Technical and Vocational School.
10. Governor’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme This scheme is aimed at training young Rivers men and women in acquiring the best qualifications in the area of medicine, sciences, engineering, information and communications technology, oil and gas engineering and social sciences. Over 2000 students benefited.
11. The Oversea Technical training Scheme: Rivers State Sustainable development Agency (RSSDA) in Partnership with United Nations Institute for Training and research (UNITAR) Beneficiaries: 80, country of study: Norway and Namibia, Nature of Study: Wielding, fabrication, drilling, instrumentation and automation.
12. The Rivers State Scholarship Board Country of study: Nigeria. Undergraduates: 1039, Masters: 301, PhD: 209, Overseas: Undergraduates: 154, Masters: 44, PhD: 6

THE AMAECHI YEARS: SECURITY IN FOCUS.

Banditry, Kidnapping and other forms of Criminality was rife in Rivers State at the Point Amaechi took Over as Governor of Rivers State in 2007. The Major tool was Amaechi’s Fearless Approach in taking the Battle to the Forests and Creeks, yes he led at the front even to the Chagrin of Security Agents.

Then his Strategies summarized in 3 Approaches,Viz- Technology, Training and 24/7 Operations.
In the Area of Technology, he deployed the C4I Ground Data Terminal Station Operated by the Israeli MPD Systems Company. This enabled a 24 hours Electronic Surveillance and reconnaissance Ops.

A Rivers State Government Sponsored Counterterrorism Training Outfit at the Police School Nonwa rejigged Policing in Rivers State.
The SOS Outfit manned by ACP Johnson Oni (Now Retired) and the Joint Military Patrol with Intelligence back up from C4i ensured a 24 /7 Security mop up that brought Calm to Rivers State.

Amaechi’s Achievements as a Minister.

1. Afam Fast Power Project: Construction of US$186 million, 240MW expansion for the existing Afam Power Plant (commenced in 2016, almost completed)
2. Rehabilitation of Sections 1 to 4 of the Enugu — Port Harcourt Expressway (ongoing)
3. Construction of 120 billion Naira Bonny-Bodo Road in Rivers State, jointly funded by the Federal Government and the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Company Limited (NLNG)(ongoing)
4. Construction of 120 billion Naira Bonny-Bodo Road in Rivers State, to link Bonny Island to the Mainland. Originally conceived about 40 years ago, construction flagged off by Vice President Osinbajo in 2017
5. Completion of new Port Harcourt International Airport Terminal
6. Brand new International Airport Terminal in Rivers State, completed and commissioned in 2018
7. Ground-breaking done in 2021 for reconstruction of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Rail Line, linking the Southeastern States to a planned new Sea Port in Bonny, and to Northern Nigeria
8. Completion of installation and commissioning into service of a brand new 300MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer in the Alaoji Transmission Substation, increasing the station’s installed capacity from 450MVA to 750MVA and making it the biggest substation in Southern Nigeria. The new Transformer has boosted supply to Enugu Distribution Company, benefiting Abia North (Ohafia, Arochukwu, Item, Abriba), Imo State (Okigwe, Arondi-izuogu), and parts of Ebonyi and Rivers State.
9. Development of Nigeria’s Eastern Ports, to decongest Lagos and to better serve the population in the South East and South South of the country. The Calabar, Rivers, and Onne Ports have witnessed significant infrastructure upgrades and fiscal incentives to promote their attractiveness. An LPG tanker berthed in the Eastern Ports (Rivers Port) for the first time ever in October 2019. That year Onne Port also received its first container ship in twelve years, while Calabar Port received its first container vessels in eleven years).
10. Bonny Deep Seaport Project which is capable of employing over 7000 skilled workers.
11. Hundreds of Rivers people are employed in the Ministry of Transportation, airports across the country, NPA, and many of them trained as seafarers, safety marshals in NIMASA.
12. Commencement of the Port Harcourt-Railway Narrow Gauge rail project now upgraded to standard guage rail.
13. Attracted the Port Harcourt Industrial Park.
14. Attracted the Transportation University, Ubima.
15. Securing the approval and funding of the Lagos-Calabar Rail project. That project is designed to pass through Port Harcourt.
16. Attracted several key appointments to Rivers State.
17. Attracted the Naval War College in Ubima.
18. Influenced the implementation of UNEP Report on Ogoniland (Ogoni clean-up)
19. Influenced the remittance of #78 Billion naira money spent on federal roads to Rivers State.
20. Flagged off the Port Harcourt Maiduguri rail project.

The Appointments CRA attracted to Rivers people when he was a Minister:

1. D.G NIMASA – Hon. Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
2. Chairman NIMASA BOARD – Senator Asita Honourable.
3. Hon. Sekonte Davies – Executive Director, Marine
4. Mrs. Christy Atako – MD NDDC
5. Dr. Joy Nunieh – MD NDDC
6. Hon. Dr. Chris Oyirinda Amadi – EDFA NDDC
7. Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, VC, UNIPORT.
8. Prof. Aaron Ojule – CMD,
9. Prof. Henry Ugboma – CMD
10. H.E. Ignatius Ajuru – Ambassador
11. H.E. Maureen Tamuno, Jamaica, Netherlands.
12. H. E. Udi Udom – Minister of Environment
13. Dr. Ipalibo Harry – Commissioner, NPC
14. Hon. Chukwudi Dimkpa – NDDC state Rep
15. Hon. Victor Giadom APC, South-South Zonal Vice Chairman/AG National Chairman
16. Sam Sam Jaja Acting APC Nat’l Chairman
17. Revenue Mobilization – ASSOR WENA
18. Andrew Uchendu – Chairman, Governing Council, Uniport,
19. Mrs. Constance Harry – NDDC Board.
20. Onari Brown. Director in NPA
21. Branbiafa. Ag. MD, NDDC
22. Orji Ngofar. Ambassador, Netherlands
23. Ibim Seminitari. Sole Admin. NDDC.
24. Lasbery Amadi. Chairman Federal Polytechnic Oko.
25. Mene Derick. EDFA. NDDC.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Amaechi’s Legacy: N1.8bn Sewage Plant Boosts Environmental Sustainability

The Eagle Island Treatment Plant, built by former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, located in Port Harcourt, was a vital facility in the Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) service chain, processing domestic and commercial fecal sludge. Operated by the Port Harcourt Water Corporation (PHWC), the plant was constructed between 2010 and 2013 by JAM Services Company, LTD, with process design and equipment procurement handled by Tech Universal (U.K.) Ltd.

The plant received fecal sludge from exhauster trucks, which empty into a concrete basin via gravity. A submersible pump then transfers the influent into a balance tank.

In 2016, the facility received approximately 4,239 m3 of fecal sludge from 4,496 trucks, with an average truck capacity of 11,315 liters. This data provides insight into the plant’s operational volume. It was managed by Chesroc Ltd.

The treatment plant played a crucial role in managing fecal sludge in Port Harcourt, and its operation had implications for environmental and public health. Studies have shown that sludge from wastewater treatment plants can be used as organic fertilizer, improving soil properties and crop yields.

The Eagle Island Treatment Plant’s performance and impact highlighted the need for effective fecal sludge management strategies in urban areas like Port Harcourt, ensuring environmental sustainability and public health protection.

The multi-million sewage treatment plant was aimed to generate N1.8 billion revenue annually. The facility is the first of its kind in the country and has been constructed at a huge cost to the state government.

The plant treated approximately 10,000 cubic meters of sewage daily, equivalent to 22 trucks. It significantly reduce environmental pollution and potentially improved the state’s revenue profile. The government organized a stakeholders’ forum for sewage truck owners and established a taskforce to monitor their activities.

The World Bank expressed interest in collaborating with the Rivers State Government on wastewater management. Engr. Bassey Bassey, representing the World Bank, noted that talks were underway to explore areas of assistance, highlighting the potential benefits for agro-based industries that could utilize sludge from the plant as fertilizers.

The sewage treatment plant was expected to have a positive impact on the environment and public health, and the government was optimistic about its revenue-generating potential.

Reviving Songhai Farm: A Tale of Agricultural Revitalization in Rivers State

Introduction

The Songhai Farm in Rivers State was established during Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi’s administration as part of a broader effort to revolutionize agriculture in the state. The farm, covering over 314 hectares, was designed to be a hub for agricultural development, training, production, research, and demonstration of sustainable practices.

Vision and Objectives

Former Governor Amaechi’s vision was to create employment opportunities, promote enterprise development, and enhance agricultural production. The project aimed to make Rivers State a leader in agriculture, improving food security and economic growth.

Neglect and Abandonment

However, the project was neglected and abandoned by the subsequent administration, led by Governor N.E. Wike, due to alleged sabotage and poor management. Other agricultural projects, such as the Banana Plantation, Buguma Fish Farm, and Oil Palm Plantation, also suffered the same fate, resulting in significant financial losses.

Success Story

Songhai Farms was a success story, during Amaechi’s administration, offering high-quality produce, leisure facilities, and conference services. The farm was a model for agricultural development, attracting interest from international partners and investors.

Planned Sustainability

Toward the end of the Amaechi administration, the farm was put up for acquisition to ensure sustainability, having successfully demonstrated its commercial viability. However, the plan was disrupted by political instability and the change in government.

Revival Efforts

The current governor, Sim Fubara, announced plans to revive the Songhai model farm, citing its potential to transform the agricultural sector and reduce hunger in the state. A five-man committee has been set up to oversee the restoration project.

Community Impact

The revival of Songhai Farm is expected to create job opportunities, promote food sufficiency, and diversify the state’s economy. The local community has welcomed the initiative, expressing enthusiasm about the farm’s potential to drive agricultural-led economic development.

The Songhai Farm project is a testament to the importance of continuity in government projects. Its revival is a step towards achieving food security, economic growth, and underpin sustainable development in Rivers State.