Governor eulogises late Coach Monday Sinclair, strengthens partnership with NDE, drives blue economy vision through Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is steadily shaping a new narrative for the state, one anchored on honouring legacies, empowering citizens, and building transformative infrastructure that connects people to prosperity.
In one defining week, the Governor not only pledged to immortalise the late football icon, Pa Monday Perekeme Sinclair, but also sealed a new partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to tackle unemployment, while inspecting the ambitious Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road — a bold pathway to the state’s emerging blue economy.
Governor Fubara, speaking at a Service of Songs held in honour of late Pa Monday Sinclair at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road, Port Harcourt, described the late coach as “a man of great wisdom and dedication” whose contribution to sports development in Rivers State and Nigeria remains timeless.
The late Sinclair, a revered former Super Eagles coach who died at the age of 89, was remembered as a mentor who instilled discipline, humility, and excellence in generations of footballers.
Governor Fubara assured that his administration would take deliberate steps to immortalise the coach’s legacy.
“It will be improper and incomplete if the state does not feature in this kind of programme, knowing the role late Monday Sinclair played in Rivers football.
”On behalf of the government and as a friend of the family, I assure you we will immortalise his memory,” the governor said.
Addressing mourners, Fubara urged the bereaved family to find solace in faith, stressing that true comfort comes from God.
He also used the occasion to preach peace and unity, noting that only peace has made it possible for his administration to continue delivering transformational projects across the state.
In the same week, Governor Fubara received a delegation from the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), led by its Director-General, H.E. Silas Ali Agara, at Government House, Port Harcourt, where he pledged a robust partnership to reduce unemployment and empower youths across Rivers State.
He noted that the influx of people from rural areas and neighbouring states into urban centres such as Port Harcourt has heightened the demand for jobs and basic amenities, underscoring the need for sustainable job creation.
“Rivers State is a very unusual state because of the huge economic activities here.
”We have about three seaports and an airport. Everyone is leaving the rural area for the city in search of jobs.
”The only way we can help is by creating opportunities for them,” he said.
Governor Fubara described employment creation as a key tool for reducing crime and insecurity, commending NDE for its transparent, IT-driven system that allows citizens to access opportunities without favouritism.
“When people are meaningfully engaged, crime reduces. So, we will support your programmes fully.
‘:Work with our Commissioner for Employment so that more Rivers youths can benefit,” he told the delegation.
The governor also commended NDE’s Agricultural Support Programme for Women, describing it as a crucial intervention for rural women often left behind when men migrate to cities.
He revealed the discovery of a new shoreline at Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area, a strategic asset for the state’s growing blue economy.
“We discovered a new shoreline facing the Atlantic blue water — the Ngo shoreline even more attractive and economically viable than Oyorokoto.
”Imagine the tourism and marine investment possibilities when we complete that project,” he said.
In response, the NDE Director-General, H.E. Agara, praised governor Fubara’s commitment to youth empowerment and infrastructure development.
He announced that more than 1,000 Rivers youths were currently enrolled in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, with more programmes planned for persons with disabilities and underwater welding training for oil and gas sectors.
“Our programmes are open and IT-driven. You don’t need to know anyone to benefit.
”We are focusing on rural women through agricultural value-chain projects to curb rural-urban migration,” Agara stated.
Meanwhile, in the coastal heartland of Andoni, Governor Fubara continues to redefine connectivity and economic inclusion.
The 13.52-kilometre Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road, now under construction, is transforming from an ambitious vision into a tangible reality, a bold statement of leadership, courage, and foresight.
During his inspection of the project on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Governor described it as “a virgin road, a new pathway to the blue economy.”
His words captured the magnitude of the initiative, an infrastructural lifeline set to unlock the tourism, fishing, and marine potential of the region.
Originally designed to connect Ngo to Oyorokoto Beach, one of Nigeria’s most renowned coastal destinations, the project took on a larger scope after the Governor’s team discovered a pristine, Atlantic-facing beachfront near Ngo.
Recognising its potential, Fubara immediately ordered the expansion of the project to include the newly discovered shoreline.
“We will not limit progress to a single beach. This new Atlantic front will be part of our blue economy vision,” he affirmed.
The terrain dominated by mangroves, swamps, and tidal creeks, has long resisted development.
Yet, under governor Fubara’s leadership, engineering innovation and political will are breaking through these barriers.
The road, once deemed impossible, now represents hope and resilience.
For Andoni, a region steeped in a rich fishing heritage, the road’s completion promises a new dawn.
It will link fishing communities to markets, attract tourism, and drive private investment.
It will also reduce post-harvest losses, lower transportation costs, and stimulate small-scale industries along the coast.
This project continues the Governor’s legacy of delivering long-awaited infrastructure.
The completion of the 27.52-kilometre Ogoni–Andoni–Opobo Unity Road — abandoned for decades stands as a testament to his resolve.
The Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road builds on that success, embodying the same spirit of persistence and transformation.
Together with the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road, which has reached 75 per cent completion in piling works, these projects are weaving a network of connectivity that binds riverine and coastal communities into one thriving economic fabric.
As the sun set over the wetlands during the governor’s inspection, the Ngo–Atlantic–Oyorokoto Road gleamed under construction lights — a living metaphor for progress and the promise of a prosperous future.
From honouring icons of the past to empowering youths of the present and building infrastructure for the future, governor Fubara’s leadership continues to chart a visionary course for Rivers State.
His administration’s focus on peace, unity, and inclusive development reflects a governance philosophy anchored on people, purpose, and progress.
For Rivers people, these efforts mean more than policy, they represent renewed faith in a government that sees, listens, and delivers.
As the Atlantic waves whisper along Andoni’s coast, they carry the echo of a leader’s resolve that no community will be left behind, and that the tide of progress will reach every shore.
