RSG Pledges Support For Development-Driven Organisations

The Rivers State Government has pledged continued support for voluntary and non-governmental organisations whose activities add value to their communities and the state at large.

The State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, made the pledge last Friday when he received the leaders and members of the Rivers State Association of the Deaf who were on a peaceful-march to Government House, Port Harcourt as part of activities marking their 2026 Awareness Week.

Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, who received the group on behalf of the governor, declared that the government was committed to the welfare and well-being of every citizen and resident of the State.

Wokoma recalled that the association had, during an earlier visit, placed a request for assistance to celebrate the week themed: “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights – Advancing Deaf People’s Human Rights in Rivers State.”

He disclosed that the governor had considered and approved their request to enable a successfully celebration.

“On behalf of the Rivers State Governor, who is committed to the welfare and well-being of Rivers people and even those that reside here, we hereby present this token of his appreciation, which is even more than what you requested for,” he stated.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, had described Governor Fubara’s gesture as consistent with the administration’s approach to governance and commitment to keeping promises.

Sirawoo urged leaders of the association to maintain good conduct, celebrate peacefully and communicate the governor’s message of inclusivity to their members.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Association of the Deaf, Comrade Beneth Oriari, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support, recalling previous empowerment initiatives provided through skills acquisition programmes.

Oriari commended Fubara for his concern for persons with hearing disabilities, describing him as “a man that has empathy for us.”

He expressed hope that the 2026 Awareness Week would deepen public understanding of the deaf community, promote respect for the rights of the people with hearing impairment and strengthen efforts towards a more inclusive society.