Rivers at 50: Wike Unveils Golden Jubilee Logo, Promises Anniversary Projects
Ernest Chinwo the state, Wike said the golden jubilee celebration has a special and historic significance to the existence of Rivers people and their journey to greatness.
His words: “Before its creation, our people, including our brothers from Bayelsa State, existed as second class citizens in their own country - oppressed, exploited dehumanised and denied even the most basic opportunities of life.
“Every Rivers person was therefore relieved when General Yakubu Gowon on May 27, 1967, dismantled the regional geo-political fortresses of majority domination and pronounced the creation of Rivers State, which unchained and restored our rights to preside over our own affairs and pursue our development aspirations within a united Nigeria.”
He said over the last 50 years, Rivers State has made significant progress, pointing out that the golden jubilee celebration inspires a new direction to build a prosperous state that all Rivers people can be proud of.
“It is in this spirit that we have initiated the celebration of the golden jubilee of our creation and existence as a state to express our joy and thank God for boundless blessings upon us as a people. We want our people to use this occasion of our golden jubilee to unite and together reflect on the tortuous and eventful journey and project into the future with hope and determination,” Wike said.
He added that although the state government is leading the celebrations, the milestone belongs to all Rivers people.
The governor called on the corporate community and individuals to partner with the Golden Jubilee Committee to make the celebration a success.
In his welcome address, Alternate Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Committee, Chief Onueze Okocha, said Rivers people wouldcelebrate in a very big way as of the 12 states created in 1967, Rivers State is one of the two states still standing.
Chairman of the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra said the people of the state were eager to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. He said that January is appropriate to commence the sensitisation for the celebration that will hold in May, 2017.
The event was marked by the blessing of the logo by the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey; solo rendition by Mrs IB Osuamkpe, separate song renditions by school children, 50 youths and the Glorious Elders Choir.
Addressing a world press conference at the same venue later, Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Committee, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra, said the committee was planning a month- long celebration that would involve all sectors of the state.