Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that his administration has begun implementing an ₦85,000 minimum wage for state workers, despite efforts by what he described as “enemies of the state” to hinder his administration’s funding.
Governor Fubara made the statement during the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He noted that the new wage policy has brought significant relief to civil servants, with those previously earning between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 now receiving between ₦120,000 and ₦140,000.
He emphasized that the greatest achievement in governance is improving the welfare of citizens, highlighting how the wage increase has positively impacted state workers. Fubara reaffirmed his dedication to leading the state with divine guidance, declaring, “only God gives power.”
The governor also praised security agencies for their continued cooperation under external pressures and urged them to maintain peace by acting justly.
In his support for the Nigerian Legion, Governor Fubara announced a ₦40 million donation to the organization, doubling his contribution from the previous year’s ₦20 million.
He shared a personal connection to the event, expressing empathy as the son of a military officer and acknowledging the sacrifices made by fallen heroes and their families.
While he noted that the state may never fully compensate for such losses, he reassured that efforts would continue to alleviate their impact.
However, the governor addressed concerns raised by the acting chairman of the Nigerian Legion in the state, regarding the unavailability of the 50 employment slots promised to the children of fallen soldiers last year.
Fubara explained that civil service recruitment had been temporarily paused to focus on hiring professionals such as teachers and doctors.
He revealed that over 2,000 doctors have already been employed, and plans are underway to recruit an additional 1,000 teachers for primary and secondary education.
On scholarships, Governor Fubara confirmed that the state is sponsoring students in professional fields, including 150 indigenes at PAMO University of Medical Sciences and an unspecified number at Wigwe University. He encouraged legionnaires to remain patient, assuring them that the state would soon begin processing scholarship applications.
Before his address, Governor Fubara led a minute of silence to honor the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, and the former chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Rivers State, Charles Hart.
