Dr. Peter Odili, the former Governor of Rivers State, has publicly praised the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for surpassing all his predecessors in terms of governance and achievements, particularly within his first year in office.
Gists9ja reports that Odili, who served as governor prior to Fubara, expressed admiration for the current administration’s focus on development, noting that Fubara’s leadership has already outpaced all prior efforts in the state, including his own.
In a statement made during the 4th convocation ceremony of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Odili, who is also the founder of the institution, described Governor Fubara as a “young, resilient, humble, irreplaceable, and greater fighter” dedicated to advancing the welfare of the people of Rivers State. He commended Fubara for his significant accomplishments, particularly in the realm of infrastructural development and his proactive approach to governance, which has delivered tangible results for the state’s residents.
Odili highlighted that Governor Fubara’s efforts had already set a new standard for leadership in Rivers State. He noted that Fubara had managed to exceed the expectations and achievements of all former governors, including himself, especially in the area of project execution. This reflection underscores the notable progress that the state has seen under Fubara’s leadership in just a short period.
The former governor also took the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, which, under his stewardship, has grown significantly in just a few years. The institution recently graduated 223 students, and this convocation marked its fourth in just seven years, a remarkable feat that speaks to its rapid growth and success. Odili acknowledged the university’s continuous strides in producing highly skilled medical professionals who are expected to make meaningful contributions to the country’s healthcare sector.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chancellor of PAMO University, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of peace for national progress. He encouraged Nigerians to work together to preserve peace, stressing that the nation’s future depends on it. Abubakar praised Governor Fubara for his unwavering support of educational initiatives, including his expansion of the university’s scholarship program, which has grown from 100 to 150 beneficiaries under his leadership. The general also lauded Fubara’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services for Rivers State’s citizens.
Governor Fubara, who was honored with an honorary Doctor of Science degree during the ceremony, took the opportunity to announce that 76 graduates of PAMO University would receive automatic employment within the state government, further solidifying his administration’s commitment to both education and job creation.
In his speech, Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the safety, security, and prosperity of Rivers State. He emphasized that his government remains focused on achieving its goals despite challenges and distractions. “Our mandate is to collaborate with the people of Rivers State to transform our communities into places where we can achieve the highest standards of security, peace, and prosperity, thanks to the responsible management of our shared resources,” Fubara said.
The governor also took pride in the achievements of PAMO University, noting its remarkable rise to prominence in the face of declining educational standards across the country. Fubara praised the institution for setting a new benchmark for excellence in medical education in Nigeria. “In a time when many universities in Nigeria are struggling to maintain their quality, PAMO University stands as an exceptional example of progress and achievement,” he said. “Few medical universities in the country can boast the rapid progress PUMS has made in just a few years.”
Fubara’s comments highlight both the personal and collective success of his administration and the university, reinforcing his commitment to making a lasting impact on the state’s future.
