My Rivers, My Future -By Awajimimam Joshua Samson

Rivers State has always been one of the mother pillars of Nigeria. It is no surprise that we are constantly in the news. What happens here, whether politically, socially, positively, or negatively, affects not only the Niger Delta and the South but the entire country. And this is not only because of our natural resources, but because of our greatest treasure: our people. Rivers State has always produced the best.

Our Glorious Past
We come from a lineage of greatness, men and women who defined their times and left indelible marks. Think of Ken Saro-Wiwa, the fearless environmental activist whose voice still echoes across the Niger Delta. Remember Claude Ake of Omoku, whose scholarship reshaped our understanding of democracy and political economy, and Obi Wali of Ikwerre, tireless in his advocacy for minorities. Go further back to King Jaja of Opobo, who resisted colonial domination and built a kingdom that commanded respect across the seas.

Even those not born here but who chose to live and give their brilliance to Rivers, like Prof. Gabriel Imomotimi with his classic novel The Voice, deepened our cultural pride. Add to this legacy Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, a founding voice of federalism; the music of Rex Lawson, which transcended borders; Nollywood icon Enebeli Enebuwa, whose craft inspired a generation; and footballer Endurance Idahor, who poured his life onto the pitch. These names are not just history; they remind us that Rivers State has always been a fountain of excellence.

Our Present Day Icons
The story of greatness continues today. From Agbani Darego, the first and only Black African to win Miss World, to Grammy winner Burna Boy and the soulful Omah Lay, our creative energy has never dimmed. Duncan Mighty carried the “PH City sound” across Nigeria and beyond, while Stanley Nwabali from Omoku made us proud at AFCON 2023. From beauty to music, sports to culture, we continue to prove that Rivers State is home to icons.

But What of Our Future?
Here lies the question that troubles me most. I remember when Port Harcourt was named the World Book Capital—the first Nigerian city to hold that honour. I recall when we hosted the Garden City Games in 2011, with expertise borrowed from the organisers of the Beijing Olympics. At that time, we were a hub of tourism, a state of pride, and the envy of others.

But today, what do we see? Politics is eating deep into our fabric. Our unity, once our greatest strength, is crumbling. Instead of celebrating diversity, we are divided by it. Leaders play selfish, vindictive politics while the people suffer. Elders manipulate the youth, and youths mock their elders. Violence is mistaken for strength when our true strength has always been creativity, resilience, and industry.

Ken Saro-Wiwa fought for our rights. Today, what are we fighting for? What story are we writing for the next generation? Just two decades ago, we were one happy family, joined in unity, working for a collective future. Now, even our pulpits and sermons carry the weight of politics. If we lose our identity as a people, what will be left?

Reclaiming Our Future
And yet, I still believe. I see hope in the new generation. I see it in KO Baba, Nonso Iwuh, Chief Daddy, and Great. I see it in Lesley Jumbo, the young robotics engineer from Bonny, and in his female counterparts—Tejiri, Salome Akhabhau, Excel Barile-Nwika, and Goodness Nwonanne-Chima. I see it in Lady Oby Ivy, in Sabinus, in Olumati Isaiah, Ezebunwo Ichemati, Chima Aguma, Ebenezar Wikina, and Edison Ehie. I see it in me, and I see it in you.

Our fathers have done their part, and many of them will soon pass on. But what will they leave behind? Shall we inherit bitterness and division, or will we choose unity, love, and progress? Nothing is broken beyond repair. Rivers people are strong, creative, and resilient. We can fix this, but it begins with reflection, selflessness, and a commitment to once again embrace each other as family.

Rivers State is not just the Treasure Base of the Nation. We are a treasure to the world—not only because of oil, but because of our people. If we rise together in unity, there is no height we cannot reach.

So I ask: what history do we want to leave behind? One of division, or one of love and strength?

My Rivers, my future—our Rivers, our future—lies in the choices we make today. Let us choose love. Let us choose unity. Let us choose to rebuild.

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Awajimimam Joshua Samson Egop writes from Port Harcourt, Nigeria