Siminalayi Fubara, better known as 'Sim' is a seasoned
Nigerian accountant and politician who have risen through the ranks of public
service to be the Governor of Rivers State. He was born on January 28, 1975, at
Opobo Town in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State. His life
is one of raw dedication, perseverance and an unrelenting commitment to his
people. His leadership has come through in tangible policies for rivers people,
infrastructures development, and proven raw passion for public service.
Early Life and Educational Background
Fubara was brought up in Opobo Town in a disciplined and
well-educated family. His parents, the late Joseph and Love Fubara, instilled
in him the values he has today. His mother was a civil servant while his father
was a retired soldier. Being the second of five children and the firstborn boy,
Fubara learned at an early age to bear responsibilities, something that later
influenced his leadership.
His name ‘Siminalayi’ translates to "the poor may beget
the rich" in the local dialect of Opobo-Ibani. This name translates to a
journey from humble beginnings to achieving something remarkable. His childhood
was characterized by hard work, discipline and a strong desire to excel in his
academics.
Fubara began his basic education at the Opobo Primary
School, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate in 1986. He
continued his studies at Comprehensive Secondary School, Opobo, where he sat
and passed the West African School Certificate (WAEC) in 1992. His interest in
administration and finance led him to transfer to Rivers State University of
Science and Technology to study his Bachelor's in Accounting. His pursuit of
knowledge did not stop there; he went further to obtain a Master of Business
Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Finance from the
University of Port Harcourt in 2013 and 2016 respectively.
Career Path and Rise in Public Service
Fubara began his working life in 2003 when he was employed
as a classroom teacher by the Rivers State Post-Primary Schools Board. He
worked at Comprehensive High School, Alesa-Eleme, for several years before
crossing over to finance and public administration. His working life changed in
2007 when he took up employment in the Rivers State Ministry of Finance as a
Senior Accountant. His diligence, expertise, and commitment to excellence drove
him through a number of ranks, including Principal Accountant, Chief
Accountant, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and ultimately, Director.
Fubara's diligence bore fruit in 2015 when he was appointed
Director of Finance and Accounts, Rivers State Government House. This role
cemented his position as a trusted and competent financial advisor. His ability
to manage state coffers with competence and integrity set the stage for even
greater responsibility.
By March 2020, he had risen to the Permanent Secretary level
where he oversaw financial management on a broader spectrum. To honor his
services, he was inaugurated as Accountant General of Rivers State on December
23, 2020, and he held office until May 2022. His tenure as Accountant General
solidified his reputation as an excellent financial administrator, becoming a
vital component of Rivers State government.
Political Ascendancy and Governorship
Fubara ventured into politics motivated by his enthusiasm
for serving the people. He was a zealous member of the People's Democratic
Party (PDP), and everyone in the country associated him with absolute
commitment to the party's ideologies and principles. His street-level
mobilization and unyielding party allegiance gave him political actors'
respect.
Fubara emerged as the PDP gubernatorial candidate for Rivers
State in May 2022. He emerged victorious in the primaries with a clean sweep of
721 votes. His acceptability among individuals was also exhibited in the 2023
general elections when he won the governorship election and was sworn in as the
Governor of Rivers State on May 29, 2023.
Since taking over as Governor, Fubara has placed emphasis on
infrastructure development, economic development, and social services. One of
his pet projects is the signing of a ₦195.3 billion contract with Julius Berger
for the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. The enormous project
traverses six local government areas and seeks to decongest traffic, improve
connectivity, and stimulate economic activity in the state.
His leadership has been characterized by accountability,
transparency, and inclusiveness. He prioritized the well-being of civil
servants, upgraded schools and school infrastructure, and launched programs
centered on empowering the youth and women in the state.
Personal Life and Interests
Besides his political and professional activities, Fubara is
a dedicated family man. He is married to Lady Valerie Ibiere Fubara, who is a
philanthropist involved in several social causes in Rivers State. They have
three sons together. His wife is known for fighting the cause of ending child
labor and promoting child development programs.
Fubara enjoys reading, sports, and community development
work. He has always emphasized the importance of contributing back to society
and offering opportunities to the future generation.
Net Worth and Financial Position
Though the publicly released figure of Fubara's net worth is
wanting, his many years in public service, as well as his current time as
Rivers State Accountant General and current Governor, indicate economic
stability. Being a public servant, he must report his assets to the Code of
Conduct Bureau, ensuring transparency and accountability in his finance.
His wealth is primarily from his work life in the government
and not business ventures. Unlike the majority of politicians who make their
money from private businesses, Fubara's money is primarily built on his public
service earnings.
Legacy and Impact
Siminalayi Fubara's ascension from grassroot beginnings to
Governor of Rivers State is inspiring. His dedication to public service, fiscal
discipline, and upholding good governance are qualities that set him apart as a
transformational leader. His policies and programs are focused on sustainable
development, economic empowerment, and social equality.
As he marks his years in office, Fubara's legacy will have
been defined by infrastructural growth, improved governance, and empowering
Rivers State people. His ability to balance economic management with social
development makes him a lone leader in Nigeria's politics.
Conclusion
Siminalayi Fubara is a remarkable leader whose life is a
reflection of perseverance, dedication, and service. From his early days in
Opobo Town to the office of Governor, he has demonstrated uncompromising
commitment to excellence. His leadership is people-oriented, and Rivers State
continues to be a thriving state under his government.
With a vision of infrastructural development, economic
expansion, and social welfare, Fubara will leave an indelible mark in Rivers
State. His life serves as an inspiration to young Nigerians that with hard
work, integrity, and determination, one can achieve great things.
