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2013 Budget: RSG Records 74% Progress …Receives N1bn HIV Drugs Support
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says over 70 per cent of this year’s budget has been implemented.
Governor Amaechi made the disclosure last Wednesday at a two-day sensitisation and three-week training exercise with the theme: 2014 Pre-Budget Orientation and Sensitisation Workshop on Budget Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation (BPIMS) for Ministries, Departments, Parastatals and Agencies (MDAS) in Rivers State.
He said release made so far shows that 74 per cent of the 2013 had been done effectively, which according to him, surpassed that of last year.
With works netting the highest allocation of N65billion, Amaechi noted that, “if we fail, it would not be more than 10 per cent”.
Aside works, he said key ministries such as health, education and transport had equally enjoyed full release as the administration was poised to better the lot of the populace.
While taking stock of his administration’s performance in the education sector, Amaechi said the process of budgeting, funding and implementation of projects in his administration was in line with global best practices to bring dividends of democracy to Rivers people.
“The road to Ubima will be completed; the Trans-Amadi Road is being constructed with flyovers. We have spent over 50 per cent of the Eleme Gas Power Plant, and we have paid 100 per cent for the speedy completion of the monorail project”, Amaechi said.
Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has described monitoring and evaluation of the state budgeting system as key in the actualisation of set objectives.
“There is no budget without adequate monitoring and evaluation of your performances and activities which will drive us to where we are going “, Amaechi said.
He urged public officers and civil servants handling government funds and transactions to exhibit high level of decorum, integrity and ensure transparent and accountable stewardship in the state.
“Please, don’t cut corners with government funds, if you help us to rake in more funds, the state will earn high revenue that will enable us finish our projects on time. For the 2013 budget, I want you (DFA’s) to take its implementation very seriously, because, I will implement the budget”, Amaechi explained.
Amaechi reassured that his administration would fund the Free Health Care Programme in other to ameliorate the challenges of the poor.
“This is because, most parents cannot afford the money for the health needs of their children, because of the prevailing economic challenges in the country”, Amaechi said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Gogo Levi Charles said, the budgeting system adopted for the implementation of the 2013 budget was in line with international best practices to bring about accountability and good governance in the state.
Meanwhile, a humanitarian organsation , ACTLAP Children foundation, has donated anti-retroviral drugs worth about N1billion to the Rivers State Government.
About 46,000 bottles of the drug known as Trust-E brand were officially presented to the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker yesterday at the Central Medical Stores along Industry Road, Port Harcourt.
The Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mr Bevis Paul Igbinoba said the gesture was the body’s effort in stemming the trend in HIV/AIDS, noting that ACTLAP was responding to the request of Rivers State, amongst other states, that responded to the foundation’s call for request.
Responding on behalf of the state government, Dr Parker, who described the body as philanthropist per excellence commended the body for its humanitarian gesture.
The Health Commissioner disclosed that the state Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi, had approved that some of the drugs be giving to other neighbouring states as a way of extending assistance.
Parker said the government would shoulder the logistics involved in distributing the drugs to those who desire it using the structures already on ground.
He said the state had six sites already and would use the primary health centres across the state, adding that churches, mosques, LGAs SACA, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other volunteers are involved in creating awareness.
He expressed optimism that the war against HIV/AIDS was about being won in the state, and stressed the need for more awareness to engender the preventive mechanism.
The health commissioner reminded those with HIV/AIDS that with effective treatment, a patient could live normal life.
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Our Legacy’ll Leave Lasting Impression On Rivers People -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
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We’re Determined To Leave Legacy Of Quality Education -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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Fubara, Others Eulogise Rivers First Lady’s Mother
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and key stakeholders of the State on Wednesday paid glowing tributes at the Service of Songs held in honour of late Mrs Adeline Jaja, mother of the wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara described his late mother-in-law as a great and visionary woman who lived on truth and conviction in what she believes.
“Mama was a great woman. She wasn’t a materialistic person. When she believes in you, she’ll be all out for you. She stood for me. I feel pained that, like my own mother, she left at this moment.
”Mama believed so much in God, and the wonders of God. I thank everyone, particularly the Church. On behalf of the bereaved family, we will support the Church to immortalise her name,” the Governor said.
In his homily, Vicar of the Church, Ven. A. A. Ijon-Ama, who spoke on the gains of death, said physical departure from earth was not an ultimate end but an opening for higher and permanent gain and perfection.
He pointed out that when a man has a good relationship with God, he stands to gain more in death.
Ven. Ijon-Ama described late Mrs. Adeline Jaja as a devout Christian, who exuded deep sense of hospitality, and endowed with accommodating spirit, noting that she will be greatly missed by all.
The Vicar, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Mrs Adeline Jaja, also solicited for Divine fortitude for the family to bear the great loss, and called for the immortalisation of the deceased to keep her good legacies alive.
Some family members, who spoke at the Service of Songs, extolled the virtues of the deceased, describing her as “a great community leader, counsellor, peace maker, and caring mother, who provided for the needy, and participated actively in Church activities.
Highlights of the event were special prayers for the bereaved family, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu; remarks by key family members, choir ministration, among others.
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