RSG Plans Agric Scheme For Women

The Rivers State Commissioner for Works, and Chairman, Board of Directors of Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), Mr. Dakuku Peterside has disclosed that the Rivers State Government would soon commence Agricultural scheme to further empower women in the state.

Mr. Peterside disclosed this during the commissioning and handover of 60-cars to Lady Taxi cabbies at ESI centre, Port Harcourt on Saturday.

According to him,  empowering the women is empowering the society and home, and called on all to appreciate government’s efforts in putting smiles on the faces of the people.

He further hinted that the ESI, a non-governmental organization (NGO) intended to deliver 300 cars to Lady Taxi Cabbies this year, and charged the beneficiaries of the second batch to make good use of the scheme, regard safety as their watch word, obey traffic rules and laws of the land.

The chairman, Board of Directors also warned them not to give the cars to  their husbands or other men to drive, as any one caught would face the wrath, and enjoined them to make their returns appropriately for others to benefit.

He disclosed that ESI is for both indigenes and non-indigenes and called for support.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. George Tolofari enjoined beneficiaries to ensure they handle the scheme very well to encourage the founder of the programme and wife of the governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, as the scheme is aimed at empowering women for the future and their family.

Mr Tolofari stated that the improved MOT has come to stay in the state even after this administration, as they are here to help free flow of traffic.

He said the MOT and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) are in good relationship, and that the state government would be encouraged to come into transport business.

Also, speaking, Engr. Obelem Isokariari of OKI Isokariari Group promised to fuel the cars of the Lady Taxi Cabbies as part of their contribution to the programme.

Dignitaries of the occasion include the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Tonye Harry who represented the governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the secretary to the state government, Mr. Magnus Abbey, Commissioner for Budget, Charles Gogo, Housing-Marshall Owom, Healthy, Sampson Parker, a member of the state House of Assembly, Dame Maureen Tamuno among others.

Collins Barasimeye