News
Amaechi Berates Oil Firms …For Not Investing In N’Delta
Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the lack of interest by multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta in investing in the region, is affecting the economic growth of the region.
Speaking at a one-day meeting of the Forum of Niger Delta Bishops of the Catholic Church in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, Amaechi noted that any investment, no matter how little, had the capacity to produce a multiplier effect on the economy. He berated oil firms for refusing to invest in the Niger Delta economy so as to boost its performance and therefore urged the oil firms operating in the Niger Delta region to be proactive to the needs of their host communities to engender a conducive business climate.
He stated that the excuse made by oil companies concerning the Petroleum Industry Bill, that has not been passed into law, could not be taken in this regard since it was not yet operational, and called on companies like Shell Petroleum Development Company to invest in the state.
The State Chief Executive noted that the recent assessment which put the state as the biggest market for cement was based on the level of construction work going-on in the state, which is facilitated by construction activities of the state government.
Governor Amaechi attributed the wave of kidnapping, which started from the Niger Delta region, to poverty, pointing out that on assumption of office, he confronted the insecurity challenge with the realisation that without peace, no development could take place.
The governor also identified three critical areas that affect Nigeria as a country, namely, insecurity, instability in government and the lack of constant power supply, describing them as critical factors in attracting foreign investments.
He used the opportunity to intimate the clergymen that positive changes were coming into the governance of the country, particularly in Rivers State where modest achievements had been recorded and called on the church to play its role by making government do what would improve society.
In a lecture, Monsignor Matthew Hassan Kukah, said the Church needed to reclaim its role as teachers, noting that the country had gone through a period of moral meltdown, which required the tackling of the frustrations of the people.
Monsignor Kukah, urged the Church to teach the people positive engagements by renewing its role as builders of society, adding that free and fair elections alone could not guarantee good governance in the country.
In his remarks, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Chris Cooter said leaders should be responsible to their people, and re-stated his country’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in the areas of health and power generation, while commending Governor Amaechi for his interest in the development of education.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Catholic Bishops Forum, Archbishop Joseph Ukpo, lauded Governor Amaechi for his positive attitude to governance and urged him to remain upright to serve the people better.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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