Israel, Netherlands, Three Others Pledge Partnership For Rivers Dev

Excited with the developments so far witnessed in the state, three European countries including the Netherlands and Israel have pledged to support the Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led administration in sustaining the growth of Rivers State.

The pledge was made yesterday when the Italian Deputy Head of Commission, Mr. Niccola Bazzani led three foreign commissions including that of Switzerland, Sweden and some United Nations officials on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.

Bazzani disclosed that the visit would afford them opportunity to have a first hand appraisal of the developments so far.

According to the Italian diplomat, Rivers State remains strategic to the social and economic stability in the region and Nigeria in general.

He stated that despite the challenges the state have gone through over the years,” there have been major improvements that we have been witnessing. We are pleased for that and we are looking forward for an opportunity to see what has been done in the state,’’ he added.

Meanwhile, the Government of Netherlands has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Rivers State Government to enhance and strengthen development in the state.

Areas of collaboration between the Netherlands and the Rivers State Government would be youth development, natural resources, micro-finance, and education among others.

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Bert Roniyan said this when he led a delegation of Dutch diplomats on a courtesy visit to the Governor on Wednesday.

“There is a keen interest from my government”, on developments here in Rivers State and the Niger Delta, and we are ready to assist wherever we can to come to a solution that is supported by everybody, a way forward for everybody”.

He dismissed the negative picture painted about Nigeria as unjustified as there was much to show that things are greatly improving across the country.

Roniyan assured that his country would welcome any stakeholders dialogue to chart the way forward for all Nigerians.

In his response, Governor Chibuike Amaechi observed that over the years there have been marked improvements in security considering the sudden return of expatriates and investors to the state.

Amaechi said, “Nigeria is a land of opportunities. Nigeria is not as bad as it is painted outside. You need to come and live in Nigeria and do business here to know that Nigeria is not as bad it is painted outside”.

Governor Amaechi said the decreasing rate of corruption in Nigeria was a clear indication of change,” I agree there is corruption but it is not in the same degree as it used to be before.

The governor stated that his administration has addressed issues of power, agriculture, education, youth employment among others to provide the people the basic amenities of life.