News
Rivers To Partner UK In Econ Dev …As Reps Commend Amaechi On Security, Dev
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has
assured of the readiness of his administration to partner with the British
government in improving the economy of the state and the country through
investments.
Amaechi spoke yesterday when the United Kingdom Secretary of
State for Business, Innovation and Skills,Dr. Vince Cable paid him a courtesy
visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Governor said the state government was ready to partner
with foreign investors to create employment opportunities for Rivers people and
Nigerians.
Amaechi pointed out that his administration was open to
investors who were ready to key into organized investment opportunities in the
state such as the agricultural sector, and is exploring ways to improve the
Small and Medium Scale Enterprises sector.
He expressed the commitment of his administration to create
an enabling environment for investments to thrive.
The UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and
Skills, Dr. Vince Cable said the delegation was in the state to strengthen
bilateral relations with the Rivers State Government, especially on crucial
aspects of the economy that would attract investors.
Cable commended Amaechi on the existing collaboration
between his government and the British Council resident in the state, noting
that the British government is ready to partner and ensure sustainability.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has commended Rivers
State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for promoting the security of oil
firms, lives and property in the state.
Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Downstream Sector,
Hon. Dakuku Peterside made the remark when he led a delegation of the committee
to a courtesy visit at Government House Port Harcourt, yesterday .
Peterside said companies in Rivers State have testified to
the resilience by the Amaechi administration to restore and maintain peace in
the state.
Responding, Governor Amaechi urged the Committee to seek
ways of addressing the problem of bunkering in the nation’s waterways.
Amaechi called for the prosecution of all those involved in
the oil subsidy probe, saying that, subsidy must be removed to enable leaders
work within the provisions of the nation’s budget.
“The National Assembly must rise and remove oil subsidy so
that we can have money to fund projects for our people and give them the good
things of life. “, Amaechi said.
He explained that if the nation’s funds are properly
managed, there would be economic growth which in turn creates employment
opportunities and eliminates the tendency of pipeline vandalism.
Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has urged the House of
Representatives Committee on Aviation to prevail on the Federal Government to
speedily complete the ongoing reconstruction work at the Port Harcourt
International Airport.
“We congratulate the Ministry of Aviation for the innovation
of repairing the airport; we pray that it should be completed. The Rivers State
Government will be glad to work with you for the success of your oversight
function,” Amaechi said.
Earlier, Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Nkeiruka
Onyejeocha said the committee was in the state to inspect some capital projects
especially the Port Harcourt International Airport and commend the governor for
his laudable achievements.
The programme, which targets vulnerable residents in rural communities, is designed to stimulate local economies, reduce poverty, promote environmental sustainability and discourage youth restiveness through community-based public works.
The Technical Head of Climate-Smart Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) under RIVCARES, Engr Prince Enyindah, disclosed this during the training and orientation programme organised for beneficiaries across the three senatorial districts in Saakpenwa, Ahoada and Port Harcourt.
Enyindah explained that the 5,500 beneficiaries were selected from the Rivers State Social Register, stressing that they would be engaged in environmental sanitation and other climate-friendly activities within their respective communities.
He noted that the programme was upgraded from the former Rivers COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Scheme to the Rivers State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus programme, with climate-smart interventions incorporated into its operations.
According to him, the monthly stipend for beneficiaries has been increased from N15,000 to ¦ 20,000, payable for 12 months, with the possibility of a review after the initial one-year period.
He urged the beneficiaries to appreciate the state government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the initiative and encouraged them to invest their monthly stipends in productive economic activities that could improve their financial conditions.
Speaking in Saakpenwa, headquarters of Tai Local Government Area, Enyindah explained that beneficiaries would be responsible for activities aimed at improving sanitation, hygiene and environmental conditions in their communities.
He listed the areas of intervention to include clearing community footpaths, cleaning drainages and gutters, maintaining market places, town halls, community playgrounds and traditional rulers’ palaces.
He also urged the beneficiaries to discourage indiscriminate tree felling as part of efforts to promote environmental protection and climate resilience.
At Ahoada, headquarters of Ahoada East Local Government Area, where beneficiaries from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Abua/Odual Local Government Areas received their training, the RIVCARES technical head emphasised that the programme was not politically motivated.
He maintained that the beneficiaries were selected through the state Social Register and cautioned against individuals or political actors claiming personal credit for their recruitment.
Enyindah further disclosed that plans were underway to provide beneficiaries with additional vocational and entrepreneurial skills to enhance their capacity to generate income beyond the monthly stipends.
Speaking with journalists, he explained that the programme was specifically designed to stimulate economic activities in rural communities, alleviate poverty and address factors contributing to youth restiveness.
He observed that prolonged unemployment and lack of income among rural residents could expose some individuals to social crises, adding that the monthly financial support would provide beneficiaries with some economic relief.
“If you look at the programme, it is an economic stimulus programme. You discover that there are people who stay in our rural communities from day one to the end of the month without getting a dime, and that can make them put their hands into crisis.
“But when somebody who is not getting anything is given ¦ 20,000 at the end of the month, it will make a little meaning to the person,” he said.
He explained that the programme currently covers all 23 local government areas of Rivers State, with approximately 234 beneficiaries allocated to each council area.
Enyindah described the ongoing exercise as the first phase of the intervention, noting that subsequent phases would be expanded as additional resources became available.
He therefore appealed to the state government to provide more counterpart funding to enable the programme to accommodate additional beneficiaries across the local government areas.
According to him, the previous phase of the intervention recorded significant achievements, particularly in addressing youth restiveness and providing economic opportunities for vulnerable residents.
Also speaking at Ahoada, the Head of Operations, Labour-Intensive Public Works, Mr Wilson Ihunwo, encouraged the beneficiaries to prepare for the responsibilities associated with the programme and make meaningful contributions to the maintenance of public facilities in their communities.
He explained that the beneficiaries would be encouraged to take ownership of public utilities and ensure their proper maintenance for the benefit of residents.
Similarly, the Head of Gender-Based Violence under RIVCARES, Jennifer Bishop, cautioned against gender discrimination, harassment and other forms of workplace misconduct.
She urged male beneficiaries to invest their stipends responsibly, while advising female beneficiaries to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid inappropriate advances towards their supervisors.
Some beneficiaries, including Chiwendu Dukuma from ONELGA, Oby Joseph from Abua/Odual and Odema Kingsley from Omalem Community in Abua, expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government for including them in the programme.
They pledged to utilise the financial support responsibly and invest their earnings in productive ventures, while appealing to the government to sustain and expand the initiative to accommodate more vulnerable residents.
The RIVCARES Community Workforce Programme is expected to combine temporary employment opportunities with environmental improvement, community development and economic empowerment across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
The Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Passport, District 9141, has unveiled a N28 million intervention plan targeting healthcare delivery, peacebuilding, education, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, and environmental protection during the new Rotary year.
The new President of the club, Rotarian Noble Uranta, disclosed this shortly after his induction as the 7th President, explaining that his administration would align its programmes with Rotary International’s global mission and seven areas of focus.
Uranta said each area would receive dedicated attention and resources to ensure that the club’s interventions deliver meaningful and sustainable benefits to its host communities.
He identified the areas of focus as peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and environmental protection, among others.
Giving a breakdown of the proposed interventions, the Rotary President said the club had earmarked ¦ 2 million for peacebuilding and conflict prevention through community dialogue forums and mediation training aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and resolving disputes.
He disclosed that ¦ 3.5 million would be committed to disease prevention and treatment through medical outreaches, vaccination drives and health awareness campaigns.
On water, sanitation and hygiene, Uranta said N3million had been allocated to borehole projects and hygiene education in schools to improve access to clean water and promote healthier communities.
He further announced that N2.5 million would be devoted to maternal and child health initiatives, including the provision of safe delivery kits and nutrition programmes to improve the wellbeing of mothers and children.
For basic education and literacy, the club plans to invest N13 million in scholarships, literacy campaigns and the provision of computers to schools to improve learning opportunities and bridge the digital divide.
Similarly, N2.5 million has been earmarked for environmental protection initiatives, including tree-planting campaigns and waste recycling programmes to promote environmental sustainability.
The proposed interventions, according to Uranta, represent the club’s commitment to extending its humanitarian services and creating measurable improvements in the lives of people within its areas of operation.
He assured members that his administration would prioritise impactful projects that address community needs and contribute to sustainable development.
The new President also solicited the cooperation and support of club members, stressing that their collective commitment would be essential to achieving the objectives of his administration during the Rotary year.Rotary Club Unveils ¦ 28m Budget for Healthcare, Education, Peacebuilding, Others
The Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Passport, District 9141, has unveiled a ¦ 28 million intervention plan targeting healthcare delivery, peacebuilding, education, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, and environmental protection during the new Rotary year.
The new President of the club, Rotarian Noble Uranta, disclosed this shortly after his induction as the 7th President, explaining that his administration would align its programmes with Rotary International’s global mission and seven areas of focus.
Uranta said each area would receive dedicated attention and resources to ensure that the club’s interventions deliver meaningful and sustainable benefits to its host communities.
He identified the areas of focus as peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and environmental protection, among others.
Giving a breakdown of the proposed interventions, the Rotary President said the club had earmarked ¦ 2 million for peacebuilding and conflict prevention through community dialogue forums and mediation training aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and resolving disputes.
He disclosed that ¦ 3.5 million would be committed to disease prevention and treatment through medical outreaches, vaccination drives and health awareness campaigns.
On water, sanitation and hygiene, Uranta said ¦ 3 million had been allocated to borehole projects and hygiene education in schools to improve access to clean water and promote healthier communities.
He further announced that ¦ 2.5 million would be devoted to maternal and child health initiatives, including the provision of safe delivery kits and nutrition programmes to improve the wellbeing of mothers and children.
For basic education and literacy, the club plans to invest ¦ 13 million in scholarships, literacy campaigns and the provision of computers to schools to improve learning opportunities and bridge the digital divide.
Similarly, ¦ 2.5 million has been earmarked for environmental protection initiatives, including tree-planting campaigns and waste recycling programmes to promote environmental sustainability.
The proposed interventions, according to Uranta, represent the club’s commitment to extending its humanitarian services and creating measurable improvements in the lives of people within its areas of operation.
He assured members that his administration would prioritise impactful projects that address community needs and contribute to sustainable development.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the late Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall as a distinguished statesman whose contributions to national development brought honour and distinction to the Kalabari Kingdom and Rivers State.
Fubara said Horsfall’s life of service, patriotism, integrity and commitment to humanity had left an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
The governor spoke through the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, at the funeral service of the late elder statesman last Saturday in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the State.
He described Horsfall as a patriotic Nigerian whose leadership and dedication to the country’s development earned him a place in the nation’s history.
“Chief Horsfall was a distinguished statesman whose life was defined by service, patriotism, integrity and commitment to humanity.
“His contributions to our nation, particularly through his service as Director-General of the State Security Service, pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency and Chairman of OMPADEC, remain significant milestones in our national history,” Fubara said.
The governor noted that the late Horsfall’s contributions to national security, intelligence administration and the development of the Niger Delta would remain part of his enduring legacy.
“His legacy of leadership, national service and dedication to development will remain an enduring source of inspiration to generations yet unborn,” he added.
Fubara urged the bereaved family, the Kalabari people and other Nigerians to uphold the values of peace, unity and selfless service exemplified by the late elder statesman.
The funeral service attracted several dignitaries, including the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), a representative of the Bayelsa State Governor, the Managing Director of NDDC, Chairman of PENDEF and the Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom.
Also in attendance were the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, the Commissioner for Special Projects and other government officials, traditional rulers and stakeholders.
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