RSG Spends N7.2bn On Schools In Etche

Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, says the State Government has so far spent over N7billion in building model primary schools in Etche Local Government Area of the state.

He made the declaration while giving account of stewardship during the commencement of the second phase of meet the people tour yesterday at Okehi, in Etche Local Government Area.

The Governor said about 29 new model schools were at different levels of completion in the area, but said more schools would be built, especially in Igbodo Town, one of the largest communities in Etche.

“I will site a project in Igbodo, but you choose between primary school and health centre. But I prefer primary school and I have to discuss with your chairman first”, he assured.

Amaechi stated that before the inception of his administration, the area had lacked adequate road linkage and infrastructure but observed that the situation had changed,” I did not promise that I will solve all problems, but promised to solve substantial part of the problem”.

Against this backdrop, he promised that the Igbo-Etche road would be re-constructed following its poor state and that more communities would also be linked to power.

On health, the Governor stated that almost all communities had the new model health centres and manned by medical doctors, however assured that the one at Ozuzu would be completed next year.

He praised traditional rulers and the people of Etche for the siting of the huge multi-million agric settlement scheme, and promised to give 10 percent equity share to them and appointing their representative in the board of the farm.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Goerge Feyii in his opening remarks said the forum was a platform for the citizens to ask leaders questions and bring government closer to them, “it is not often that you have opportunity to have one-on-one chat with the Governor”.

Commending the Governor for organising the meeting, member representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Hon Ogbonna Nwuke described it as ‘democracy in action’ as it would bridge the gap between the government and the governed, and therefore lauded the people of the area for attending to air their feelings.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Local Government Area, Barrister Reginald Ukwuoma expressed delight over the choice of Etche as the first port of call for the forum, adding that the meeting had brought government closer to the people.

He commended the Governor for siting the agro- industrial estate, the civil servants training school in the local government, saying, these facilities would further place the area as a major player in the affairs of the state.

L-R: Chairman Senate Committee On Health, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Senate President David Mark and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Fatima Bamidele, during the formal launch of National Oral Health Policy in Abuja, yesterday.