RSG Floats N5bn Enterprise Fund

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, has announced the allocation of N5billion as State Equity/Enterprise Fund to promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

In his New Year broadcast yesterday, Governor Amaechi assured that his administration would touch on every sector this year.

Governor Amaechi said the fund would be executed before the end of the first quarter of 2013 as provided in the budget, noting that it was targeted at providing access to credit for medium and small-scale entrepreneurs.

“We believe we must govern for the future. Our plan in 2013 is to ensure that we adequately cater for the needs of all sectors. Government will therefore pay attention and fund other sectors such as water, urban development, and culture and tourism as well as employment generation,” he said.

He acknowledged that there were shortfalls in the past year and expressed optimism that the new year would begin on a strong footing. “We can indeed achieve anything that we put our minds to as we work together to lift our nation to greater heights,” he stressed.

The Governor said the state made modest achievements since the inception of his administration in 2007 adding that 2012 also recorded improvements despite challenges.

Sectors that recorded improvements include, Health with 120 new primary health care centres and another 40 targeted for 2013. Power also recorded improvements with 26 power sub injection stations completed. Works witnessed massive road construction activities with over 250 roads, 34 bridges and 4000 kilometre roads completed.

On agriculture, Amaechi said more will be done, “In 2013 we shall begin to reap the enormous benefits of our investments in this sector”. Already with the take off of Songhai Farms, Banana Plantation in Tai, he expressed the hope that in 2013 the fish farms in Andoni, Opobo, Ubima and Buguma will commence production.

The Governor averred that the State recorded huge successes in security as businesses thrived adding that, “the numerous events, programmes, trade fairs, festivals…that took place in the state were evidence that Port Harcourt is one of the safest cities in Nigeria”.

Education sector according to the Rivers Chief Executive recorded the highest success with over 1000 primary schools renovated and new ones built.

He however assured that 2013 will witness focus on vocational education and skills training as the state has commenced discussions with some German firms to commence one assuring that programme will commence by the second quarter of 2013.

Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi (right) and wife Judith assisting the chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Apostle Zilly Aggrey to cut his birthday cake at Government House, Port Harcourt