Banigo Woos Investors To Rivers

Rivers State Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chika Onuegbu (left), in a hanshake with Commissioner 2, Civil Service Commission, Dr. G. A. I Nworgu, during the one-day seminar organised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Rivers State branch in Port Harcourt, yesterday Photo: Egberi A. Sampson

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has reiterated the commitment of the present administration to make the state investors friendly.
Dr. Banigo stated this when she played host to the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) led by its National President, Arch. Tonye Oliver Braide at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Deputy Governor said the choice of Rivers State for the association’s national dinner is a way of showcasing the State as peaceful and friendly to investors while noting that the Governor Wike-led government is committed to restoring the glory of Rivers State by tackling the issues of security challenges such as kidnapping and other criminal acts.
She assured that Governor Wike would not abandon projects that are beneficial to Rivers people for reasons that they were initiated by past administration.
“Governor Wike is committed to ensuring that all projects that have positive impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of the State will all be completed.” She asserted.
Dr. Banigo lauded the NIA for their plans to regulate and control activities of high rising buildings in the State, noting that it will check the issue of building collapse.
She assured the NIA of the State Government’s support in its programmes.
Earlier, the National President of the Nigeria Institute of Arch. Tonye Oliver Braida thanked the State Government for the warm reception accorded them and lauded the Wike-led administration for the massive road construction, especially in the Borokiri area where traffic has been drastically reduced.
He said Governor Wike has been able to fulfill his electioneering promise of infrastructural development and has given the State a face lift within 90 days in office.
The president also revealed that the State has been chosen to host the first Western African Architecture festival next year which would draw exhibition from about 18 countries to the State.
In another development, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has charged alumni associations in the state to collaborate with Government to initiate educational policies that will enhance the quality of education in the country.
The Deputy Governor stated this at the 50th Anniversary of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Port Harcourt branch.
Dr. Banigo who was represented by her Special Adviser, Legal, Barr. Ishmael Blue-Jack, noted that as a responsive government, it was committed to the education of its people.
“As a government, we are concerned about the number of persons not having access to education, so we are ready to partner any association like yours to make it happen,” she asserted.
Dr. Banigo congratulated the association on its 50th anniversary, adding that it shows how consistency and hardwork have taken them through the years, while urging them to increase their efforts in the areas of human capacity development.
Earlier, in her welcome address, chairman Port Harcourt branch, University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), Mrs. Tonia Nzekwe expressed gratitude for the association’s jubilee celebration, same year the national body is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Gabriel G. Toby, lauded the branch for putting up such a remarkable event, urging the executive to step up the good work while assuring them of his support.
The event featured cutting of the anniversary cake, and presentation of awards.