News
‘Rivers To Overtake Lagos As Investors’ Haven’
Rivers State Governor,Chief Nyesom Wike, says soon the will overtake Lagos as haven for investment. He also restated the commitment of his administration to the promotion of a business friendly environment for the sustained growth of the state’s economy.
He made the disclosure while hosting Norway Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jen Peter Klugner at Government House, Thursday in Port Harcourt.
Wike noted that the state is peaceful and conducive for business as against claims by the opposition to blackmail the administration and drive away investors.
Part of the scheme to put the state ahead he submitted is to grant tax holidays to new businesses,reasoning that such measure will not reduce unemployment but attract more investors to come.
He said maritime and agriculture remain key areas in which the two countries can work together to develop in providing opportunities.
The governor used the visit to seek the location of the country’s visa office in Port Harcourt to reduce difficulties faced by the people in obtaining travel documents in Lagos and Abuja.
On his part, the Norwegian envoy recalled that relations between the state and his country is underscored by the presence of over 40 Norwegian companies operating in Rivers.
He recalled that the ties between Nigeria and Norway dates back to the period of boom of stork fish business and promised to asist in the development of maritime and human capital sectors.
Meanwhile, Chief Wike has commissioned the Land Ship MV “Rivers Pride” built by Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
The governor assured that his administration will promote policies that would encourage businessmen to invest in the state.
He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of an accommodation block for 200 cadets and announced that the state government has waived the fee for the certificate of occupancy for the Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre.
He noted that investors will have their land documents speedily processed to ensure that they quickly add value to the state.
The governor said: “Rivers State will continue to be great. We are reforming our business processes to enhance our business climate and increase employment opportunities.
“We are making the environment friendly for businesses to thrive. I commend the Chief Executive Officer of Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre, Sir Charles Kinikanwo Wami for this outstanding investment in the state. We are happy that an indigene of this state has faith in this state through this multi-billion investment”.
He urged multinationals to create opportunities for the indigenes of the state as prominent management staff. He said that Rivers people have the capacity to deliver quality service.
In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre, Sir Charles Kinikanwo Wami said that the organisation has grown substantially over the years, as it now has over 53 oil and gas short courses, over 20 international STCW courses and 6 other marine courses.
He said: “We are proud to say that over the past 16years, while other institutions are moving away from the state, we have kept ourselves rooted here providing accessible and affordable training for seafarers in Rivers State “
Also speaking, Norway Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens-Petter Kjemprud expressed satisfaction at the contribution of Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre to the training of Seafarers.
Highpoint of the occasion was the inspection of the training facilities of the institution by Governor Wike and other dignitaries.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News2 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics4 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News4 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News2 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports3 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Politics4 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Niger Delta2 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Politics4 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries