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‘Our Relationship With France, Mutually Beneficial’
The Rivers State Government says it has had a mutually beneficial relationship with France over the years.
The State Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike stated this during the 2017 France National Day celebration in Port Harcourt.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the governor said the relationship between Rivers State, Nigeria and France has been cemented over the years through cooperation and investments in the areas of agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing.
He expressed regrets that while French nationals were out in the streets and beaches celebrating democracy of several centuries and good memories, last year, terrorists struck to cut short the celebration.
According to the governor, Nigeria has also had a couple of terrorist attacks through the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region of the country.
Wike said contrary to what some detractors would say, Rivers State was very safe for investment because the present administration was working assiduously in collaboration with the security agencies to reduce, to the barest minimum, the issues of crime and criminality that has affected the region.
“The war against crime is continuous because, to us, it is very important that our investors stay. We have created the enabling environment and given the necessary logistics support to the security agencies to tackle criminals head-on,” Wike said.
According to him, “the importance of Rivers State to the nation is very clear to us, and we take that very seriously”, stressing that “It is very important that investors remain here because the state is safe for investors, and will continue to remain safe”.
He said, “We have heard stories of pipeline vandalism elsewhere but the story is different in Rivers State, because of our political will and commitment to tackle criminality.
“We want you to be our ambassador to bring in more companies, more investors to the state”, the state chief executive further said.
While commending Air France for consistently operating in Port Harcourt over the years, which he attributed to the peaceful nature of the city, Wike expressed the need to further collaborate with France to ensure that more manufacturing industries come back on stream to generate more jobs for our youth.
Earlier, the Consul General of France in Lagos, Mr. Laurent Polonceaux, said the beauty of democracy was the ability of citizens to freely choose their leaders, stressing that the coming of President Emmanuel Macron will strengthen the bond between the two countries.
Also speaking, the Honorary Consul of France in Port Harcourt, Mr. Francois Le Coca, said France would continue to partner with Nigeria and the Rivers State Government to attract more development to the state.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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