Projects’ Funding Not Problem, Wike Assures

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that his administration has always set aside funds for any project that it awards.
He stated that this was the reason why there would be no abandoned project at the end of his tenure in the state.
Wike gave the explanation after inspecting the Junior Doctors’ Residential Quarters and the Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt.
The governor said he has continued to fulfil the promise of executing quality projects in every sector, adding that the reconstruction of the Junior Doctors’ Quarters was one of such projects.
He stated that when completed, the quarters would enhance the productivity of doctors.
“The extent of work we saw at the Junior Doctors’ Quarters is very astonishing. We had promised to touch every sector to improve productivity of workers.
“Any project we want to embark upon, we make sure that there are funds for them. We want to complete every project awarded by us.
“What you’ve seen there is work still at the foundation level. It is very solid and you will only understand it when the structures are out of the ground. There are no less than 46 one-bedroom flats for the Junior Doctors,” he said.
At the Real Madrid Football Academy located at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, the governor expressed delight at the extent of work so far, and explained that academic and sporting activities cannot begin at the academy until the Federal Government directs the reopening of schools.
Wike, however, directed the Special Adviser on Real Madrid Football Academy, Christopher Green, to commence the screening of applicants in preparation for the opening and full utilisation of the facilities at the world-class academy.
“The Real Madrid Football Academy is conceived to give skills to our youths. Those of them who are talented in football will continue with it, and others will face academics.
“This is first of its kind in Africa, and we appreciate our partnership with Real Madrid, Spain. Already, they have trained our coaches who are now eager to start work.
“Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic is preventing it. By the time the Federal Government directs for schools to reopen, we hope to be ready.
“The special adviser should start the admission process. Those who are qualified will be admitted and made to hold on for resumption. Our decision is that 70 per cent admission will be for Rivers people while 30 per cent will be for others.
“Nobody will come here and not be happy with what we have done,” he emphasised.
Also speaking, Elders Statesman, Chief Sergeant Awuse, described the work at the Real Madrid Football Academy as a fantastic concept well executed.
“It is good to know it’s the first in Africa. The governor is doing it not minding the cost because of his passion.
“It is for the development of Rivers youths and Nigerians. This is leadership in action. He has continued to build enduring structures for posterity,” Awuse added.
Former Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dr Chidi Lloyd, said the governor was strengthening institutions with his deliberate execution of projects in all the sectors.
“It is obvious he is addressing the three domains of education with the Real Madrid Football Academy. This is for comprehensive development of Rivers youths.
“I admire him so much because he has a personal touch to all his projects. He supervises them to ensure that the agreed standard is delivered in order to have value for money.
“He has provided accommodation facilities to judges, and is also doing so to doctors. I tell you, when workers are comfortable, they can resist taking of bribe,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Real Madrid Football Academy, Christopher Green, said about 1,000 applications have been received from across the world and Spain for enrolment into the academy.
Green assured that with the directive given by the governor, he would begin the screening of applications, and prepare the successful applicants for resumption of activities.