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My Successor’ll Defend Interest Of Rivers’ People, Wike Assures …Flays FG’s Policy On Stimulation Of Economy …Kicks Off Consultation For Next Gov …As Fintiri Inaugurates Ezimgbu Road

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has said he would make sure his successor is someone who would defend the interest of the state.
Wike stated this during a birthday party organised for him by his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike in his private residence at Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, last Monday night.
This is even as the governor has insisted it was now obvious that the Federal Government was not interested in revitalising the nation’s economy because its programmes on stimulation of the economy have failed on all fronts.
Wike stated that if the development of infrastructure was one way to stimulate the economy, then the Federal Government’s approach to the development of such critical infrastructure should be apolitical.
Speaking at the birthday party, the governor disclosed that he had directed elders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State to begin the search for someone with capacity and passion to defend the interest of the state to succeed him.
“I have dedicated this my birthday to make sure that whoever that is going to succeed me will be for the interest of the Rivers people, will be for the interest of the development of Nigeria.”
Wike, who narrated how he was hoodwinked to attend the birthday party that was secretly organised by his wife at his sports complex, thanked God for granting him a fruitful and eventful life.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunominni Makinde, and other dignitaries for gracing the occasion.
The governor urged people to continue praying for God’s grace to abound to him and his family on all sides.
The wife of the Rivers State Governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, thanked God for His steadfast love towards Wike.
Justice Nyesom-Wike, who showered encomium on her husband, prayed God to grant him his heart desires as well as long fruitful life.
Earlier, there was a novelty football match between Teams A and B of ex-Nigerian international footballers comprising of Austin Okocha, Taribo West, Finidi George, Kanu Nwankwo, Joseph Yobo, Daniel Amokachi, Augustine Eguavoen, Victor Ikpeba, Tijani Babangida, Samson Siasia, among others.
However, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that it was now obvious that the Federal Government was not interested in revitalising the nation’s economy because its programmes on stimulation of the economy have failed on all fronts.
The governor made the assertion at the inauguration of the Ezimgbu Road that was performed by the Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, last Monday in Port Harcourt.
Wike stated that if the development of infrastructure is one way to stimulate the economy, then the Federal Government’s approach to the development of such critical infrastructure should be apolitical.
The governor pointed to the deplorable condition of the Lagos-Ibadan Road that was so important to the nation’s economy and growth of interstate and regional business activities.
“Let me say something very clearly. When government say they want to stimulate economy and you wonder how are they going to stimulate and make the economy to grow? This morning, something came to my mind, and I said what a country is this?
“Look at a road like Lagos-Ibadan Road, which is an important road in this country, cannot be completed by the Federal Government. They bring politics and ethnicity in everything we are doing.
“So, how do you stimulate the economy when a road like that cannot be completed until now? Look at the road leading to the (Port Harcourt) Refinery, the seaport at Onne, up until now, the Federal Government cannot complete it. How do you stimulate the economy?”
Wike also noted that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme of the Federal Government, which gives money to farmers, has not been implemented to yield desired impact.
The governor said it was not enough to go on media to announce how much has been expended in prosecuting those initiatives, if there are not commensurate evidence.
“And then you hear trillions of Naira being budgeted for, you see people talk about giving N200billion to Anchor borrowers, Anchor leaders, to anchor this and that. We have no problem about giving money to agriculture. What we are saying, having given out this money, what is the impact?
“You’re saying that we don’t want more importation, we have no problems. We are in support of it. But having stopped importation, what is the fate of the ordinary Nigerians. Is the food there? If the food is there, is it cheap?
“So, the availability is not there, the cost is high, so what is the whole meaning of encouraging our farmers to produce. The whole money you have given what is the impact it has created?
“So, we should not be deceiving people. We should tell people we are able to do this and we did it. This (federal) administration is doing nothing to improve the life of the citizens.”
Speaking further, Wike said he has told some leaders of Rivers State, who paid him a birthday visit, that the process of consultation for the next governor of the state has begun.
Wike reiterated that no candidate would be imposed on the party or Rivers people, and also urged any member of cabinet nursing governorship ambition to be at liberty to resign.
“This morning, our leaders came to me to wish me happy birthday. I told them thank you and that I also have a birthday gift for them. I told them, you know I’m leaving, now, we have to start consultation for who takes over.
“And I told them, let nobody go and spend his money because after the consultation, we will all sit down and say this is the person we think that should continue where we have stopped.
“So, the issue of who is going to take over from me, the process has started and it has stared today being my birthday. But what is important to us, like I have always said, we are not going to impose anybody.”
Wike stated that it is important that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to ensure that elections are free and fair.
According to him, if not for the courage to rig election, why will anybody in Rivers State be gearing up to campaign for election on the platform of another party instead of the PDP, saying that whatever their plans are, they will fail.
Performing the inauguration, the Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri noted that he had always known Wike as a man who has instituted a culture of commissioning projects in Rivers State for the use of the people.
Accorded to him, it is from Rivers State, under Wike, that they have all learnt that one can deliver on multiple projects and dedicate a whole month to commissioning them.
“As recent as April this year, so many projects were commissioned in the state and today, instead of receiving birthday gifts from the Rivers people, he has decided to celebrate his birthday in a grand style by giving Rivers people a carnival of commissioning.”
In his welcome address, Chairman, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Barrister George Ariolu, congratulated Wike on the occasion of his birthday anniversary, and commended the governor for the completion of the Ezimgbu Road, which he described it as a fulfilment of project promised.
He stressed that the construction of the dual carriage road would boast businesses around the area as well as enable them gain more in terms of man-hour.
On his part, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda said the construction of the road was a clear demonstration of Wike’s policies to rebrand all the roads in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, while expressing gladness over the numerous projects executed in the state.
Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Elloka Tasie-Amadi said the dualised Ezimgbu Road is 7.3meter wide on both sides with a median of 0.5meters and bordered by drains on both sides with sidewalks.
Tasie-Amadi pointed out that not only has the reconstruction of the Ezimgbu Road saved travel time for commuters, it has also afforded property owners enhanced value on their property and accessibility.

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Rivers Open To Blue Economy Investment -Fubara

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
Fubara stated this while providing investment details to industrialists during the 3rd Nigeria-Indonesia Forum in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
He said that, as the oil and gas hub of Nigeria, Rivers State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, enumerated the vast opportunities Rivers State holds to potential investors in the marine and blue economy, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, health, transportation, amongst other sectors.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria-Indonesia Commercial Association and the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) for its continuous support to keep Rivers State at the peak for investors.
“Your decision to convoke this business forum is indeed apt. It will provide a robust platform for discussions in the areas of health, education, trade, investment, energy, environment…Vast opportunities exist in agriculture and agro-based industries, marine resources and blue economy, hospitality and tourism, transport, petroleum and other natural resources such as clay, raffia palm and textile with promising labour”, he emphasized.
He urged participants to use the forum to build partnerships for mutual economic benefits for both Rivers State and Indonesia.
“I am optimistic that this Forum will explore the investment opportunities in the State as well as harness them for our mutual benefits. I assure you that doing business in the State is strengthened by the enabling environment provided by the State Government to potential investors.
“I encourage you all to engage actively in discussions, share your insights, and learn from one another and create new collaborations and explore the investment opportunities in the State. Your ideas would no doubt spark the next big innovation or partnership that will drive meaningful change in our economy,” he stressed.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Ussra Hendru Harahap, gave insight into the Nigeria-Indonesia dynamic similarities and that Rivers State is host to Indonesia’s biggest investment in Nigeria.
He further indicated that Indonesia and Nigeria can mutually benefit from the diverse use of palm fruit and other businesses as he urged participants to explore new grounds for business development and expansion for both Indonesia and Rivers State.
The President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Sir Mike Elechi, said the aim of the business forum is to provide more business opportunities to the people of Rivers State in view of attracting more business opportunities that will expand and promote commercial activities and investments in the State.

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Tinubu, Buhari Mourn Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Iwuanyanwu

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President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt commiserations to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away, yesterday.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.
President Tinubu condoled with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss.
The President in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has expressed rude shock over the demise of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The former Chairman, South East Governors Forum described Iwuanyanwu’s death as “ a big disaster and colossal loss to the Igbo nation”.
He said Chief Iwuanyanwu sacrificed so much in the advancement of Igbo cause but regretted that he exited at a time his fatherly counsels were most needed.
Senator Orji who said Iwuanyanwu was a personal friend, said he was highly devastated by the news of the departure of the late Igbo leader.
The former Senator representing Abia Central, a statement by his former Chief Liaison Officer , Hon. Ifeanyi Umere, said the death of Iwuanyanwu, had added to the pain of the loss of some other Igbo leaders who excited in the recent times.
He said that Iwuanyanwu would always be remembered for his patriotism, sacrificial leadership and passion for the Igbo cause.
Senator Orji condoled with the family of the late Ohanaeze helmsman while praying God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal repose in heaven.
Iwuanyanwu’s death was announced by his son Jide Iwuanyanwu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, yesterday.
According to the son, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announced the demise of our Patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged aged 82.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu, before his death, was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, lady Princess Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren including Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Managing Director Champion Newspapers.
“Details of the burial will be announced later by the family after due consultation.”

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Nigeria Capable Of Providing Good Healthcare System -German Consul-General

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The German Consul- General, Weert Börner, has said that Nigeria was capable of providing a good healthcare system, rather than encouraging promotion of medical tourism.
Börner said this during the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) yesterday, in Lagos while highlighting Germany’s role in enhancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
He listed some of his country’s areas of support to include Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
According to him, there are discussions on how the COVID-19 pandemic still influences the SDG achievement and the challenge to overcome the gap and its impacts.
“I can assure you that Germany was very impressed how Nigeria handled the pandemic, especially Lagos State, with Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
“We have been increasing our support to modernise Nigeria’s health sector.
“I can assure you the German government is not a government promoting medical tourism to Europe. We think that’s not a solution.
“The solution is to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria.
“And there is no tourism needed in the future to get good treatment because we think that Nigeria is capable to have its own good health care system,” he said.
To support the health sector, Börner said that the German government has been training medical personnel, offering scholarships to medical students and has active presence of German companies in Nigeria’s health sector.
The envoy also said that Germany offers annual scholarships for both master degrees and PhD students globally through the German Academic Exchange Service, (DAAD).
“And in 2023, for the first time ever, among sub-Saharan African nations, Nigeria ranked number one.
“The number of Nigerian scholarship receivers went up within 13 years from just 200 to 1,600. So that’s a big success for your country, but I think also for the world,” he said.
Börner emphasised that vocational training was a traditional strength of the German system, noting that it was cooperating with the government and the private sector, citing training for solar energy engineers in Nigeria.
The consul-general stressed the need for best practices and strengthened cooperation to actualise SDGs in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
The Africa Social Impact Summit is a multi-sectoral platform dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Summit organised by Sterling One Foundation, United Nations and the Lagos State Government has the theme: “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa.”

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