News
Wike Commissions Bonny Consulate Building
The Rivers State Government has said that the commissioning of the Bonny Consulate building fittingly keys into the vision of making Bonny an investment and tourism destination.
The state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike made this assertion while presenting his keynote address at the commissioning of the Bonny Consulate building in Bonny, last Saturday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Wike said, “The reconstruction of the Consulate building, a monument that was 197 years old this year, by NLNG and Julius Berger,”emphasises the importance of putting together our collective memory as a people”.
The governor, who expressed gratitude to NLNG for creatively re-enacting the old without losing the taste of the charm, added that the building would continue to remain a historical monument and a remarkable milestone.
“With the other initiatives that have been going on through the NLNG, including the Bonny-Bodo Road, and other corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects going on, we believe that this will further engender the fulfilment of our dream of making Bonny the destination of choice for all investors and bridges to other parts of this nation”, Wike stressed.The state chief executive said it was important for the people to continue to maintain the peace, which was key in bringing investors and important to maintain the unity, which the Bonny people were known for.
He emphasised that the challenge with gigantic projects in the communities was the issue of maintenance, stressing that it was important for a maintenance system to be in place that would increase the value of the investments and its sustainability.put in place that would increase the value of the investments and its sustainability.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila said the NLNG’s relationship with the ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom over the past 22 years, has generated milestones of varying impact on the island.He noted that the construction and commissioning of the Bonny Consulate building was one of such accomplishments, which would underscore the economic significance of Bonny Kingdom, which precedes the advent of oil and gas activities.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria, Dr. Lars Richter said as far back as the 15th century, Bonny was a major international trading post which has overtime transformed into a central hub and key focal point for natural gas exploration and production in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, who thanked the Bonny monarch and his council of chiefs for the initiative, said development was only possible in the presence of peace, harmony, honesty and transperancy, adding that it was imperative for everybody to embrace peace and be law-abiding.
“I wish you all the best of the opportunities available in this community, and I urge other corporate citizens of Bonny Local Government Area to borrow a leaf from NLNG. There is a lot to be done in pursuit of the Bonny-Dubai Vision and more corporate partnerships are needed to pursue and achieve all that is necessary to build the Bonny of our dreams.
“The proposed Bonny Motor Park at the entrance of the Bonny-Bodo Road, which is of great importance and a necessity for traffic and population control and security measure to the entire local government after the completion of the expectant road.
“Development is only possible in the presence of peace, harmony and open-mindedness. Therefore, it is imperative that we should embrace peace and be law-abiding in all our doings. The last I checked, there is a constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we are all under obligation to be lawful. We should avoid anything that would threaten the peace and enabling environment necessary for the mutual benefit of our private and corporate citizens.
“To this end, what we as a people can do is to ensure that we continue to conceive development ideas and freely express them, to transform our spoken words to actions that attract gatherings, such as this, and to ensure that there is a peaceful environment to operate and secure the confidence of external investors and investors in our community.
“We should discontinue making inflammatory statements with the intent to disparage, abuse, incite, or escalate the already tense situation in the community. Words spoken on or offline must be civil and brotherly, public statements must be made wisely and considered to be necessary for the peace and progress of the kingdom.
“Today, words are being put into action, dreams actualised; standing before us is an edifice ‘Bonny Consulate’ to be used for business purposes and to promote our heritage and tourism.
“The interest of NLNG on the health and well-being of our people cannot be over emphasised. No wonder the scheduled flag-off for Insecticide Treated Nets Distribution, which is not only appreciated but is also commendable and worthy of emulation.
“I cannot end this speech without thanking our dear Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is ably represented here by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, for his firm and unshakable commitment to empowering women to take their pride of place in politics. I am chairman of Bonny LGA today as a consequence of the expression of that conviction”, she said.
In his special address, the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple said the newly reconstructed Consulate building was capable of turning the Bonny Kingdom into the hub of tourism in Nigeria and Africa in general.
According to the monarch, part of the reason for the restoration of the historic building was to portray the economic significance of Bonny Island during the colonial administration and to elicit the interest of tourists, which can translate to economic benefit for the people.
He disclosed that with the completion and commissioning of the Bonny Consulate, the Bonny-Dubai vision, which was shared, with the leadership of NLNG was fully on course.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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