Rivers

NIESV, Stakeholders Brainstorm In PH

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2022

Members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, government functionaries and policy makers as well as operators and regulators of the real estate practice and other stakeholders have converged in Port Harcourt, Rivers state for the 52nd National Annual Conference of the institution, which commenced on Monday and would end by Saturday.
The Conference is an annual event and a gathering where stakeholders across the globe in the real estate industry and members of the academia brainstorm on strategic issues, share notes and ideas on the roles, relevance and power of the real estate in driving the national economy on a sustainable path.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Obi Wali Conference centre in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, President of NIESV and Chairman of the 52nd Annual Conference, ESV Emmanuel Wike said that at the end of the conference with the theme, “Cities of the future: Development, Infrastructure and Sustainability”, the Institution would make available to the government and policy makers, resolutions that would enable them come up with policy thrusts that would enhance national development. “We would also avail our members and all the relevant stakeholders the Communiqué for the purpose of using the conclusions for re-appraisal and aligning of real estate practices, strategies and operations with the best global practices”, said the president.
“Depending on how they are planned, managed and financed, cities play multi-faced roles in all societies. Cities are drivers of economic growth and at the same time, the breeding grounds of poverty, environmental hazards and communicable diseases among other ills. Most African cities, Nigeria inclusive are growing without corresponding economic transformation – they are largely unplanned; highly fragmented and disconnected; pantry investment in physical, social, economic infrastructure and services; and characterized by informal modes of social protection, infrastructure and service provision and dysfunctional municipal administration, to mention a few. A major drawback and cause of our malfunctioning cities is the failure to plan the city growth or failure to adhere to prescriptions and regulations and pay close attention to land use management as prescribed in the city plan.
‘We must be serious at solving this most pressing national problem. The transformation of our cities to make them more livable and functional should be a priority. Failure to transform our cities would amount to failure to meet the targets set out in the Sustainability Development Goals which was adopted by 193 countries including Nigeria. Otherwise referred to as the Project 2030, the Sustainability Development Goals is a global endeavour aimed at putting an end to poverty, securing the planet, while ensuring that everyone enjoys peace and prosperity by 2030. The project is also aimed at ensuring three critical issues of functionality, economy and aesthetics which are largely lacking in Nigeria’s present cities”, he added.
According to him, key challenges of future city development and solutions, as well as necessary interventions to solve the hydra headed problems would be examined by this Conference and suggestions would be passed to the appropriate quarters for necessary consideration and implementation.
To achieve these objectives, carefully assembled as resource persons are array of subject matter experts and highly renowned industry futurists with sharp eyes to observe relevant trends, innovations and developments across the world which can be applied in our country.
Speaking further, he said that the 52nd Annual Conference is very unique because the theme basically addresses or provides the direction to the outlook of our cities in the future and how they could be sustained basically through infrastructure for economic development, As they are presently, our cities does not guarantee healthy living, long life and welfare.
He believes that how our future cities would look and function depend on the decisions of the policy makers, the private sector and professionals in the built-environment. However, we should endeavour to build cities with the combination of the advantages of urban and rural settings, but without their disadvantages. We should endeavour to build sustainable cities where the ecosystem is holistically ensured, where the aspects of the city system works in tandem for its people and the environment, and where the lives of all people who inhabit them will be enriched.
The president used the opportunity to commiserate with the government and people Ondo state over the recent killing of worshippers in a church in Owo.” We condemn the gory and mindless attack in the strongest terms and urge the Government and the security agencies to painstakingly investigate the ugly incident to unravel and promptly bring to justice the perpetrators”.

By: Gabriel Nwanetanya

Rivers

IYC Demands Apology Over Arrest Of Soboma Jackrich

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2024

The Tide

The Elders Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has demanded for an apology from the security agencies over the recent invasion of the residence of Ambassador Soboma Jackrich where two of his aides were killed.
The council said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Signed by Elder Afonya Horsefall, Chairman Ijaw Youth Elders Council, KalabariSekpangi, said the military, by the invasion has trampled on the inalienable rights of its leader.
According to the organisation, “the wanton destruction of his property and the killing of aides is repugnant to natural justice and must be restituted.
It stressed the need for the security agencies to be professional in their approach to security, adding that every action of the security agencies must be within the ambit of the law.
The group described Ambassador Soboma Jackrich as a prominent Ijaw leader who has contributed immensely towards the development of the Niger Delta and the relative peace in the region.
The IYC also called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to come to the aide of the Niger Delta people by ensuring security and development in the region.

By: John Bibor

Rivers

Fubara Has Demystified Governance-Elder Statesman

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2024

The Tide

As Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is set to mark itsone year anniversary, an elder statesman, Sir Fubara Hart, says governance in Rivers State under the governor has been demystified.
Hart, two-time House of Representatives aspirant, therefore, called on Rivers people to rally round the Governor in show of support to achieve the desired objective.
Hart, in an interview in Port Harcourt, said under Governor Fubara, infrastructural development and human capital development are given .maximum attention they deserve for the wellbeing of the citizenry.
He said available evidences abound in the State, judging from the thanksgiving rallies organised by the Simplified Movement, saying it is a strong indication that Rivers people are pleased with the wave of development in the State.
He noted that the spread of projects across the nooks and crannies of the State, unlike in the past, has endeared the Governor to the people who are celebrating him.
Hart said under Governor Fubara, Rivers, people can feel a sense of belonging, as governance is being given a human face through the distribution of social amenities across the board.
He maintained that it would be appropriate to support Governor Fubara, rather than distracting him, saying Governor Fubara has shown his determination to change the fortunes of the people, especially the unreached, among the populace .
“In the past, it wasn’t like this, a scenario where one man divided and cornered the wealth of the people is over. Rivers people are pleased, being carried along and being allowed to contribute to the growth of the State.
The multi-billion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road; Trans-Kalabari road project; the low cost housing units; Songhai farm rehabilitation; and job creation can be described as the monumental achievements Governor Fubara has recorded.
“Gone are the days projects are sited in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area alone. Rivers people can now see projects in all parts of the State. We appeal to detractors to allow Governor Fubara serve his people, give him maximum cooperation as it was given to Wike and others who had ruled the State. Others ruled for eight years, so nothing will stop our own.
Governor Fubara is one of the best things that has happened to Rivers State, as his peaceful disposition, accessibility and open-door policy are hallmark of leadership. He came for Rivers people, as seen in his actions and conduct. Anyone fighting him is an enemy of Rivers people and should be jettisoned,” he said.
Hart said the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili was right by endorsing Governor Fubara as the political leader of the State as provided in the PDP Constitution.
The PDP meant well by enshrining it in his Constitution, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) borrowed to implement.
The elderstatesman, therefore, appealed to all PDP members to respect the party’s Constitution as it is supreme.
He urged the 27 lawmakers led by Hon Martin Amaewhule to know that they are no longer lawmakers in the eyes of the law as any law made by them cannot stand.
While urging them to desist from being used by one selfish politician to destablise the peace existing in the State, Hart pleaded with the Governor to remember Bonny Local Government Area in the award of road projects, as Bonny internal roads are begging for attention.

Rivers

Monarch Lauds Fubara Over Solicitor-General’s Appointment

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2024

The Tide

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, King Leslie Eke, has praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara over the appointment of Mrs Ibiwari Charity Clapton-Ogolo as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor- General of the State.
Eke said this at a press briefing to mark his birthday at his palace in Woji in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He said Clapton-Ogolo being a seasoned lawyer will do as expected in an attempt to project and defend the interest of the people.
According to him, such opportunity will also reduce the work-load on the office of the Attorney -General of the State.
The traditional ruler also said the appointment will aid in prompt delivery of justice in the State.
The appointment, he noted, has further demonstrated the Governor’s strength in governance of the State and not weakness as argued in some quarters.
He said those who are not in tune with the modern ways of governance will always be at the sea at each step taken by Governor Fubara.
The Governor, he further explained, is full of wisdom and is prepared to better the lots of Rivers people.
“I am at home with the Governor’s leadership style. He is calculative and he always hits the nail on the head. Well, people are free to say anything they like, but for me, the Governor is a goal getter”, he said.
He re-emphasised the intention of the entire Evo Kingdom’s undiluted support for the present administration as he prayed God to continue to guide and direct the Governor aright in order to enable him deliver credibly on the mandate given him.
It would be recalled that the State has for some time operated with only the office of the Attorney-General of the State until the recent appointment of the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of State by Governor Fubara.

By: King Onunwor