Former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, has restated the willingness of the state government under the leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike to partner stakeholders in the development of the state.
Omehia made this known at the formal opening ceremony of the 52nd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
In his speech, the former governor said that the state was open to ideas and contributions by individuals and groups towards the improvement of Rivers State and its cities.
According to him, “The government of Rivers State is ready and willing to join hands with any institution, anybody in the development of the state”.
He went on to say that the development of the state and city is not in the hands of one person and that the outcome of the conference would be historical.
“It will go down in history that decisions, plans, ideas and efforts to elevate Nigerian cities to a higher level of cities like New York and other cities of the world are taken here in Rivers State by NIESV under the presidency of Emmanuel Wike”, he said.
He further challenged the institution to play active role in the development of the state.
“Your role is enormous and it is needed in the development of the state. As a body, you can go beyond the task given to individual members to correct the ills in the development efforts in the state. The body has the right to either advise government or take legal action against persons defacing the city or building on waterways”.
Also speaking earlier, the outgoing president of the body, Emmanuel Wike, expressed delight over the fact that the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in about 53 years of its existence has promoted the general interests of the profession, while maintaining and extending its usefulness for the public good by advising members of the public, government departments, statutory bodies, local governments, associations, institutions and such like bodies on all matters coming within the scope of the profession, whilst also initiating and supporting any legislation relevant to the objects of the institution.
He added, “We have also made valuable contributions to the development of the nation in the areas of Policy Formulation, Land Administration, Asset Management and Administration, Housing and Project Development. We have positively impacted the Nigerian landscape with several achievements and contributions, so numerous to mention here.
“We are gathered here for the very important purposes of promotion and sharing of knowledge, acquisition of competencies, expansion and deepening of professional development. Conferences provide opportunities for these. Let us, therefore, make a good use of this great opportunity to learn, acquire and share with one another new ideas and new techniques of practice, especially in this fast changing world”, he told members.
“The depth of knowledge, competencies and exposure of the resource persons who have been invited to share ideas with us in this epoch gathering tells me loud and clear that we are in for exciting moments. I sincerely appreciate your presence here. I enjoin my noble colleagues who registered for the conference to attend the plenary and all the other sessions, physically or virtually as the case may be. It’s going to be highly impacting and enriching. Ensure that you learn, unlearn and relearn many things at this conference”, he added.
The conference, with the theme, “Cities of the Future: Development, Infrastructure and Sustainability”, which began last Monday, ended on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the newly elected president of the institution (NIESV), Johnbull Amayaevbo, said that his tenure would be predicated on four-point agenda of rebranding, research and development, capacity building and welfare of members.
He stated this Port Harcourt shortly after being inaugurated as the 25th president of the NIESV alongside other executive committee members.
Amayaevbo promised to take the Institution to a different level, anchored on the rule of law and order, while insisting that discipline would be the watchword.
According to him, “We will run our tenure based on law and order, with strict compliance to discipline. If you cannot substantiate any fact, there will be consequences for it.”
He revealed plans to roll out programmes and policies that would advance the cause of the institution in diverse ways, whilst soliciting the support of all to succeed.

By: Gabriel Nwanetanya