We’re Attracted To Rivers Untapped Potentials, US Envoy Confesses

Rising from discussion with the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, United States Consul General to Nigeria, Mr Will Stevens, has said that the government of the world’s largest economy was impressed with the growth rate of Rivers economy, and was seriously attracted to the untapped potentials of the state.
He noted that Rivers economy was the second largest in Nigeria, adding that with robust partnership between Rivers and the US Government, they both stand a chance of benefitting tremendously.
Stevens gave the indication when he spoke to journalists after Wike had conducted him round some critical projects that were being prepared for inauguration in Rivers State.
The projects inspected included the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School, completed within 12 calendar months, and ready for inauguration in November, 2022.
Also inspected was the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, also billed for inauguration in November, 2022.
“Rivers State is a great place. I’m impressed with the economy. This is the second largest economy by state in the country, and I think it’s an incredibly untapped potential for trade and investment between our two nations. I’m looking forward to working on that!”
Stevens said he had a wonderful opportunity to visit and inspect the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Rumuokwuta community.
He said the brand new specialist hospital was clearly a world-class facility with state-of-the-art equipment installed already.
“It is heartening to see so many US companies well represented here. It is really a testimony of the impact that U.S technology is having in Nigeria and around the world as we work together to save lives.
“There is one other thing I wanted to see today which was what it (Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre) looks like, so that I can go back to American companies and talk about what the operating environment will be like, and maybe, attract U.S investment and partnership in helping to run this hospital.
“So, we will see what we can do, and come back to talk to U.S firms that are already operating in healthcare space, and see if we can support that.”
The US Consul General pointed to the great work that had already been done in the state as reflected in what he had seen so far.
“I talked yesterday with the governor about the fight against HIV/AIDS. The state went from 19percent of the population that are positive with HIV on treatment to 97percent.
“We have saved over 100,000 people out of treatment because of our work together with the U.S Government through CDCs, PEP Fund programme, and this is just one more expression that I’m very grateful to be here.”