Connect with us

Rivers

RIMA Set To Disburse Loan To Over 500 Small Businesses In Rivers

Published

on

The authorities of Rivers State Micro Finance Agency say over 500 small scale businesses in Rivers State are set to receive N4 billion loan set aside by the Rivers state government to enhance business activities in the State.
In an interview ,the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rivers State Micro Finance Agency ( RIMA), Pastor Jonathan Tobin described the gesture as one of the monumental achievements of Governor Fubara-led administration within one year in office
Tobin said during the pre- qualification exercise, 2,000 Rivers business men and women valued at N1.26 billion were captured.
He hinted that in the course of the verification, some persons were disqualified bordering on impersonation ,wrong information, saying the disbursement of the loan shall be a continuous exercise.
He said in the next six months, economic activities in the oil – rich State shall re-vibrate astronomically.
He asserted that the Rivers State Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Industry where the Rivers State Government shall provide N2billion while the latter will provide N2billion.
He said by this singular gesture, Governor Fubara had demonstrated his determination and interest to lift Rivers State and its indigenes out of poverty.
Tobin said emphatically that Governor Fubara has come to teach Rivers people how to fish and not giving them fish, reason being that if you give them fish, tomorrow they will keep coming ,but if you teach them how to fish, they will be self-reliant and will never come to you again.
“Most of the governments think that giving people palliatives is the solution. Teach them how to fish just as Rivers State Governor is doing. That will break the yoke of poverty in my 33 years of doing government work and having interacted with most Governors, Governor Fubara is unique. He has a listening ear, discusses with you and even allows you to sit down and argue with him. While talking with him, you will realise you are talking to an individual who is divinely motivated to work for the interest of Rivers people. I thank God He had given me an opportunity to work for Rivers people. I am giving it all my experience, contacts and strength, ,bringing everything to bear on it to ensure the assignment is successful. I have followed Governor Fubara’s progress from Christmas gift to civil servants; promotions to workers including local government workers; employment to both teachers and non-teaching staff; commissioning of landmark projects; and putting facilities to work.
He is an answer to prayers of Rivers people .He has the heart of a leader and father. Governor Fubara is on an assignment to salvage Rivers State. I urge Rivers people to give him total support and assistance to deliver on the assignment God had given him. As a pastor, the Bible says, when the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. This is exactly what is happening to Rivers people and people are happy because the administration of Governor Fubara is touching their lives. I have no doubt that after the first one year, Rivers people will realise that a man of vision and purpose is in charge. It is going to be novel. Every Rivers indigene shall take a quiet moment to reflect on the past regimes, if we are honest to ourselves. I expect all hands to be on deck to support him to move Rivers State to the next level and stop the bickering by some persons. No programme of God that the devil does not challenge. The distraction from satanic forces cannot stand because when light appears, darkness must surely flee. The light of God has shone in Rivers State and forces of darkness must bow. Development is predicated on peace and progress. I believe that with Governor Fubara, Rivers people will see the next level of monumental development.”

Continue Reading

Rivers

Expert Demands Full Implementation Of PIA In N’Delta Oil Communities 

Published

on

An expert in Natural Resource Governance, Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, has called for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Uzoigwe made the appeal during a training for community representatives under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He noted that five years after the PIA was enacted, funding under the HCDT framework for member communities had yet to be fully implemented.
He attributed the slow pace of implementation to oil companies’ failure to remit funds, ongoing litigations, internal community disputes, and regulatory challenges, among other factors.
According to him, these challenges have made it difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of HCDT implementation in host communities.
Uzoigwe also expressed concern that several communities were yet to establish HCDTs, which are essential for accessing funds designated for local development.
“Fortunately, there are communities that have successfully leveraged the HCDT to advance development in their localities.
“However, we want every host community to access these funds to accelerate development in their respective areas and contribute to the broader transformation of the Niger Delta”, he stated.
Uzoigwe urged host communities to familiarise themselves with the provisions and regulations of the PIA to enable them to fully benefit from the Act.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, explained that the training was organised for HCDT communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.
According to her, the objective of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the PIA’s provisions, conduct needs assessments and undertake community development planning.
“We examined how the HCDT can be made effective and efficient in utilising the three per cent operational cost allocation for community development projects, as stipulated in the PIA.
“This allocation is structured as follows: 75 per cent for project execution, 20 per cent for savings, and five per cent for administrative costs.
“HCDT members are responsible for identifying and prioritising community needs through a transparent, sincere, and people-centred decision-making process in managing these funds”, Okon explained.
She encouraged host communities to engage actively with various stakeholders, including women, youth, farmers, and community leaders, to identify development projects that reflect the genuine needs of their communities.
Continue Reading

Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare 

Published

on

The Sole Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, says he will run an all-inclusive government for the betterment of the local government.
He stated that his priority is workers’ welfare in all ramifications and the good people of the area.
Apiafi stated this recently while addressing workers at the council’s headquarters in Opobo, saying that his direct mandate is to ensure that the existing peace is sustained.
According to him,  he is a technocrat, hence he will carry out his functions accordingly.
“Thank you all for welcoming me as your administrator. My mandate here is to ensure that you, workers, are well treated, with your salaries paid promptly, and give you what you deserve.
“You all are my brothers, sisters and friends. I know that together we can take this local government to  an enviable height. What I need from you is cooperation.
“I solicit for your support to enable us all succeed because I alone cannot achieve the desired development”, he urged.
The administrator used the forum to thank the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice – Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.)  for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and pledged that he will not disappoint him in any aspect, while promising to discharge his duties in strict  compliance to the charge of the  Sole Administrator.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the LGA, Comrade Diri Dandison, commended the administrator for placing workers’ welfare top on his list.
According to him, what workers want in the LGA is someone who can give them listening ears, and also give them what they deserve.
“I am happy that Mr. Fredrick Apiafi has placed welfare of workers first, but we pray he fullfills his promises. What we want is  for people  at the grassroots to also enjoy  dividends of  governance”, he said.
By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso
Continue Reading

Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

Published

on

The Nigerian Navy Rescue Team from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have saved 99 persons from drowning in Rivers State during an operation.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred when a barge, ADAM (Damen Buba) was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.
He said the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER personnel deployed to Naval Security Station 035 in collaboration with four other Navy Gunboats launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard.
According to him, most of the passengers’ goods were also salvaged successfully.
“The timely intervention and prompt response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the valuable properties were preserved.
“The Nigerian Navy hereby restates that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the service will continue to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate sea farers within Nigeria’s maritime domain”, Adams Aliu said.
By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso
Continue Reading

Trending