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.”