Group Holds Seminar On Good Governance In PH

A socio-political pressure group in Rivers State, Activate Your SIM Support Group, has held a one-day seminar in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of the State.
The event which attracted many people from all walks of life had its theme as “Repositioning the State for Excellent Governance.”
Delivering her welcome address at the event held at Kingoliza Crystal Hall, off Peter Odili Road, Abuloma Town in Port Harcourt on Saturday, the Secretary, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the group, Barrister Gloria Akor-Okocha said the seminar and the choice of the theme were orchestrated by the need to effectively address the stereotype and non-chalant attitude towards governance and the achievement of its goals, and commended the group for organising the seminar , adding that the theme of the seminar was apt and relevant in the current political happenings in the State.
Akor-Okocha averred that the group was saddled among other things with the responsibilities of advocating and sensitising the people on the achievements of Siminalayi Fubara administration and forging partnerships with stakeholders, trade organisations, unions, youth groups, professional bodies as well as promoting good governance through consultations.
According to her, the seminar was aimed at increasing awareness, community empowerment, ownership, and participation to achieve the overall objectives of good governance. “We will achieve this through public education, media activities, constructive engagement, coalition building and grassroots activities. We envision the new edition of political participation in the state, hence, this seminar has been packaged to achieve these objectives,” she stated.
In his keynote address, the BOT Chairman, Prof Adolphus Toby described Governor Fubara as a divine liberator of the State whom God is using to reposition the State through inclusive governance, adding that the state will witness total liberty before the end of next month.
The Professor of Banking and Corporate Finance at the Rivers State University stressed that the state cannot negotiate Liberty, noting that the state governor has taken a new dimension in governance through inclusive administration. “Everybody is being carried along. Everybody is important in the society and the present administration has recognised this. We can no longer see a situation where only one ethnic region will dominate”, he stated.
Earlier in his lecture, the lead guest lecturer, Prof John Mark of the state university, stated that there can only be good governance in the society when the environment is made to be friendly for all to thrive.
The Professor of Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management said government must be intentional in its engagements to distract people from distracting government , adding that good governance entails that both government and the people must be seen doing what they supposed to do.
In his own presentation, Dr Francis Olisa, who spoke on peace development opined that peace is a panacea to societal development even as he described peace as a departure from conflicts and advocated for sustainable peace to fast track excellent governance in the State.
The climax of the event was the unveiling and launching of the proposed agricultural revolution and food security sensitisation programme by the group.

By: Akujobi Amadi