Group Calls For Development Centres In Rivers

A non-governmental organisation, Africa Global Development for Positive Change Initiative (ADIAfrica) has called for the establishment of Development Centres across Rivers State to promote grassroots development and economic empowerment. The International President of the organisation, Prince Dan Mbachi, made the call in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit by the Rivers/Bayelsa States Coordinator of the Federal Fire Service, Abdullahi A. Alfa.
Mbachi said the creation of Development Centres would accelerate rural development and expand economic opportunities for communities across the state. He also urged foreign embassies operating in Nigeria to establish visa processing centres in Port Harcourt to ease the burden on residents of the South-South and South-East regions.
According to him, such centres would significantly reduce the cost and stress associated with travelling to Lagos or Abuja for visa processing. He specifically commended the United Kingdom for establishing a visa centre at the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt and encouraged other embassies to follow suit.
Meanwhile, ADIAfrica pledged to collaborate with the Federal Fire Service to curb fire outbreaks in the South-South zone. Mbachi said the partnership would focus on public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and safety, as well as sensitisation against the vandalisation of firefighting vehicles and equipment.
He described ADIAfrica as one of the foremost development organisations on the continent, noting that it is affiliated with the United Nations and has offices in several African countries and beyond. He also disclosed plans by the organisation to host an international conference in Ghana, which will feature awards recognising distinguished personalities across Africa.
Mbachi commended the Federal Fire Service for its efforts in combating fire incidents in Rivers and Bayelsa states and stressed the need for residents to cooperate with the agency by providing timely information during emergencies.
Responding, the Rivers/Bayelsa States Coordinator of the Federal Fire Service, Abdullahi A. Alfa, praised ADIAfrica for its commitment to partnering with the agency to reduce fire incidents. He warned youths and residents against the vandalisation of firefighting equipment, describing such acts as criminal and detrimental to the morale and effectiveness of the service.
Alfa also appealed to the public to promptly report fire outbreaks to enable swift response and reduce loss of lives and property.

By: John Bibor & Mercy Johnson