News
Omehia Advocates RSG, NIESV Synergy To Dev State
Former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, has restated the willingness of the state government under the leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike to partner stakeholders in the development of the state.
Omehia made this known at the formal opening ceremony of the 52nd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
In his speech, the former governor said that the state was open to ideas and contributions by individuals and groups towards the improvement of Rivers State and its cities.
According to him, “The government of Rivers State is ready and willing to join hands with any institution, anybody in the development of the state”.
He went on to say that the development of the state and city is not in the hands of one person and that the outcome of the conference would be historical.
“It will go down in history that decisions, plans, ideas and efforts to elevate Nigerian cities to a higher level of cities like New York and other cities of the world are taken here in Rivers State by NIESV under the presidency of Emmanuel Wike”, he said.
He further challenged the institution to play active role in the development of the state.
“Your role is enormous and it is needed in the development of the state. As a body, you can go beyond the task given to individual members to correct the ills in the development efforts in the state. The body has the right to either advise government or take legal action against persons defacing the city or building on waterways”.
Also speaking earlier, the outgoing president of the body, Emmanuel Wike, expressed delight over the fact that the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in about 53 years of its existence has promoted the general interests of the profession, while maintaining and extending its usefulness for the public good by advising members of the public, government departments, statutory bodies, local governments, associations, institutions and such like bodies on all matters coming within the scope of the profession, whilst also initiating and supporting any legislation relevant to the objects of the institution.
He added, “We have also made valuable contributions to the development of the nation in the areas of Policy Formulation, Land Administration, Asset Management and Administration, Housing and Project Development. We have positively impacted the Nigerian landscape with several achievements and contributions, so numerous to mention here.
“We are gathered here for the very important purposes of promotion and sharing of knowledge, acquisition of competencies, expansion and deepening of professional development. Conferences provide opportunities for these. Let us, therefore, make a good use of this great opportunity to learn, acquire and share with one another new ideas and new techniques of practice, especially in this fast changing world”, he told members.
“The depth of knowledge, competencies and exposure of the resource persons who have been invited to share ideas with us in this epoch gathering tells me loud and clear that we are in for exciting moments. I sincerely appreciate your presence here. I enjoin my noble colleagues who registered for the conference to attend the plenary and all the other sessions, physically or virtually as the case may be. It’s going to be highly impacting and enriching. Ensure that you learn, unlearn and relearn many things at this conference”, he added.
The conference, with the theme, “Cities of the Future: Development, Infrastructure and Sustainability”, which began last Monday, ended on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the newly elected president of the institution (NIESV), Johnbull Amayaevbo, said that his tenure would be predicated on four-point agenda of rebranding, research and development, capacity building and welfare of members.
He stated this Port Harcourt shortly after being inaugurated as the 25th president of the NIESV alongside other executive committee members.
Amayaevbo promised to take the Institution to a different level, anchored on the rule of law and order, while insisting that discipline would be the watchword.
According to him, “We will run our tenure based on law and order, with strict compliance to discipline. If you cannot substantiate any fact, there will be consequences for it.”
He revealed plans to roll out programmes and policies that would advance the cause of the institution in diverse ways, whilst soliciting the support of all to succeed.
By: Gabriel Nwanetanya
The Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) has unveiled measures to enthrone ease of doing business and win back the confidence of the business community.
The Director-General of the Agency, Dr Chamberlain Peterside, unveiled the plans at the Breakout Session of RSIPA at the ongoing 18th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, at the Obi Wali International Cultural Centre, in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Peterside said the agency was poised to free the state from accumulation of wrong narratives that branded it over the years as unsafe for business.
He, however, admitted that many things had gone wrong in the past where regulators joined to make the business environment difficult for investors.
He announced that the agency was rather focused on actions, solutions, and results as adopted in the mission statement of the Board.
“Our task is no mean feat. We are dealing with the perception risk that over several years branded the state as unsafe. We are also faced with the challenges of dealing with the lack of cohesion amongst MDAs, policy inconsistencies, multiple taxation, incessant harassment by miscreants, red tape and delays in obtaining operating permits, high cost of operations and opaque public sector,” he said.
“It is about listening to the investors in the field and ensuring that MDAs are carried along, hence the imperative for the setting up of our One-Stop-Center”, he added.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, who represented the state governor, said the Fubara administration was ready to listen to the business community to see ways of reducing impediments to investments.
He listed the stages of actions being undertaken by the governor as outlined in his 37-page blue print to revive the economy of Rivers State.
The Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who was presented at the event as a star investor and promoter of Rivers State reputation, said for the plans of the investment promotion agency to materialize, an enabling law should replace the Executive Order that established the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency.
He said this would insulate the agency from political instability and remove fear in the minds of investors about its sustainability.
According to him, protection precedes promotion and Local Direct Investment (LDIs) is what attracts and promotes Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs).
“It is the rat at home that reveals to the one in the bush that there is fish in the kitchen”, he added.
?
?The Mayor of Housing who is also the CEO of the Alesa Highlands Sustainable Green Smart City said that Port Harcourt is like a business empire under lock and key because it is not protecting its own and also not promoting its own enough for investors to come in.
?
?In the area of land documentation and inventory, China urged Rivers State Government to borrow a leaf from Abuja and adopt the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in dealing with land and property registration and documentation for ease of doing business.
?
?He said Lagos understood the power of business information, adding “this creates the impression that if you are not doing it in Lagos, you are not doing it in Africa.
“We need to shout louder than Lagos, because we need more investments than Lagos and the structural integrity of Abuja. When you marry both, Rivers State would be wonderful and become green with investments,” he said.
In her speech, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, called on the state government to look into the menace of parked trucks now turning Trans-Amadi into a risk zone.
She outlined the activities of the PHCCIMA and invited investors and businesses to the Port Harcourt economic hub, saying peace has returned.
The Director, Investors Relations of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Mrs Lovina Kayode, urged Rivers State to make haste and catch up on Ease of Doing Business, saying the Council has come to help businesses in the state.
Mrs Kayode, who represented the Executive Secretary/CEO of NIPC, Aisha Rimi, commended the Mayor of Housing and his counterpart, Mr. Oliver Biedima of Rainbow Heritage Group, for their decision to invest in Rivers State, saying it is a proof that Rivers State is safe for investors and their investments.
?
In his remarks, Oliver Biedemi of Rainbow Heritage Group urged government to give the private investors chance to develop the economy, saying ordinarily government does not have the funds to develop the economy.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
News
We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
