Nation
RIV-CARES: Fubara Partners World Bank, BOI To Empower 3,700 SMEs
Rivers State Government in collaboration with World Bank and Bank of Industry has deployed N19 billion to stimulate the economy of the State, thereby empowering 3,700 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
This was made known by the state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Peter Medee at the 2024 SMEs disbursement ceremony for phase 3 beneficiaries of Rivers State COVID-19 Action Recovery And Economic Stimulus (RIV-CARES), Result Area 3, organised by the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.
The Commissioner who is also the Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC), commended the governor of the state, for what he called a kind and enterprising heart.
Medee noted that the governor has made many moves towards poverty alleviation and promotion of Small And Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the State, adding, “all the money that need to get into the economy is sent straight into the economy. The result is the number of beneficiaries we have here today.
“It shows the governor is committed, dedicated and interested in stimulating the economy of Rivers State. Our target is to grow businesses in the State. The beneficiaries will start receiving their grants this week”.
The Commissioner also launched the MSMEs Portal (https://rivbusiness.ng/), stating that Result Area 3 has indeed gone digital in processing business data and procedures.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Lawson Renner Ikuru said RIV- CARES, Result Area 3 has benefitted 3,700 entrepreneurs as against the initial target of 2,700 entrepreneurs.
He noted that the intention is to “improve productivity, reduce unemployment and reduce youth restiveness.
The Perm Sec. congratulated the beneficiaries for scaling through the fair and transparent process set up by the world Bank and Bank of Industry, their partners, noting that technical heads of State CARES and RIV-CARES have worked tirelessly to make the programme a success.
He charged the beneficiaries to ensure they invest the grant to grow their businesses, adding that invested fund can yield money for enjoyment tomorrow.
Ikuru however warned against those impersonating to defraud the poor, stating that the Ministry would always fight against evil.
The Technical Head, State CARES Coordinating Unit (SCCU), Mrs. Imaonyani Ephraim-George said the launched portal would provide opportunity for database for whatever businesses people are transacting in the State.
Ephraim-George reiterated that the has done well in this national, world and state collaboration grant programme because “Governor Fubara has been passionate about the well-being of his citizens.
“Rivers State came 7th in terms of having reached to the beneficiaries across the nation and getting returns for investment by the entrepreneurs”, he said.
In her welcome address, the Technical Head, RIV-CARES Result Area 3, Mrs. AmieyeIgein Sally expressed satisfaction that the objective of the programme has been met, adding that the programme is still ongoing.
Mrs. Amieyelgein while responding to questions from pressmen said the process has also been gender sensitive, noting the need for beneficiaries to make use of the knowledge gainered from the training during the ceremony.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Peckinson Ikhajiangbe, the Manager of Providence Properties International, said the programme was very impactful and has alleviated the burden of the common man.
He commended the transparency in the system and said he never believes it is a reality until today, noting that his business is already heading to the next level.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Oladimeji Kusimo of KUSH Medical Laboratories Limited , expressed his happiness for scaling through the process, adding that the grant will position his company to do better.
He noted that the machines given to him has already projected his laboratory to go digital.
The highlights of the ceremony were the technical training sessions, the giving out of the dummy cheques, the digital systems, like laptops, phones, POS and other materials.
Lilian Peters
An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.
As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.
The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.
The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.
According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors
‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”
It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees
“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”
The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said
It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development
Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.
The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.
The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt
Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.
He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.
“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.
“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.
Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.
Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.
“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.
The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.
He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.
John Bibor
