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National Dev: Jonathan Seeks Govs, NASS Partnership …Drops C -In-C Title
Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State (left) in a handshake with President Goodluck Jonathan during the President’s visit to Bayelsa State on Friday
President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the partnership of the state governors and members of the National Assembly in the effort to reposition the country and make it rank among the best among the comity of nations.
The President also wants the youths and the governments of Niger Delta region to maximize the gains of the amnesty programme in attracting investments to the region.
President Jonathan who stated this at a state banquet organised in his honour during his two-day official visit to Bayelsa State, said his ambition of developing the country could only be achieved with the support of the state governors and members of the National Assembly.
His words, “the only thing I can promise is that I will do my best to serve our own dear country as the President of the country, to make sure that we reposition our country in a way that will follow other developing nations of the world. I have to do that with the governors of the states and members of the National Assembly.
Expressing the Federal Government readiness to partner with Bayelsa State government in the area of infrastructural development, the President assured that it would get its own rightful share of all the resources that are meant for the development of the country.
He added, “we will do our own bit, that is why I came here with a number of ministers because we believe that the Federal Government and the state governments have to work together to develop all the component parts of the country.
I have touched a number of states within this period. This period, I am in Bayelsa State, I have seen the humble development of the state and I believe that the state is growing. I have seen the commitment of the people because the governor made reference to what happened in the afternoon which I wouldn’t want to bother myself about but I will plead with all of us, men and women and youths that for us as a people to grow, we must unite, we must work together.
Before this time, we experienced the excesses of the youths in terms of militancy but with the amnesty programme, at least, it has abated and this is the time for us to collectively work together to see how we can move the state forward.
Earlier in the day, President Jonathan had called for the active participation of the youths from the Niger Delta region in building a better Nigeria.
His words, “I am one of you, I grew up just like any of you from the creeks and today, I am the President. Definitely, any of you who is disciplined, who work hard can be where I am today.
As part of you, I know Bayelsa State was created in 1996. The journey from 1996 till today has made so many people heroes. We have collectively built a state that you younger ones will come to take over.
We have to sincerely thank the Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for the amnesty programme. The amnesty programme has been able to bring peace to Bayelsa State and the rest of Niger Delta and the governor can now work.
I will urge you to co-operate with your state governor to ensure the success of the Federal Government’s initiative. We have come to a stage where we must do things differently. Where we must all collectively see how we move our country forward, whether in the power, infrastructure, road construction, water, education, health sectors, but most especially, how we can make things happen in this country so that there can be direct investments.
The youths have a great role to play because every nation is built for the youths because some of us that are above 50years have very few years more to stay again, but you must be prepared to take over from where we must have stopped.
We have listed certain things that the Federal Government needs to partner with State governments. I promised all of you and the government of the state that we need to see how we can partner to make sure that we bring this thing to fruition. We want every part of the country to develop. That is the only way we can create jobs for you”.
Earlier in his address, Governor Sylva said his administration had planned to create 10,000 jobs by the end of the year as part of a comprehensive package targeted at poverty reduction, adding that provision had been made for the quick win project to cost about N6.4billion.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has dropped the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces from his official title lists, our correspondent reports.
“Mr President has removed the title, ‘Commander of the Armed Forces,’’ Vice President Namadi Sambo said at the Oxford University where he delivered a lecture to the Oxford International Relations Society.
“He (Jonathan) has directed that he should only be referred to as Mr President,’’ our reporters quoted Sambo as saying.
The Vice President who was responding to a question from the audience on why Nigerian leaders were being addressed by series of titles, added that the long lists of protocols at official events has also been dropped.
“During the declaration, where we declared to participate in the up-coming elections, it was very clear that Mr President said reading of long lists of protocols before the main address be reduced,’’ Sambo said.
The Vice President added: “If you notice; if it were before, I will recognise everybody on my entourage and the audience including you.’’
Sambo in his lecture entitled: “Vision 20:2020: Nigeria’s Agenda for the Membership of the New Emergent G20 Economic Group,’’ said Nigeria’s contribution at the global stage qualifies it to be a member of the G-20.
“As a regional power, Nigeria has undertaken tasks and incurred huge costs, both in financial and human terms, in furtherance of international peace and security that major powers have often applauded.
“Since membership of the G-20 does not reflect exactly the 20 largest economies of the World, it is only fair that Nigeria be admitted for her various contributions, for geographical balance and population representation,’’ he said.
He also expressed the belief that the current capital-led reforms and focused leadership of the present administration would propel economic growth for the country.
Sambo urged development partners and investors to partner with government in investing in Nigeria, “Africa’s largest market where returns on investment are guaranteed.’’
The Vice President who began a three-day visit to the U.K on Wednesday held a joint meeting with Mr Henry Billingham, Member of Parliament (MP) and United Kingdom (U.K) Minister for Africa and the United Nations (UN), Mr Stephen O’Brien, Under Secretary for International Development responsible for Africa.
He was accompanied by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Godswill Akpabio, Ministers of National Planning and Works, Mr Shamsedeen Usman and Sen. Muhammed Daggash, respectively, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Salamatu Ibrahim and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Martins Uhomoibhi.
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.