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We’re Open To Partnerships To Enhance Status Of Rivers People -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that he is willing to work with people of goodwill and progressive ideas for partnerships that will make life better for the people and ensure sustainable development of the State.
This is even as he acknowledged the unwavering support demonstrated by both indigenes and residents of Azuabie-Okujaku communities in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, who have become good ambassadors of his Administration.
Governor Fubara made the remark while addressing a delegation of the leadership and members of Azuabie-Okujaku communities who were on a peaceful solidarity walk to Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, who received the delegation on behalf of the Governor, noted the people’s support that was largely organic in nature, adding that it was evidence that they were taking back what rightly belongs to them by genuinely supporting the Government they all voted into power.
He said, “You are the people that voted him into power, and that is why you have the right also to say that these are the things you need.
“The Governor also recognises the contributions of your sons and daughters who have served the State in different ways. Your community is one of the greatest communities in the State because it has produced men that have contributed in no small measure to the growth of Rivers State,” he said.
Governor Fubara said: “I want to beg of you, as you go home, let every person here be an ambassador, everybody in your community. Tell them that the Governor means well for his people.
“Tell your people that their Governor is still sitting in the place they elected him to sit, and taking the right decisions. We know there could be people who may be tempted with money to be Judas. But tell them to shun money. Tell them that what matters at this time is the people, and the Governor is people-centred.”
Governor Fubara said he had listened and taken note of their requests concerning the state of public schools in their communities, among other issues that require attention.
He commended them, saying: “I want to even thank you that on your own, you made some community efforts to execute projects, whereas some people, when Government builds schools, they go and steal the things used in building the schools and destroy the schools.
“In your case, you used your own money to build some classrooms in your communities. The Governor will be very happy to hear this and your communities will be supported.
“I want to make one assurance to you: We have received your protest letter, we will not talk about them here, because already, the Governor is thinking along those lines.
“The Governor is thinking about making sure that our people live in a comfortable environment. I can assure you that your communities will receive maximum support,” he assured.
Speaking on behalf of Azuabie-Okujaku communities, Elder Tamunotonkaye Adolphus, said they are ardent supporters of the Governor Fubara-led Administration, and are very impressed with his performance in office, accomplishments and peaceful disposition.
Elder Adolphus explained that the people have fresh hope of Government intervention in their communities because they were neglected by the immediate past Administration, leaving their roads and public schools unattended to.
He expressed the belief that the Governor Fubara-led Administration will come to their aid by rehabilitating the 10km internal roads and the two public schools in the communities.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Gubernatorial Candidate for Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the 2023 general election, Sir Victor Fingesi, expressed excitement with Governor Fubara’s avowed commitment to harnessing the agricultural potential of the State.
He noted that it was the first time since 1999 that a Governor was so convinced and determined to change the narrative in the agriculture sector, which can contribute to making Rivers State become competitive economically.
He called for strategic investments in the agriculture sector to guarantee food sufficiency and security, and reduce the scourge of hunger in the land, adding that it was only through such avenue that enduring peace and development can be achieved.
Fingesi pledged total support to Governor Fubara and his Administration, saying that he was ready to work with the Government to take the State to the next level.
The Nigerian rail system generated N1.69billionn in revenue from passengers in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting a 53.14 per cent increase compared to the N1.10billion recorded in the same period of 2023.
This data was disclosed by the National Bureau of Statistics in its report released yesterday.
According to the report, a total of 689,263 passengers travelled by rail in Q2, representing a growth rate of 45.38 per cent compared to 474,117 passengers in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
The volume of goods transported via rail also saw a significant increase, with 143,759 tons moved in Q2 2024, up from 56,936 tons in Q2 2023. Additionally, the Nigerian Railway Corporation reported a volume of 5,940 tons of goods transported through pipelines in Q2 2024, an increase from the 2,856 tons recorded in the same period of the previous year.
Revenue from goods conveyed via rail stood at N537.36m in Q2 2024, a remarkable increase of 206.68 per cent compared to N175.22m in Q2 2023. The movement of goods through pipelines also contributed to revenue generation, with N42.08m collected in Q2 2024, compared to N12.81million in Q2 2023.
Other revenue receipts amounted to N994.68million in Q2 2024, representing a staggering increase of 5,206.68 per cent from the N18.74m recorded in the corresponding period of last year.
In the first quarter, of 2024, The Tide source reported that Nigeria spent more on servicing the debt incurred for building its railways than the revenue generated by its railway system. The country spent 2,470 per cent more on railway debt servicing than it made from revenue from rail services in the first quarter of 2024.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is committed to advancing projects and programmes that enhance food security and sustainable growth in the region.
Chief Monday Igbuya, the Delta State representative on the NDDC Board, made this pledge in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, yesterday by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Igbuya spoke at the inauguration of a training and empowerment programme for women and youths in livestock and agro processing in Amukpe, Sapele area of Delta.
He stated that the NDDC was prioritising livestock training in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“NDDC is focussed on implementing programmes to ensure food security and agricultural growth in multi sectors, aiming to improve living standards.
“It is our belief that for socio-economic development to take place, there is need to develop manpower in the agricultural sector,” he said.
Igbuya expressed confidence that training farmers would enhance livestock production, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the Niger Delta.
Mrs Winifred Madume, NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, said that training farmers and entrepreneurs was essential for improving productivity and market access.
“The commission has been promoting research and development through various institutions and providing farming techniques to beneficiaries,” she said.
The Project Consultant, Dr Simon Akhaine, said that 200 women and youths had registered for the livestock and agro-business skill acquisition programme.
According to him, the programme aims to equip them with the essential knowledge and skills for self-sufficiency in livestock farming, thereby boosting regional food security.
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.
In his stead, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual summit.
Tinubu “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed yesterday.
The statement is titled ‘Vice President Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly.’
It reads, “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.
“Therefore, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.”
Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trips to China and the United Kingdom, “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” said Onanuga.
At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.
The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.
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