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RSG, RHG Sign Deal For New Port City …As Fubara Upscales PH Decongestion Plan

Published

1 month ago

August 23, 2024

Rivers State Government has signed a Public-Private-Partnership framework agreement for the establishment of a New Port City to be delivered on a 1,000 hectares of land that will serve as nucleus of network of urban centres designed to decongest Port Harcourt and break the one-city jinx of the State.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday, was between the Rivers State Government, under the supervision of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA) and Rainbow Heritage Group (RHG).
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, and Acting Director General of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dr Tonte Davies signed for the Rivers State Government, while the Group Managing Director (GMD), Mr Oliver Biedima, signed for the Rainbow Heritage Group.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented at the signing event by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, said that over the years, the State has remained a one-city State, priding in the Port Harcourt City, even if its expansion has been poorly coordinated as it stretches into Obio/Akpor, Eleme and Oyigbo Local Government Areas.
Governor Fubara explained that the partnership deal between the Rivers State Government represented by the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and Rainbow Heritage Group Limited will ensure achievement of one of the three new cities his administration has proposed to establish.
He said: “Today, we all are going to be witnesses to a great event that will birth a New Port City in Eleme Local Government Area. That city will sit on 1,000 hectares of land, and it will be a well-planned scheme with all the features of a modern city in place.
“And so, today, we are going to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and I assure you that the vision of our Governor with the support of Rainbow Heritage Group Limited, and under the able leadership of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, we will see the birthing of that New Port City,” he said.
He noted that the bold initiative will help decongest the heavily populated city of Port Harcourt, and break the one-city jinx that Rivers State has been noted for all these years.
In his speech, the Acting Director General of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), Dr Tonte Davies, explained that the expected New Port City will be executed on a 1,000 hectares of land, and may be expandable.
Dr Davies said the engagement of Rainbow Heritage Group is evidence of the agency’s commitment to achieving the mandate given to them by Governor Fubara to create more cities in the State.
He stated: “His Excellency said it’s 1,000 hectares, but we are working towards having much more than that, because there are going to be other satellite connecting towns to this New Port City.
“It is called New Port City not because we want to just call it a New Port City, but because we look at that area as having the Onne Ports.
“Looking at the Greater Port Harcourt Master Plan, you will see we have three development notes: the Old City, the International Airport and the Onne Ports.
“The Old City is there already existing. The International Airport is where the Phase 1A of the Greater Port Harcourt City is, and now, we have moved towards the Onne Ports.
“And that is how the Greater Port Harcourt City will be pushed forward, just like Rainbow Heritage Group said, towards other connecting towns that will be created.”
Dr Davies assured that the development of the New Port City will bring about massive employment, before, during and even after construction works are concluded, bearing in mind that cities are not necessarily developed in one day.
He restated the commitment of the agency not to let this State down while also appreciating the massive support from Governor Fubara which will contribute immensely to eventual actualisation of the project.
“Just like His Excellency rightly said, Port Harcourt has been a one-city State, created on the same day with a state like Lagos, but with better potentials that can be compared with Lagos State. But we have foot-dragged on our development.
“We were glad when Rainbow Heritage Group came in, having seen their track record. It has been a long journey. We have done so much in the past months; sleepless nights, working together, to ensure that today, history is made.
“This development will bring about massive employment, before, during and even after construction. Cities are not developed in one day, we know, but for this, we assure you that we have a record time.”
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director (GMD), Rainbow Heritage Group (RHG), Mr Oliver Biedima, stated how, as a group, they had always wanted such partnerships with the Rivers State Government to create a new city that will transform the lives of residents in the State.
Mr Biedima said because of such long expected dream, the group, over the years, made researches on how to truly enhance the abundant potentials of Rivers State to achieve resourceful revitalisation.
He said: “So, the New Port City has been identified to be a strategic location. In fact, I can call it one robust strategic location we have in the region that combines the Blue Economy, Agriculture, Industry, Real Estate, and we can actually grow it as a major economic power-house in the West African sub-region.”
Mr Biedima emphasised: “All the necessary indicators, all the necessary features or parameters needed to build the city are all in place.
“The city is founded on strategic partnerships, and we believe that it will have the opportunity to be able to build enough opportunities for emergence of new jobs, new businesses, anchor industries, out-grower farmers and export.
“It has the potential to interconnect other states to be able to grow and revitalize our economy. So, we are pleased, as an organisation, to partner with the Rivers State Government to make this happen. We are committed, and we believe that it will be delivered on time and on target,” he added.

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We’ll Support Efforts At Building Productive Civil Service, Fubara Assures Walson-Jack

Published

6 days ago

September 25, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the leadership of the Federal Civil Service at building the capacity of the workforce for greater productivity, and assured that the Rivers State Government will not relent in offering tenable support that will contribute to the success of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Governor maintained that in addition to joining efforts with the President Tinubu-led administration to achieve its Renewed Hope Agenda for the country, the current Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, has been a true ambassador of Rivers State with sterling performance that requires support.

Governor Fubara made the acknowledgment when he received on courtesy visit, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Monday.

On her entourage were; Eyo Okpo-Ene, the South-South Zonal Chairman/Local Organising Committee of Nigerian Institute of Management, Prof. Abubakar Garuba, council member and North-East Zonal Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Management, and Sir Emmanuel Okafor, council member of Nigerian Institute of Management.

Governor Fubara said: “Let me also say this to everyone, when you become an ambassador of our State, the ambassador, as I understand it very well, is that you are representing a people.

“You might be a messenger to protect their interest or maybe, do one or two things for your people. It is always good for your person to speak peace and not trouble. I can say it here without fear that you symbolize peace, and we are very proud to associate with you.

“We will, by the special grace of God, in anyway we can, support you. We will support you because we know what you stand for. We also appreciate the work you are doing, and we are going to join hands together with you to support the success of the administration of Mr. President.

“Because it is important, if we fail from the head, it will also go down to the toe. So, we need all aspects of succeed,” he added.

Governor Fubara told his quest the need to bring back the glory that was once reckoned with the Rivers State Civil Service.

He said when Mrs Walson-Jack was still with the Rivers State Civil Service, she worked with dedication and attained a certain level in the service to merit the recommendation that took her to federal level because she was an outstanding officer.

“So, those of you that are here, you can see what it means to work hard, and to be dedicated. And today, it is because of those qualities, those hard works that led her to go to the federal, and she is now the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. It is not a walk in the pack, no. It is a big achievement. So, I am happy that you were able to achieve it for us.”

Governor Fubara said lots of initiatives and actions have been taken since he assumed office to reposition the State Civil Service that was nearly dead.

One of the decisions implemented, he stated, was to commence the promotion of civil servants who had been denied such statutory rights for upwards of 11 years, stressing that the decision has restored hope in them as a workforce of the government.

“We came in and it wasn’t easy, but we have to give the civil servants hope by ensuring that they were promoted. When we came on board, we inherited a near dead civil service. A service that there was no promotion for 11 years.

“We didn’t even end there. We immediately, when Nigerian Institute of Management visited us earlier, we assured them that they are going to be consultant to the Civil Service in terms of training, which is key.”

Governor Fubara also bemoaned how civil servants have been deprived of functional training opportunities that should expose them to contemporary procedures and work ethics, which had taken a toll on the entire service.

He said: “Training is the only thing that can build the service that will give us that level of result. Result of transparency, efficiency, even assurance that there is hope. It is only when you start building them and they feel secured that they also understand that something is at stake.

“I can’t remember the year that any of the civil servants here had gone for any training. I think the last time we did training was in 2010. That was the last time the civil service was involved in any training. So, I know what it means, because that is my primary constituency,” he said.

Governor Fubara noted with delight that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation showed respect by undertaking the courtesy visit that most government functionaries find it difficult to do because they do not want to be in the bad book of somebody.

Specifically, he said: “I feel very honoured, I am overwhelmed with so much joy and my reason is this: We’ve had cases where people come into our State, people come in to represent the President in events, and they don’t bother paying courtesy (visit).

“The singular reason is for fear of some persons in Abuja. So, I am really happy that you are doing what is the normal standard everywhere in the federation.

“Somebody of your calibre cannot come into Rivers State without paying a courtesy call to the Governor. And by that, we also recognize you, because if anything happens to you while you are here, it is our problem. So, I want to thank you for honouring us,” he added.

In her speech, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, she is dedicated to ensuring that Rivers State’s concerns and aspirations are amplified at the highest level of government.

She pledged her readiness to support any initiatives that align with the goals of advancing the State because of her passion to build a civil service that is robust, responsive, dynamic, and one that meets the needs of the people.

She said, “At the Federal level, our ongoing civil service reforms are focused on performance management and digital transformation to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency.

“In today’s rapidly changing world, technology has become indispensable. We have embraced digitalization in the Federal Civil Service to streamline processes, enhance communication and deliver better services.

“I look forward to discussing how the Federal and Rivers State Civil Services can collaborate on technology-driven initiatives that can serve as a model for other states and regions.”

Speaking further, she said: “Your Excellency, I have long admired your commitment to public service, and I am excited to explore how we can work together to strengthen the Rivers State Civil Service further by prioritizing initiatives such as capacity building, promotion of transparency and accountability, and fostering greater citizen engagement. We can build the service that meets and exceeds expectations.

“Your leadership vision and dedication to good governance are not just commendable, but also critical to the success of our efforts at the Federal level.

“I am confident that together, we can advocate for policies that would unlock Rivers State’s full potential, and ensure its citizens have access to the resources and opportunities needed for sustainable growth and development.”

Mrs Walson-Jack expressed delight at learning how Rivers State under the leadership of Governor Fubara is determined to host the annual Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in November, 2024, and is on the verge of securing the hosting right for the 2024 meeting of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.

She said the prestigious events would further advance the standing of Rivers State as a centre for national activities, and demonstrates it’s capacity for excellence.

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Rivers At Era Of Rebirth After Political Crisis -Fubara …Swears-In Eight New Judges …Charges Them To Promote Equity, Justice

Published

6 days ago

September 25, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the reasons behind the political crisis that erupted in the State are beginning to unfold for many more people to understand it clearly.

The Governor, however, stated that good things do not come by so easily because, like a seed put into the ground, dies before germinating, sometimes things will get bad before they eventually become better.

Governor Fubara made the assertion in his charge to eight new judges shortly after they were sworn-in at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt.

The eight new High Court judges sworn-in include, Hon. Justice Frank Onyiri; Hon Justice Victor Chinedum Ugoji; Hon Justice Godswill Vidal Obomanu; Hon Justice Rita Chituru Oguguo; Hon Justice Alatuwo Elkanah Fubara; Hon Justice Bariyima Sylvester Kokpan; Hon Justice Lesi Wifa-Adedipe; and Hon Justice Ibietela Innocent Madighi Obu.

The Governor vehemently declared that Rivers State, having gone through the crucible of the crisis, is at a stage of rebirth with the promise of everything considered to have gone wrong being restored, if not totally but at 90 percent.

He said: “I want to thank everyone of you, more especially our judges. You’ve been very strong even in the face of this crisis that we find ourselves in. God will lead us through it. I think it’s for a purpose, and that purpose gradually is unfolding, and we are seeing it ourselves.

“Things have to get bad before it will get well. You don’t harvest a maize without planting it. When these seeds are planted, they decay and they now, from there, start growing.

“So, I strongly believe that what we are facing, at the stage we are, is for a rebirth of our State, and with your support, we are going to get everything right. At least, if not everything, 90 percent of our issues will be right.”

Governor Fubara recalled how smoothly and cheerfully the journey had started when he assumed office because the political family then was united, but added that but half-way, there were unexplainable attempts to abort the administration.

But God was kind, Governor Fubara quickly said, because He has offered another golden opportunity to steady the course of governance, stir up hope in the people and provide trusted leadership that is now widely accepted.

He noted, “We are here today to consummate that process, so that there will be more judicial officers that will help to drive the process of our Judiciary in the State.

“This opportunity (appointment) wasn’t given to you by me, that is the truth. It is God that made it. Some of you here have looked for it in several ways.

“Some of you were even opportune to be magistrate nominees, but you didn’t make it. But, you are here today as Judges. It is only God that has made it, it is not me.”

Governor Fubara told the newly sworn-in judges that he will never call any of them up to ask them to do anything that is wrong because he expects them to be bold in standing up for the truth and restore hope in the Judiciary.

He added, “So, I am not going to ask you for anything, and I know that I have never called anyone of you here to ask for anything. Discharge your duty with the fear of God. I am saying it here, I will never call any of you here or even the older ones there to go and do what is wrong. Stand for what is right, and that is the only way God will elevate you; that is the truth.

“There is a line in our new national anthem that says ‘a country where no man is oppressed’. You are supposed to be at that balance. When anybody calls you for something that is not just, you ought to have the boldness to tell the person: this is not right, and I am not going to do it.

“My message is simple: do what is right, defend the course that you stand for, justice and equity.”

Governor Fubara also said: “I also know that you are not going to disappoint the Judiciary, because if you do that, you are disappointing and failing those very poor voiceless people who believe that the only way they can truly correct the wrong is through the Judiciary. So, I appeal to you, stand on the side of right.”

The Governor assured that his administration will sustain its support to the Judiciary to ensure that they do not lack anything to enhance their work so that they can resist attempts on them to compromise the expected standard.

Governor Fubara, while also congratulating the new judges, advised them to work amicably with their seniors with respect so that those coming after them can naturally respect them too.

He further challenged them to ensure they follow due process in the dispensation of justice, saying that due diligence was necessary for the system to function effectively and strengthen good governance.

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Independence Anniversary: RSG Sets Up Planning Committee

Published

2 weeks ago

September 20, 2024

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee (CPC) to organize the celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.
Inaugurating the committee in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, maintained that the committee was constituted to plan and execute all approved activities marking the 64th Independence celebration of Nigeria in the State.
According to the SSG, there will be no time lost in preparations as Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has already approved the programmes for the 2024 Independence Day celebration.
He emphasised that the events will begin with Juma’at Prayers on Friday 27th September while an Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service will hold on Sunday, 29th September.
The grand-finale according to him, will hold on Tuesday, 1st October, at the Sharks Stadium with spectacular parade and performances.
He appreciated the security agencies and MDAs for partnering the State Government to always ensure seamless celebration as he further tasked members to deploy their expertise in the areas of their operations.
He noted that the committee will meet regularly prior to the Grand-finale.