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Jonathan Hails Amaechi’s Achievements; Amaechi Has Made Nigeria, Africa Proud -Abubakar …Gov Shown Education’s Way To Go -Ikuru …PH Now On World Map -Peterside
President Goodluck Jonathan has said the designation of Port Harcourt as World Book Capital 2014 by UNESCO was major a achievement that had made it a centre of enlightenment and scholarship.
Jonathan, represented by his Special Assistant on Documentation, Mrs Molara Wood, made the remark in Port Harcourt at the opening ceremony of Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 on Wednesday.
He said that the achievement also made the city as one going forward. “We can all build upon it to reinforce the reading culture.
“It can also improve the value of getting information to the development of the thought process for humanity.’’
He commended the movers of the bid for the World Book Capital 2014, adding that it was a visionary endeavour that saw Port Harcourt beat 10 major cities of the world, including the renowned educational city of Oxford.
He also commended the Rainbow Book Club under the guidance of Mrs Koko Kalango “who worked tirelessly towards this investiture that is clearly unprecedented in Sub-Saharan Africa.’’
Jonathan also commended the Rivers Government for supporting the Rainbow Book Club and making the event a success.
He said he launched the “Bring Back the Book“ campaign in recognition of the importance of scholarship to the quality of youths and society shortly after assuming office as President,
“The Bring Back the Book initiative was conceived as citizens’ framework to be driven by Nigerians themselves.
“Port Harcourt has for many years been a pivot of book and literature centre of discussion as well as melting pot for writers and artistes whose works helped enrich our lives.
“It is against this background that the Federal Government threw its support behind the Port Harcourt World Book Capital bid.
“It is to the glory of our collective effort that the shared golden dream of the Rainbow Book Club and the entire readership and literary community for this city, has today been realised.’’
Jonathan commended the World Book Capital programme, saying that it was rich and varied and would touch every age group, especially the youths.
“ It is heartening to note that the international dimension will ensure that these activities will resonate around Africa and extend to the global book world.
“For the first time, the shortlist for the prestigious Cane prize for African writing is being unveiled in Nigeria, right here in Port Harcourt as part of World Book Capital event.
“ Without doubt, the writers on the Cane shortlist will number among the future torch bearers for writings from the African continent’’, the president said.
In his keynote address, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, said the fight against terrorism was a collective responsibility of Nigerians.
Soyinka said: “the edict and fatwas of Boko Haram are worthless and dangerous; Boko Haram destroys books and destroys the institution.
“The book fair today is a powerful statement of the rejection of the Boko Haram’s fatwas; the mission of the book fair, as an agency of enlightenment, cannot be compromised by dictates, implicit or covert of its country mission.“
Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) in his speech commended Rivers State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his revolutionary ideas in the state education sector that have now won the state its current World Book Capital status.
He made the commendation while speaking as Chairman of the occasion for the opening ceremony of Port Harcourt as World Book Capital for 2014 at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said Rivers State has done both Nigeria and Africa proud by becoming the World Book Capital this year after beating several other countries in the bid for the world book capital.
“Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and indeed all Nigerians for this historic nomination as World Book Capital 2014 which is coming as Nigeria celebrates its centenary.
“Your Excellencies, the city of Port Harcourt has indeed done Nigeria and Africa very proud by clinching this nomination (as World Book capital 2014). What makes this selection of Port Harcourt even more momentous is the fact that the city vied for this honour against many better known cities such as Oxford, Lyon, Moscow. Port Harcourt has therefore brought a great pride to Nigeria and for this we are most grateful.
“The Government of Rivers State under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi deserves commendation and praise for his revolutionary intervention in the state education sector.
“The evidence of the government’s intervention can be seen in the model primary (and secondary) schools scattered across the state. Equally impressive is the fact that the state investment in school infrastructure has been matched by solid investment in teachers’ welfare and training. Congratulations, Your Excellency”.
He acknowledged that Port Harcourt over the years had attracted several famous writers and book lovers to the city through its annual Port Harcourt Book Festival and wished the state would use its tenure as World Book capital to impact on the rest of the world.
“Port Harcourt over the last few years has become a haven for book lovers. Since 2008 every year in the month of October, writers, publishers, book sellers and other book lovers from the world over converge on the city for weeklong activities under the auspices of the Port Harcourt Book Festival. I have no doubt that the effect of this World Book Capital year will reverberate across the rest of Nigeria and beyond our shores”, he said.
Also speaking, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, said the best way to check insurgency and fight crime is to promote education.
Engr. Ikuru, who is also the Chairman, Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 Committee, said this Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 in Port Harcourt.
He noted that the efforts of the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to address the security challenges faced by the state and the Niger Delta has yielded dividends.
Furthermore, he stressed that Amaechi’s prioritization of education across the state has placed on a pedestal that qualified Port Harcourt as the 14th UNESCO World Book Capital.
The deputy governor praised Governor Amaechi, UNESCO and all other stakeholders for the success of today’s event.
Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Dakuku Peterside (APC- Opobo/Nkoro), has said the designation of Port Harcourt as the World Book Capital had put the city on the world map.
The newsmen UNESCO designated Port Harcourt as the World Book Capital for 2014, the first in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Alexandria in Egypt, was the first in Africa in 2002.
Peterside told newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday that the event would open a window of opportunities for Rivers and Nigeria, especially in the literary world.
“Port Harcourt is on the spot light. World attention will be focused on Port Harcourt for the next one year.
“A lot of young people will be exposed, will be given opportunities, their skills will be honed and of course, there will be opportunities for networking.
“But most importantly, we are going to re-invent the culture of reading and of course, a whole lot of literary works in the city of Port Harcourt.
“There is a lot to be gained from Port Harcourt serving as the World Book Capital for the next one year.“
The lawmaker also called for collective effort to promote reading culture among the youth, saying that it was one way to keep their minds busy.
He urged Rivers people to key into the World Book Capital programme and use the experience to improve the standard of education in the state.
Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi (right), receiving Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 from Deputy Governor, Bangkok, Mr K Amond (left), during the celebration of the Port Harcourt World Book Capital, at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Wednesday. With them is A representative of Bangkok
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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.