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We’ll Build Rivers Into Industrial Hub, Reliable Economic Gateway, Fubara Assures …Promises To Set Up Investment Promotion Agency
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to spend his days in office working assiduously towards rebuilding the economy of the State beyond crude oil and gas so that it can be reckoned as a reliable economic gateway, investment destination and hub of robust industrial activities.
The Governor explained that it is for this reason that the economic and investment summit was organised in the State to congregate key players in the sector to share experiences, brainstorm and dissect ideas, and provide a roadmap that will put the State back on the lane for the expected accelerated industrialsation.
Governor Fubara gave the explanation when he received the report on the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit 2024 from the Central Organising Committee at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor pointed to how the economic summit served as a gateway through which the world saw the investment potentials of the State, and said that the government will leverage on the opportunity created to attract investments into the State to make life better for the people.
Governor Fubara said in putting the summit together, everything was done to avert failure but regretted that some elements who do not want the State to make meaningful economic progress worked behind the scenes against its success.
He said, “I can boldly say here that most of the people that were invited as guests, some elements who didn’t wish us well, called them privately, asking them not to be part of the programme.
“They went as far as even, on the second day of the programme, because they did not expect somebody, a very notable person to be part of it, they tried to dissuade the person.
“These same elements organised a protest so that we will not have our way. But at the end of the day, God also made it possible that we had the programme and the programme was successful.”
Governor Fubara appreciated efforts of members of the committee, and especially the good people of Rivers State who stood by the government, and provided the need support that eventually made the summit a success.
The Governor insisted that what his administration is doing is to chart an enduring course for economic prosperity of the State.
Governor Fubara said: “Our State used to be one of the best. We had all the companies here, and all the oil companies were here also. They started here, and life was good (for our people) here.
“I know fully well that no matter how strong a man is, the strong man will die (one day). But when you have a strong policy, and you have strong institutions, those institutions will live forever.
“So, what we did and what happened, we tried bringing intellectuals to brainstorm for the purpose of building a State with strong economy so that tomorrow, people will not be struggling to become governors because of the good economy of the State.”
Governor Fubara said he wants to rebuild the State and see that it becomes economically stronger so that posterity will remember him for how he improved on what he inherited, and not killing it.
He noted the 15-point recommendations of the report submitted to him, and assured that his administration will take steps to establish an Investment Promotion Agency that will serve as a one-stop-shop for all business-related engagements.
The Governor emphasised, “I read flashes of thoughts written by one Prince of Dubai. How did Dubai start? They started with having an Investment Promotion Agency. That means, if you are coming into the State, you have where to go, you are asked of what you have to offer, and you say these are the things I have to offer.
“The agency will have all the solutions to inquiries. If any of such inquiries is beyond them, they know where to seek the attention of the higher authorities.
“With that, you can see business moving smoothly, investors will have opportunity to interact. Even if they are not seeing the Governor directly, they are interacting with the right body. Assurances are there, confidence is there, quick decision making is also there,” he added.
Governor Fubara said the support of everybody is required in investing energy in productive ventures that will strengthen the economy of the State and grow it into becoming the envy of other states.
He stated, “I will also assure, not just this committee because I know by next year, you might not even be the people that are going to coordinate it, but we must have it as a policy of the State, that every year, we will bring people together. Look at what we have done, what we need to do, and what we can also achieve, then plan for the future.”
Governor Fubara further said: “I can say it boldly, when we came on board, we looked at the activities of the internal revenue board. They were doing so little. So, we had to set up a technical committee. This technical committee worked out some modalities that improved our IGR.
“Today, I can make bold to say that our IGR in a year, so far, what they had then cannot be compared to what we have now. So, I strongly believe that if we come together, work as a team, we will have a better State where these issues that we are having today: economic hardship, which is the main thing, will be addressed.”
Governor Fubara spoke concerning the nationwide protest and the apprehension expressed in some quarters, and said that when the petrol subsidy was removed by the Federal Government, his administration was the first that took steps to provide palliatives to cushion the harsh effects.
He said, “Just like we did, after the issue of subsidy removal, we were one of the first states that launched free transport scheme for students and citizens of Rivers State, and we have sustained it. We didn’t end there, we brought a credit line of N4billion for our traders. Those people that are genuine ones that are struggling keyed into it.
“These ones are not stories. They happened live at the summit where we gave people money for them to invest to improve their businesses. Whatever Europe is today, it is because of small scale businesses that are encouraged.
“This is where you strengthen the economy of a country. On our part, we will continue to do that, because at the end of the day, if everybody is fine, crime rate will be reduced in our State,” he said.
Presenting the report on the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit 2024, Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Mr Chibeoso Aholu, said the summit held on 22-23 May, 2024, and with the support from the Governor, they achieved huge success in executing it.
Mr Aholu listed the 15-point recommendations made in the report that should receive immediate and future attention of the state government for implementation.
They included that the government should, “initiate appropriate policy and legislative framework that will improve ease of doing business and create a conducive business-friendly environment in the State; revive and recapitalise PABOD Finance, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, and Micro Finance Bank, to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“The immediate establishment of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency as recommended by the summit. A draft Executive Order for the establishment of the Agency is here attached.
“Take measure to resuscitate the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout and establish new industrial business districts, including the agricultural processing zone and a Free Trade Zone in the State.
“Take steps to provide necessary policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks to promote and advance the development of the Rivers State Blue Economy; and take practical steps to address the incessant demands and unending disruptions from communities, community groups, youths, which have caused the departure of many companies in the State”; among others.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly sworn-in chairman and members of the State House of Assembly Service Commission to achieve greater productivity, promote highest standard and insist on best practices in the discharge of Legislative services.
Governor Fubara also urged them to ensure that parliamentary staff are put through disciplinary conducts in the discharge of their duties in the service.
Governor Fubara gave the charge shortly after the chairman and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission were sworn-in at the Executive Chamber of Government House in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
The Governor also sworn-in the chairman and members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission.
Hon Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, is the chairman of RSHA, with Dr Kennedy Ebeku, Hon. Soberekon Clark, Hon. Jones Ogbonda, and Hon Kingston Sylvanus as members.
For the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Hon GoodLife Ben will serve as the chairman, with Chief Emmanuel G. Jaja, Ms. Betty Warmate, Barrister Jerome Chimenem, Hon Prince O. Ohochukwu, Barrister Philip Okparaji, and Christian Amadi as members.
Governor Fubara explained that the constitution and swearing-in of the respective commissions were delayed with the hope that all former members of the political block will come back together but quickly added that such expectation is dashed now as governance has to move on.
He said: “As it stands now, our position is very clear. The ship that we are onboard is clear, and the activities of governance have to continue.
“So, this swearing-in is to give these two units of government – particularly, the House of Assembly Service Commission, a formal commission so that you can start carrying out the activities of promotion, discipline and every other thing that has to do with the legislative staff activity.”
Governor Fubara emphasised: “This assignment is not business as usual. You have to take full charge, and you have to ensure that there is discipline in the service.”
Speaking on the Local Government Service Commission, Governor Fubara said an acting Chairman was previously appointed to hold brief while the situation was being studied but quickly added that as it stands now, a full fledged commission has to be constituted to steer affairs.
Governor Fubara stated that the various Local Government Councils have been mandated to commence payment of the N85,000.00 Minimum Wage to their workers.
However, Governor Fubara said that mandate had met with series of complaints about ghost workers or inflated payroll staff list, which required proper scrutiny in order to ensure that only genuine workers benefit.
He said, “You must ensure that you support the Local Government Chairmen to get rid of those fake names in the payroll, so that when they implement the N85,000.00 Minimum Wage, it will not be too much burden on them.
“I am not saying you should go and dismiss people who are genuinely employed. Hear me very well: there must be proper scrutiny to be sure that whoever is there must be a genuine civil servant employed by the commission, and must have met all the conditions.”
Governor Fubara also directed the commission to address the issue of staff stagnation on a particular grade level, which is an ugly practice, and make sure those due promotion truly benefit from statutory progression in the service.
He said, “The second side is, you have the issue of promotion, you must also ensure that they are adequately promoted so that they can start enjoying like their counterparts in the mainstream.
“There is too much dragging of their promotion, for somebody to be on Grade Level 4 for over 30 years is not good. It is not good news.”
Governor Fubara maintained: “I believe strongly that you will not allow yourselves to be corrupted like those stories that we used to hear. Make sure that there is acceptable level of discipline and standard in the Local Government Service Commission.
“I also believe strongly that you are already prepared for this assignment, and since you are prepared, I will charge you to go do what you know how to do best. Be assured that the government will give you all the necessary support.”
Governor Fubara noted that the task before them could seem Herculean but they should be assured of support from his administration to drive the assignment given to them to reckonable success.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the open dumping of wastes has to be replaced with a more innovative and efficient disposal method so that wastes can be taken off the streets and turned into income-yielding ventures.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while giving charge to the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) and its Managing Director at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
The Board members included Engr. Edward Namiesimagh as the chairman, while Hon. Bishop Best, Dr. Ipalibo Sogules, Richard Mazi, and Civian Y. Nwibari are members, with Hon. Orukwem Amadi-Oparaeli as the Managing Director.
Governor Fubara said waste disposal and management have remained a major global concern, adding that over the years, successive administrations in the State had struggled to take wastes off the streets but ended up taking them to other dumpsites where they constitute nuisance and environmental hazards.
He said, “Today, I am here putting a team together to look at these challenges differently. Let it not be the regular pattern whereby at the end of the month, you come to collect money from me for payments.
“Don’t indulge in appointing your friends as sweepers, evaluators of debris, then you start building hotels, or buying big cars. Let us go beyond that and tap into the potentials of waste management.
“It is an area in this world that there is so much money in. It is an area that creates employment, and generates huge revenue. It is not just depending on what I will give to you. Consider what change you’ll bring to the work, that’s what I want to see in Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara told them that they were carefully selected because of the experiences they had garnered in their previous public assignments, and urged them to replicate their successes on a bigger scale with the new appointment.
The Governor advised them to work assiduously to bring back the beauty of Port Harcourt with effective waste disposal drive, and ensure the city is clean and green to reflect its old Garden City status.
Governor Fubara emphasised: “If not for our effort, today, some people could have even changed it to become Garbage City. But God forbid, it is not going to be in our own time.
“I want you to understand that I feel very unhappy with the sight I see. When you are driving into Port Harcourt, one of the first things that will welcome you is the waste dump that you see along the Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road. I don’t feel happy about it.
“Your first task should be to relocate it. That particular place needs to be completely closed because it is the entrance to the city. You need to get a new place where we can relocate our wastes.”
Governor Fubara urged them to be more responsible as they discharge their assignment, saying that it is more important to see results than being merely preoccupied with the aura of office.
The Governor warned that he will not hesitate to relieve anyone found wanting, and return the agency back to the era of a sole administrator running the affairs of the agency.
He noted, “This team cuts across all the Senatorial Districts, so that whatever you are going to do there, you ensure it spreads. While you are also carrying out this job, let it be known to the world that the interest of everybody in the State is accommodated.
“It shouldn’t be one-sided. Make sure that all our supporters who have the capacity and competence to do little jobs in the refuse area are also accommodated. I am serious. I have no doubt that you are going to impress us. So, I charge you to do all you can to make sure that the face of Port Harcourt changes when it comes to the issue of refuse.”
Governor Fubara told them to be good ambassadors of his administration as they interface with members of the public while also changing the face of refuse management in the State.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Engr. Edward Namiesimagh, expressed appreciation to the Governor, on behalf of members of the Board, for finding them worthy to handle such difficult but surmountable task of keeping Port Harcourt clean.
He said, “When I see the calibre of people you assembled, all of us are happy, and I assure that with our period of experience in our fields and politics and interaction with people and the zeal that comes with this job, we assure you that we will do our best to make sure that the policy of restoring Port Harcourt to its lost glory is achieved with your support.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday, graced the solemnization of Sacrament of Matrimony between Engr Victor Kii, and his heartthrob, Engr Mercy Mankwe.
Engr Kii is the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture.
The wedding ceremony was held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, Rumuibekwe in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
In his Homily, the Chief Celebrant, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, said marriage is an enduring union, ordained by God for two persons – man and woman – who have decided in love to live their lives together.
Bishop Kukah stated that people in such Christian marriage should know that they are in an indissoluble union, bounded by faith, and advised them to gladly make personal sacrifices in tolerance and care for each other so that they can have a healthy, successful and rewarding life together.
In his vote of thanks, co-celebrant, Very Rev Monsignor Pius Kii, showered commendations on the Governor for his fatherly support to the family, and the numerous landmark achievements in various sectors across the State.
The clergy and the church took the opportunity to pray for the success and good health of Governor Fubara and his administration, and urged God to protect, guide and defend him at all times.
The church also presented 50th birthday cake and gifts to the Governor, and also sang birthday songs to accentuate the celebration.
Highlights of the event were the signing of the marriage register by the new couple, Victor and Mercy, and the cutting of the 50th Birthday cake by the Governor.