PORT HARCOURT – The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara had since May 29, 2023, after assuming office, driven a rapid human capital and Infrastructural development across the state after pledging to improve the living standards Rivers citizens and residents.
Governor Fubara also promised to woo critical stakeholders with attractive investment portfolios in the business community in a bid to change the economic growth trajectory of the State, implementing series of strategic initiatives, designed to accelerate the desired development, foster sustainable growth, and enhance the overall quality of life of the people.
In the area of promotion of Local Industries and Entrepreneurship, Governor Fubara’sadministration had been proactive in nurturing local industries and fostering entrepreneurship, as well as introducing tax breaks such as grants, and low-interest loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), crucial for diversifying the state’s economy beyond its traditional reliance on oil and gas.
A glaring example in this regard, is the establishment and inauguration of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), charged with the responsibility of creating wealth and employment in the state.
Another notable instance is the disbursement of N800 million loan facility to 1,387 medium and small scale businesses as part of a N4 billion loan scheme initiated by the to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stimulate economic growth, and empower entrepreneurs to create jobs, thereby contributing to the state’s economic development.
Pastor Jonathan Tobin, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, , while giving a breakdown of the progress of the programme, said the agency so far works with a database of over 4,000 profiled businesses, adding that the disbursement process is strictly done on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness and transparency.
The intervention came at a period when traders and entrepreneurs in the state struggled to stay in business due to the high cost of fuel and inflation, affording business owners a lifeline to continue in business, as businesses are now booming in the state due to the trickle effects of the intervention.
The Governor also launched the health insurance scheme for all Rivers people, ensuring that affordable health care become accessible to the people of the State.
The Governor assured that his administration would deliver the first General Hospital in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area within the next eight months, adding that the world-class Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital to address the mental health challenges of patients in the state.
He also assured about 70 per cent work of reconstruction and upgrading of all the Zonal Hospitals in the have been achieved, insisting that the Zonal Hospitals have been remodelledto international standard.
“They saw what we’re doing, and they believed that it will be right to partner with Rivers State. Let’s set the record straight: It is not our project. The Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Plant is a UNICEF project, supported by the Federal Government and other partners.
“But, the unique thing about this project is that it needed to be sited somewhere that people understand its need, people who are spending, making positive investment in healthcare. And that is why we gained that privilege.
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“A situation where people from the East, people from other South-South states will be coming to access this facility. You know what it means? On your lands that we’re building more roads for you, people will start buying them to start living here.
“More medical facilities will start to spring up. As a matter of fact, don’t be surprised, most of these international organizations might be coming to set up some plants around here, because what is coming out of here is a very important ingredient in healthcare services.”
The Governor is equally investing heavily on modern infrastructure development remains essential for economic development, prioritisingthe construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and transportation networks across the state.
The governor’s policy implementation on infrastructure is not only improving connectivity within Rivers State, but also facilitating smoother trade and commerce and attracting both local and foreign investments into the state.
One of such notable projects, is the ongoing construction of the Trans-Kalabari Road, a major thoroughfare intended to enhance access to remote areas and boost economic activities in the coastal communities of the state.
Governor Fubara’s administration has also established agricultural processing centers to boost food security and employment, reflects the governor’s commitment to supporting innovation and value addition to the sector.
For instance, the Rivers State Agricultural Development Initiative (RSADI) offers farmers access to modern equipment, training, and market linkages, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Governor Fubara has placed a strong emphasis on education development, investing in upgrading educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, ensuring that they are equipped with modern facilities and resources.
Vocational training programs have also been re-introduced and emphasised by the Fubara-led state government to equip young people with practical skills relevant to the evolving job market.
Rivers State Government has also partnered various industries to create internship and apprenticeship opportunities, bridging the gap between education and employment.
By aligning educational curricula with industry needs and providing hands-on experience, these initiatives aim to produce a skilled workforce capable of driving the state’s economic engine forward.
In diversifying the economy, Governor Fubarahas placed considerable attention on improving the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the oil and gas industry, introducing policies aimed at mitigating the environmental impact and ensure that the benefits of oil revenues are more judiciously utilised and implemented.
In the area of security, Governor Fubara has made significant strides in improving security and governance within Rivers State by investing in modern security infrastructure and enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in a bid to engender a safer environment conducive to business operations and investment.
Few of such interventions is the Governor’s donation 100 operational vehicles to the Police Command to boost emergencies’ response, as well as donations of 14 gunboats to the military to tackle sea pirates in the state’s waterways.
