The Rivers State Government reassured Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGOs) of its unwavering commitment to maintaining a peaceful and secure environment that supports partnerships, investments and inclusive development across the state.
The government disclosed this in a statement obtained by The Port City News (TCPN), signed by Juliana Masi, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The Secretary to the State Government, Benibo Anabraba, who represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara, gave the assurance at the RIV-CARES Phase One Performance Review Retreat held in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area.
Mr Anabraba said collaboration with IGOs remained critical to improving the welfare and living standards of the people. He added that the state had remained peaceful and open to partnerships capable of accelerating economic growth and sustainable development. According to him, the state’s openness and peaceful disposition towards investors were aimed at driving growth and development while simultaneously improving citizens’ welfare and living standards.
Mr Anabraba further stated that a core responsibility of government was to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of its people through the establishment of effective legal and institutional frameworks that enable the implementation of programmes with direct social impact, particularly for vulnerable groups. He said this responsibility underscored the need for collaboration, partnership and support from key stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, individuals, corporate bodies, religious institutions, civil society groups and citizens.
Mr Anabraba described the Rivers Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (RIV-CARES) programme as a key initiative designed to achieve these objectives. He said the Fubara administration was driven by a vision of a greater Rivers State where every citizen, regardless of social status, religion or location, enjoyed the dividends of democracy through socio-economic projects delivered in a safe, stable and healthy environment.
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He noted that while “resilience” under RIV-CARES was linked to human wellbeing, there was also a need to build environmental resilience through the protection and preservation of biodiversity. According to him, this would help provide food security and natural protection against diseases such as COVID-19, which necessitated the introduction of RIV-CARES and could not be addressed by financial interventions alone.
Mr Anabraba commended the Office of the Auditor-General of the State and the State CARES Coordination Unit for organising the retreat to audit and assess the implementation of the RIV-CARES programme.Earlier, the Acting Auditor-General of the State, Yorkina Barisua, stressed the need to review challenges, consolidate achievements and strengthen accountability as the state prepared to commence Phase Two of the programme.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Matters and Social Development, and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Prof. Peter Medee, described the retreat as a crucial platform for reviewing progress. He addressed challenges and refined strategies to achieve the programme’s overall objectives.
The retreat was attended by the Commissioners for Agriculture, Women Affairs, Commerce and Industry, and Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the Accountant-General of the State, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, and other key stakeholders.
