As Governors elected on the March 13, 2023 Governorship elections across some states of Nigeria mark their 100 days in office, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara has announced the completion of 21 road projects totalling about 68km across several local government of the state.
This is in addition to achievements in other sectors like education, health, human capital development, among others.
Announcing the achievements on a state-wide broadcast the Governor stated that the commissioning of some of the completed projects would commence September 17, as part of activities for the celebration of his 100 days in office.
He reported that after 100 days in office and in line with his promise at his inauguration his administration has not wavered but has stayed focused and made steady gains, “and delivered on every one of the bold promises we made on the campaign trail despite the economic challenges of the times”.
He said; “As a government, our priority is to secure the lives and property of our people and we have kept faith in this responsibility by working with the security agencies to keep Rivers State relatively peaceful, safe, and secure for lives, businesses, and property.
“We are up to date in the payment of salaries and pensions to civil servants. We have also continued to gradually clear the backlogs of gratuities to beneficiaries and restore water in the State Secretariat complex.
“On 17 July 2023, we flagged off the construction of the single largest infrastructure project by a State Government in this country – the Port Harcourt Ring Road project as part of our comprehensive infrastructure development master plan for the State.
“The 50.15 km dual carriage ring road, when completed in a record three years, will connect and strengthen economic progress and integration in not less than six local government areas and open a vast gateway for new local and foreign direct investments in real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and industrial ventures into the State, transform the communities on and around its alignments, into thriving cities and create jobs and economic opportunities for so many of our citizens.”
Gov. Fubara also announced that as a strategy to accelerate socio-economic growth and development, the government had awarded contracts and concluded plans to flag-off the construction of some more roads spread across five local government areas of the State as part of the 100 days in office activities.
The Governor added; “To stimulate economic growth, enhance job creation, and reduce poverty we have concluded plans to create a four billion (₦4,000,000,000.00) naira Enterprise Fund in partnership with the Bank of Industry to facilitate the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the State.
“With this Fund, owners and intending MSME entrepreneurs will have ready access to credit to fund or start their enterprises at single-digit interest rates with a maximum of a five-year repayment period.
“In addition, we are also making efforts to establish the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Trust Fund to help create an enterprise culture and stimulate sustainable interest in entrepreneurial activities among our youths to advance self-employment and job creation,” he said.
