Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has revealed areas that his government will prioritize the well being of the people of the state by improving ease of doing business, diversifying the economy and direct investment that would stimulate growth of the state.
Delivering his inuagural speech at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, on Monday, the new Rivers Governor said he understands the economic challenges of the people tracing it to the poor state of the national economy and stated that his government plans to re-industrialise the state through partnership with the private sector to establish viable industries that would create jobs and empowe the people.
He also spoke on priotising key infrastructure as housing, bridges and roads and transportation to advance the expansion of the state and engender further socio – economic opportunities for the people of the state adding that small businesses will be supported while Agriculture will be given a boost.
Fellow citizens, we know that most of our citizens are affected by the prevailing difficulties orchestrated by the poor state of the national economy.
“While some of these economic challenges are beyond us, we understand our responsibility to take relevant measures to diversify our economy and insulate it from the headwinds.
“Accordingly, we will prioritize the well-being of the State and citizens with a renewed focus on economic growth, people-centred projects and social services.
“We will improve the ease of doing business and sustain a congenial fiscal regime to attract local and foreign direct investments to stimulate greater economic activities, create wealth and improve citizens’ livelihoods.
“We will adopt a re-industrialization policy master plan and partner with the private sector to revive or establish viable industries to create jobs and empower our people.
“We will also support the growth of small businesses and encourage commercial agriculture to achieve food security, industrialization and improved living standards for citizens.”
Fubara thanked the former governor, Nyesom Wike, for his mentorship and believing in him and assured that he would consolidate on the gains of the previous administration.
“A billion thanks are insufficient to express my gratitude to my boss and our indomitable leader. My family lacks the words to thank you. The Opobo kingdom cannot thank you enough. Only God can reward you in commensurate terms.
“We witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure in the last eight years, but there’s still more to do. Therefore, we will follow in our leader’s footsteps to invest in capital projects, including roads, bridges, electricity, supply, and social housing.
“With its interconnecting road network, the need for affordable, conducive and safe public transportation cannot be over-emphasized as Rivers State continues to grow and expand by leaps and bounds.
“We will, therefore, partner with the private sector to develop an integrated multimodal public transportation system to advance mass mobility and access to socio-economic opportunities across the State. We will also construct the Port Harcourt Ring Road to enhance the mobility of goods and services across the State.”
Fubara rose through the ranks of the state civil service . He was appointed a permanent secretary and the immediate past Accountant General of the state .
At the inaugural ceremony,he was flanked by his wife, Lady Valerie and children.
