By Blessing Obam, JKNMedia Reporter
DECLARING that his administration inherited 34 unfinished projects worth over N225.279 billion, spread across 13 local government areas, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stated that despite this, his government has also initiated nine new road projects valued at N534.332 billion.
Addressing the public during his first year anniversary at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Fubara described the early political crisis his administration faced as “vicious and existential,” but assured that his team has successfully navigated through the worst of it.
He also emphasized the administration’s commitment to governing with integrity and advancing the state’s progress in liberty and freedom.
During the event, Fubara presented a detailed scorecard of his administration’s first year.
He reiterated the importance of accountability and responsiveness in governance, highlighting the strides made despite the challenges as his speech covered significant achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic growth.
He noted that his administration started with an ambitious agenda but was quickly engulfed in a severe political crisis within the first three months.
Nonetheless, they managed to uphold their right to govern and push forward their development goals.
Fubara detailed the completion of several inherited projects, including roads in various local governments, and the initiation of major road projects like the Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Ring Road, the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road, and the Trans-Kalabari road, all of which are progressing rapidly.
He also assured that these projects, funded partly by improved internally generated revenue and federal allocations, are on track for timely completion.
In the education sector, Fubara said his administration has completed multiple secondary school projects and invested in furnishing educational facilities and has also allocated substantial funds for basic education and examination fees, significantly benefiting students across the state.
He further disclosed that healthcare has also seen considerable investment, with the commissioning of hospitals and upgrades to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and that the administration launched a contributory health insurance scheme and revitalized emergency services, showcasing a strong commitment to public health.
Fubara highlighted economic growth as a key focus, with initiatives to boost internally generated revenue and attract investments adding that the state’s revenue saw a significant increase, thanks to these efforts, that additionally, security measures have been enhanced, contributing to a safer environment for residents and businesses.
He also expressed pride in the progress made over the year, attributing the success to the collective support from various stakeholders in the state, reaffirming his commitment to the continued development of the state, while aiming for a resilient and prosperous future.
The governor further called for unity and peace, urging the opposition to focus on the state’s growth and development and thanked the people of Rivers State for their support and pledged to continue delivering on the promises made to improve their quality of life.
