Author: Gist Correspondent

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a peaceful, secure and conducive environment to attract partnerships, investments and inclusive development from Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGOs) operating in the state.

The assurance was given by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, while declaring open the RIV-CARES Phase One Performance Review Retreat held in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area.

Dr. Anabraba said collaboration with IGOs and other development partners remains critical to improving the welfare and living standards of the people, stressing that Rivers State remains peaceful and open to partnerships capable of accelerating economic growth and sustainable development.

According to him, a core responsibility of government is to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of citizens by establishing effective legal and institutional frameworks that enable the implementation of programmes with direct social impact, particularly for vulnerable groups.

He noted that this responsibility underscores the need for sustained collaboration and support from key stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, individuals, corporate bodies, religious institutions, civil society organisations and citizens.

The SSG described the Rivers Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (RIV-CARES) programme as a strategic initiative designed to actualise the state government’s development objectives. He said the administration of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, is driven by a vision of a greater Rivers State where all citizens, irrespective of social status, religion or location, benefit from the dividends of democracy in a safe, stable and healthy environment.

Dr. Anabraba further explained that while the concept of “resilience” in RIV-CARES relates largely to human wellbeing, equal attention must be paid to building a resilient environment through the protection and preservation of biodiversity. He said this would help provide food security and natural defences against diseases, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the initiation of the programme, could not be addressed through financial interventions alone.

He added that environmental resilience would also support mitigation and adaptation to emerging threats such as climate change and rising sea levels.

The SSG commended the Office of the Auditor-General of the State and the State CARES Coordination Unit for organising the retreat, aimed at auditing and assessing the implementation of RIV-CARES programmes.

Earlier, the Acting Auditor-General of the State, Dr. Yorkina Barisua, said the retreat was necessary to review challenges, consolidate gains and strengthen accountability as the state prepares to begin Phase Two of the RIV-CARES programme.

She said the exercise would assess weaknesses, highlight successes, audit programme accounts and ensure strict adherence to value-for-money principles.

In his keynote address, 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 an important platform for reflecting on achievements, challenges and strategies for realising the overall objectives of the programme.

The retreat attracted top government officials, including 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.