FUBARA: INVESTORS’ SUCCESS IS RIVERS’ SUCCESS
Governor urges RAEC to deepen community development, environmental responsibility and youth empowerment
By Emeka Amaefula
The economic benefits accruing to Rivers State from its strategic position as a major littoral and oil-producing state are increasingly being channelled into projects and initiatives with direct impact on the lives and welfare of its citizens.
Against this backdrop, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting investors and businesses operating in the state, assuring them of adequate security, infrastructure and a conducive environment to thrive.
Governor Fubara described Rivers State as a safe and strategic destination for energy investments, stressing that the success of companies operating in the state should translate into tangible benefits for the people and communities where they operate.
The governor stated this in Port Harcourt during an event organised by Renaissance Africa Energy Company (RAEC) to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Barrister Sonny Ewule, Governor Fubara described Renaissance Africa Energy Company as a strategic partner of Rivers State, noting that the growth and success of the company would also contribute to the economic development and prosperity of the state.
“We see Renaissance as a strategic partner, not just a company, because your success in Rivers State is Rivers State’s success. When you produce more oil and gas, our communities benefit; when you honour your community trust under the PIA, our villages will have schools and clinics; when you engage our youths, we have peace in the creeks and waterways,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to RAEC for choosing to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary in Rivers State, describing the decision to hold the event in Port Harcourt as a demonstration of the company’s confidence in and commitment to the state.
He said the company’s choice to celebrate with its staff in Port Harcourt, rather than restricting such activities to Lagos or Abuja, reflected its roots and connection with Rivers State.
“The governor has asked me to convey three messages. Firstly, to thank you for choosing to celebrate Independence here in Port Harcourt with your staff, instead of just Lagos or Abuja. It shows your roots here in Rumuobiakani, in Rivers State,” Ewule said.
Governor Fubara, however, urged RAEC to deepen its commitment to Nigeria and the Niger Delta by strengthening responsible environmental stewardship, particularly in oil-producing communities.
He also called for the prompt payment of contractors engaged from Rivers State, as well as increased investment in skills development and empowerment programmes for young people.
According to the governor, stronger collaboration among government, investors and host communities is essential to sustaining peace, economic activity and development across the state.
He emphasised that the benefits of oil and gas operations should extend beyond production figures to include improved infrastructure, employment opportunities, community development, youth empowerment and a better quality of life for residents.
For Rivers State, which remains a major hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the governor’s message underscores the administration’s stated commitment to maintaining an investment-friendly environment while also seeking greater economic and social returns from the state’s strategic role in the nation’s energy sector.
The governor’s renewed assurance to investors also highlights the importance of responsible corporate-community relations, environmental protection and local participation in ensuring that economic activities in the state produce sustainable benefits for both businesses and the people of Rivers State.
—- Emeka Amaefula—–+234(0)8111813069—
