Posted by The Port Harcourt Telegraph on
As part of efforts to encourage private sector initiative in the state, the Rivers State Government has promised to partner with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in its determination to develop sustainable skills within the Niger Delta region.
As part of efforts to encourage private sector initiative in the state, the Rivers State Government has promised to partner with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in its determination to develop sustainable skills within the Niger Delta region.
Governor Peter Odili gave the indication on Wednesday when the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and the Executive Director of United Nations' Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Dr Marcel Boisard paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Dr Odili said his government has pioneered private sector initiative in the developmental strategy of the state through enunciation of various projects, and urged the institute to make Rivers State the hub of its activities in Nigeria since the state remains the fastest growing economy in the
federation.
He intimated the UN Organization that the state is strategically located as the heart of oil and gas industry in Nigeria emphasizing that "the state produces about 40 per cent of the nation oil and 70% of its gas and most players in the industry are here", Governor Odili declared.
The Governor thanked the UN Assistant Secretary for the interest his agency has shown in the state, stressing that the visit would open new vistas of relationship with the government and people of the state.
Earlier, the United Nations Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of UN Institute for Training and Research, Dr Marcel Boisard had said he was privileged to be in the State as it afforded him the opportunity to introduce to Governor, UNITAR's programmes that would benefit the people of the Niger Delta area.
Dr Boisard disclosed that his visit was basically exploratory, to undertake feasibility study by gathering relevant data that would show areas requiring UNITAR's assistant in proffering solution to some of the problems prevalent in the region - through partnership with the oil companies.
He explained that his institute wishes to collaborate with the State Government to ensure sustainable development by engaging in manpower training that would mitigate on the ecological hazards in the Niger Delta region.