Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Rivers Chapter, Commends Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Seeks Renewed Focus on Youth and Environmental Development
The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Rivers State Chapter, has expressed its unwavering support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, passing a vote of confidence on his leadership during its sitting held on December 24, 2024. The session, presided over by Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ekeh, Speaker of the Rivers State Chapter of YAN, was followed by a communique addressing the Assembly’s resolutions and concerns.
The Assembly, which promotes peace, good governance, and youth involvement in decision-making, praised the Rivers State Governor for his strategic developmental plans and achievements over the past year. Among the key accomplishments highlighted were the implementation of a new minimum wage structure of NGN85,000, positioning Rivers State as one of the first in the country to adopt the policy. This, coupled with significant infrastructural projects across the state, was lauded as a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to improving the lives of Rivers State citizens.
Commendations for Inclusive Governance
The Assembly acknowledged Governor Fubara’s inclusive approach to governance, citing his support for youthful leadership. Special mention was made of Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Edison Ehie, the Governor’s Chief of Staff. Additionally, the Assembly applauded the seamless conduct of local government elections, which witnessed the election of the youngest Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon. Ezebunwo Ichemati, and Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo as Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA.
The emergence of female leadership, with Hon. Mrs. Tonye Briggs Onyinde and Hon. (Dame) Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox as LGA Chairpersons, was celebrated as a step toward gender equality in governance.
Pressing Demands and Recommendations
While commending the Governor’s achievements, YAN presented several key demands for consideration:
1. Employment Opportunities: The Assembly called for the immediate resumption of the Rivers State civil service recruitment process, emphasizing the importance of human capital development alongside infrastructural growth.
2. Foreign Scholarship Scheme: YAN urged the government to revisit the Rivers State foreign scholarship award scheme, which previously enabled thousands of youths to acquire advanced skills and education abroad.
3. Environmental Sanitation: The Assembly proposed a partnership with the government to develop an international best practice blueprint for environmental management, aimed at restoring Port Harcourt’s status as the “Garden City.”
4. Traffic Management Authority: Highlighting the chaotic state of traffic in Rivers State, YAN recommended the establishment of a Traffic Management Authority and pledged to sponsor a bill for enacting a traffic management law aligned with international standards.
5. East-West Road Reconstruction: The Assembly expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the East-West Road reconstruction within Rivers State and urged the Federal Government and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to declare a state of emergency on the project to address its critical economic impact.
Call for Peace During the Festive Season
As the yuletide season approaches, the Youth Assembly appealed to the youths of Rivers State to embrace peace and shun violence. The Assembly emphasized the importance of love and unity as the guiding principles for the season.
In conclusion, YAN reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria at large, urging all stakeholders to work collectively toward a brighter future. The Assembly wished the people of Rivers State a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
The communique was red by the State Cordinator/Ambassador, Amb Sotonye Ekine
God bless YAN!
God bless Rivers State!!
God bless Nigeria!!!
