Rivers LG boss, Mayor of Housing eye investment in Andoni’s oceanic treasures

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State, Mr. Lazarus Nteogwuile, and the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, are taking steps to explore the vast tourism potential in the council.

During a visit by the latter to the council chairman, who was honoured by the Simplified Movement, China stated that he would elevate Andoni to a global audience through tourism.

Andoni Local Council Area, an oceanic enclave in Rivers State, is renowned for its vast reserves of aquatic assets, alongside its culture, scenery, beaches, and wildlife.

Other investors, led by China, the CEO of Housing and Construction Mayor Limited, expressed interest in exploring the area for possible investments after the visit.

Speaking at the event, the council boss stated his commitment to peacebuilding, with plans to empower 1,100 Andoni youths as the first step toward the economic revival of the oceanic town.

He revealed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had mandated all local government chairmen to empower their people and develop their council areas.

Nteogwuile said he was proud to be part of history, noting that while his emergence seemed improbable at first, his focus now is on developing Andoni LGA.

“In 100 days of my coming to office, Andoni will see the difference between Sim and the other administration. Our principal is a thinker. Rivers State is now noted as number one in planning across Nigeria.

“I am the first chairman to flag off two projects in one day, and they are nearing completion (roofing). We are ready for business. What we know, the other camp does not know. You will not regret following Sim because God is helping us,” he said.

Nteogwuile assured that by this time next year, Andoni would experience transformation across all wards. “We will develop people. A major empowerment program is coming soon. Governor Sim told us to go and empower our people.”

He also pledged to continue fostering peace in the area, saying, “We will build on this peace. In that way, we are sure to surpass all previous administrations.”

He urged the people to support Governor Fubara, describing him as a “God-sent governor” who prioritises the people.

Reacting to the Appeal Court victory in the local council election that brought them to power, Nteogwuile said it was a victory for all Rivers people, adding that it paves the way for investments and development to thrive.

The Mayor of Housing expressed his admiration for the peace and love in Andoni, describing himself as a “value monger (valuetician).”

“There is value in peace and humility, which the Andoni LGA boss embodies. This chairman is just like Governor Siminalayi Fubara in terms of the people-first philosophy. Andoni is a treasure; do not play with the opportunity,” he stated.

He pledged to partner with Andoni LGA to showcase the area on the national stage, attracting positive attention.
“We will reveal Andoni to the world. As long as you follow the chairman and the governor, you will not regret it. The world will come here,” he said. “One of the things we discovered coming from Abuja to this place is that Rivers State’s treasure is not just in oil but in the people, their culture, and landscape. One of the most beautiful places I’ve encountered in Rivers State is Andoni.”

He described the chairman as humble and peaceful, akin to the governor.

He said, “If Rivers is the treasure base of Nigeria, Andoni is the treasure base of Rivers State. We will scour the place and reveal Andoni to the world.”

In his welcome address, the coordinator of the Simplified Grassroots Movement in Andoni, Paul Ogodo, emphasized the community’s desire for development and a robust plan for community advancement. “We now have vitality in our community. Our group supports the leaders and engages the community people.”

Andoni is endowed with vast potential, including an aesthetic landscape and forests that are home to elephants, hippopotamuses, antelopes, monkeys, lions, leopards, buffaloes, chimpanzees, cheetahs, crocodiles, wild turtles, and more.