Rivers to launch 50-year strategic development plan

The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will next month unveil a 50-year strategic economic and social development plan for the state.

The unveiling of the plan is part of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary celebration of the creation of the state from the old Eastern Region by the General Yakubu Gowon military administration in 1967.

The alternate chairman of the Rivers at 50 Anniversary Celebration Action Committee and former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Onueze Okocha (SAN) told journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday that Governor Wike would address the state and unveil a 50-year strategic development plan that would usher the state into a new era of prosperity.

Okocha said the committee had already raised N1 billion from private donors for the hosting of the anniversary celebration. He explained that the event, slated for next month and devoid of any political undertones, would be used to showcase the diverse rich cultural heritage of the Rivers people and honour all those who have contributed to its development over the years.

Okocha, who was accompanied by the immediate past vice chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Joseph Ajienka and the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Austin Tams-George, said a day had been set aside for corporate Rivers.

He pointed out that this would avail prospective investors the opportunity to explore the rich investment potential of the state.