Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said Port Harcourt remains key to the economic growth, political development and cultural renaissance of Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Governor Amaechi said this today during the flag-off ceremony of the centenary celebration of Port Harcourt at the Main Bowl of the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, the Governor reiterated the importance of the city to the State irrespective of tribe, stating that “every Rivers man from whatever tribe he comes from sees Port Harcourt as our common city. Jointly and severally, we will always make Port Harcourt a better place to live”.
“Today, Port Harcourt is not only a city for Rivers people, but it is also a cosmopolitan city. The city where people from all works of life come into and such people are absorbed into the city,” he said, pointing out that “Port Harcourt is a city that provides for all within it and none is left to starve in the city of Port Harcourt, none has ever been rejected at Port Harcourt”.
“Port Harcourt is a city of stupendous wealth and great opportunities. All who come into Port Harcourt leave this place rich; none has ever come to Port Harcourt and gone back poor. Indeed Port Harcourt is the treasure base of Nigeria”.
Enumerating some of the city’s outstanding credentials as a truly top class cosmopolitan city of splendour and beauty, Governor Amaechi said the city’s population stands at 1.9 million with a robust economic climate, cultural diversity, functional infrastructure and remains politically relevant.
He reiterated the resolve of his administration to deliver constant power supply to Rivers people in the shortest possible time, stressing that “Port Harcourt would be the first to enjoy 24 hours of electricity in the country and has the best primary health care and educational facilities, adding that the city is on the verge of setting another history via the Greater Port Harcourt City Project.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii, who is also the Chairman of the Port Harcourt City Centenary Committee, said it became imperative to celebrate the milestone as this generation would not be around to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the city by 2113, enjoining residents of the city to identify with and participate fully in all the
activities lined up to commemorate the anniversary.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of awards to winners of the marathon competition held earlier Friday morning and traditional masquerades and women dance displays reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the city.