New Rivers at Two: Touching Lives Through Special Projects
By Simeon Nwakaudu
In course of the first two years of his first term, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has embarked on some special projects with the aim of improving quality of life in the state.
These projects stand out. They include; The Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, the State Ecumenical Centre, the Rumuokoro Market and Bus Park and the Diete Spiff Civic Centre.
Port Harcourt Pleasure Park
This is Nigeria’s undisputed international tourism destination. This is Governor Wike’s initiative to conserve foreign exchange for the country and attract visitors from across the world to Rivers State.
The project was flagged off as part of the first year anniversary of the Wike administration. Since then, the project site has transformed from the neglected “construction site borrow pit” to an international leisure centre.
Built by Julius Berger, the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park exudes beauty and serenity. It has a climbing tower, beautifully designed natural lake, sporting facilities, two five aside football fields, Mini Golf Course, intercontinental restaurants, kids play centres and mobile gyms.
Commissioning the project, Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili said that the people of Rivers State are proud of the accomplishments of Governor Wike.
He praised the governor for delivering a world class international park which will make the state a prime destination.
The Former Governor prayed God to grant all the aspirations of Governor Wike for living up to the expectations of the people.
“I have travelled to at least 26 countries, I have never seen anything like this. God will ensure that all your aspirations are realised “, Dr Peter Odili said.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike announced that a modern cinema will be constructed to complement the facilities at the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park.
He said that the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park will attract tourists to the state and also generate revenue for its maintenance.
Rivers State Ecumenical Centre
This is one of the most important projects of the Wike administration. A project aimed at promoting Christian unity across the state . This is a fulfilment of Governor Wike’s campaign promise to Christian Leaders.
As a Christian State, the Ecumenical Centre serves as a centre for the promotion of the ideals of Christian love, friendship , unity and the growth of the church in Rivers State.
To ensure that this project is completed on schedule, Governor Wike has been personally involved in the daily supervision of the project. The project is a symbolic declaration that Rivers is a Christian State.
The project has been delivered in style. From conception, construction to completion, Governor Wike has shown that his administration is committed to legacy projects that will help build the people.
Remodelling of Diete Spiff Civic Centre
This centre built several decades ago was left to rot by the immediate past APC administration in the state. The facility became a home for criminals and deviants.
Governor Wike started and completed the total remodelling of the main indoor sports hall of this facility to International standard.
Today, the remodelled Indoor Sports Hall of the Diete Spiff Civic Centre plays host to major national and international events. The 2016 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association was hosted at this remodelled facility.
Restored Brick House
This was the old seat of power in the state. The Brick was abandoned to rot after the new Government House was built.
Upon assuming office, Governor Wike has restored the Brick House, turning it into a monument of history. The restored Brick House is beautified with a modern landscape,
Government House Christian Chapel of Everlasting Grace
This church was flagged off and built by Governor Wike. At the time he assumed, there was no place of worship for Christians at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
This new church auditorium sits at least 300 Christians who take out time to worship with the Governor at the Government House. It is a state-of-the-art auditorium.
Commissioning the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev Nicholas Okoh congratulated the people of Rivers State for electing a leader who has continued to serve them through the initiation and execution of meaningful projects.
He said: “I congratulate the governor for fulfilling his promise to the church by building an Ecumenical Centre for Christians. There are many dividends of democracy in the state “.
The cleric said that God’s presence in the Chapel of Everlasting Grace will always attract blessing to all those who worship in it.
Speaking after the dedication of The Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said he was motivated to construct the Chapel because of the need to have a befitting place of Christian worship in Government House.
He reiterated his commitment to the church. He said that his decision to build a chapel in Government House and the State Ecumenical Centre were fallouts of the interaction he had with Christian leaders during the campaign
Also in the Government House, Governor Wike has expanded facilities. He has also built a modern amphitheatre for the entertainment of high profile guests of the state.
Rumuokoro Market and Bus Park
One of the major challenges motorists face in Port Harcourt and Obio/ Akpor Local Government Areas face is the issue of traffic congestion.
The Rumuokoro Market and Bus Park is a project initiated by Governor Wike to stop Street Trading along that route. The objective is to decongest the road for the free flow of traffic.
Dredging/Sand filling and Reclamation of Abalama,Bakana, Ogbunabali/Nkpogu communities
For the Kalahari communities, the land reclamation embarked upon by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is an economic development package. This project will create land for schools, hospitals and homes in communities without access to land because of the encroachment of the Atlantic ocean.
The administration is reclaiming lands in the three local government areas that make up Kalahari kingdom.
The land reclamation projects in Abalama and Bakana towns span 38 hectares. The Wike administration will deliver the lands in five months
The Ogbunabali/Nkpogu land reclamation project has reached an advanced stage. This project which is in the heart of Port Harcourt will help expand the two communities.
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