The Greater Port Harcourt City 2024 Management Retreat, with the theme, “Transiting to New Smart Cities; The Beginning” which held from April 26 – 27, 2024 at the Swiss International Hotel, Mabisel, Port Harcourt brought together a diverse group of government officials, stakeholders, industry experts, and leaders of thought to deliberate on key issues related to the sustainable development and growth of Greater Port Harcourt City.

 

The retreat was flagged-off by the Governor of Rivers State,  Sir Siminilayi Fubara, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof (Mrs) Ngozi Nma Odu who assured the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA) management that the Governor has a keen interest in seeing that the vision of creating the Greater Port Harcourt City is fully realized during his tenure.

He emphasized his commitment to support the authority  towards the achievement of the vision for the good of the people of Rivers State and truly make Greater Port Harcourt City a model for other states to emulate, calling on the management to seize the moment and lay the ground work for a city that is prosperous, liveable and futuristic. 

In his address, the acting Sole Administrator TPL (Dr) Tonte Davies highlighted the road map and action plan, which the GPHCDA is undertaking towards achieving the vision of creating new smart cities and in the context of the outlined drive, the recent ground-breaking for the  ongoing 20,000  low income housing units is a recognised  cardinal move that points to the start of a major implementation activity which will enhance this focus.

He also listed achievements like the completed phase 1 storm water canal retention, the 500,000liters capacity water project, the installed 11kva switch-gear panel, and 3kva electricity power substation amongst other ongoing infrastructural projects. Dr Davies happily informed the meeting of the introduction of a digital solution to streamline physical planning regulations and documentation to facilitate business transactions and enhance express approvals, which promotes the ease of doing business in that regard.

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Management Board, Engr. Omatsola Felix Ogbe, represented by Mr Olubisi Okunola, Manager Strategy, presented a paper on “Transformation and Reorganisation of a 21st Century Organisation; The NCDMB Experience.” He took the participants through the transformative journey of the board, which  placed them as one of the most productive public sector organisations in the country. He stated that the board has transformed the oil and gas sector with strategic partnerships, which has enhanced local participation in the industry to about 70% in the past few years.

Also an international investor from Gambia and CEO of RIV/TAF, Mustapha Njie, presented a paper on affordable housing Initiative and promised the timely completion of the ongoing TAF City 20,000 housing units project, a pet project of Gov Sim Fubara. He gave participants strategic insight on the keys to successful project implementation and project delivery and stated that the RIV-TAF project has recorded remarkable progress with *about* 400 housing units *at various stages of completion within three  months of its flagoff.* 

The lead paper presenter, renowned Town Planner Kazeem Sanusi tasked the management of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority to stand out in their responsibilities emphasizing that the most beautiful aspect of planning is inclusiveness, utilizing the power of crucial discussions and team work. He stated that the GPHCDA stands on the threshold of history to transform the new city into a model smart city just like Dubai was transformed in the past few decades. 

He urged the participants to be committed to fostering partnerships and *collaborations* to drive sustainable development in Greater Port Harcourt City, including engaging with private sector stakeholders, civil society organizations, and international partners to implement the sustainable development practices and initiatives in the new city.

In his closing remarks the Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City, TPL (Dr) Tonte Davies promised a commitment to the comprehensive action plan outlining key priorities, initiatives and timelines for implementing the ideas and recommendations generated during the retreat. He further declared that the just concluded Greater Port Harcourt City Management retreat has set the stage for a new chapter in the city’s development journey, noting that the vision, passion and commitment of Governor Sim Fubara and the enthusiasm and shared vision of all participants has laid a strong foundation for  the sustainable growth and prosperity of Greater Port Harcourt City and the state at large.

The Lead Consultant Mr Ono K. Akpe of Red Sapphire Ltd , Abuja, who led a team of seasoned facilitators engaged the participants for the two days at the retreat with cutting edge intellectual discourse to broaden knowledge in various aspects of management covering work ethics, organizational culture, entrepreneurship, team building, infrastructural development, innovation and mind-set change, re-branding and marketing smart cities.

By Tony Obiechina  Abuja 

The Federal Government has approved 25% and 35% salary increase for civil servants across various consolidated salary structures.

In a statement by the Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, Emmanuel Njoku, the increases takes effect on January 1, 2024.

The statement added that the augmentation applies to the six remaining consolidated salary structures, namely the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, Consolidated Police Salary Structure, Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure, Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure, and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure.

Also approved for augmentation is the pension of retirees enrolled in the Defined Benefits Scheme within the aforementioned consolidated salary structures.

From Marcel Duru & Charity Wins Owerri

Governor Hope Uzodimma has inaugurated 24 Commissioners and appointed self as Commissioner for land and surveySpeaking at Executive Council Chamber he called the new Commissioners to be law abiding and be conscious of three mantra of his administration which stand for Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery (RRR)In his contribution the Secretary for State Government (SSG) Chief Cosmas Iwu congratulated Governor Hope Uzodimma and stated that “It is always a thing of joy to be recognized, rewarded and called up to serve one’s State.

“Out of over 5 million Imolites, the honour to be appointed and/or to be reappointed to serve Imo State under the visionary leadership of a Governor like ours calls for celebration and thanksgiving to God. This is, indeed, a lifelong honour to all of you.“I celebrate with you all – our new Executive Council members and the new Expanded Executive Council members, one and all, on your formal inauguration today, 30th April, 2024.“This is yet another opportunity to practically demonstrate your loyalty, first to our Governor, to our Political Party – the All Progressive Congress (APC) and to our beloved State, Imo.“I pray that God continues to guide and envision you all as you make haste to hit the ground running.“I look forward to contributing my personal quota towards your services to our dear State in whatever ways possible,” he said.