[Nigeria] Poverty reduces in Rivers

from The Tide

The wife of Rivers State Governor, Justice Mary Odili, has attributed the reduction of poverty and increased women and youth empowerment to the concerted effort of the Adolescent Project (TAP) through skills acquisition programmes.

Justice Odili, stated this, while speaking at the graduation ceremony of 4,406 students of the Skills Acquisition Programme and the inauguration of the National and International Grassroots Association of Nigeria (NIGAN) in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of the state.

She said, TAP had over the years complimented the efforts of the state government in providing dividends of democracy to the people, as well as fostering unity and peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic nationalities in the state.

The wife of the governor said the graduands were drawn from seven centres, including, Opobo, Epellema, Queens Town kalama, Kalaibiam, Nkoro and Port Harcourt, who have acquired knowledge in sewing, hair dressing, tye and dye, catering, cosmetics, native hat making and weaving.

While commending the co-ordinator of the centres for their commitment and sense of dedication which translated to the success story, Justice Odili extolled the immense contributions of illustrious sons and daughters of Opobo, especially the wife of the deputy governor, Dame Christie Toby and the Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Jaja.

She said, with the inauguration of the Opobo/Nkoro chapter of NIGAN, women would join millions of well-meaning Nigerians in the country to benefit from the membership of the body, which is designed to cater for the developmental needs of women and youths at the grassroots.

On her part, the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government co-ordinator of NIGAN, Mrs Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, described the inauguration of NIGAN as a celebration of one of the gains of democracy under the capable and visionary leadership of Governor Peter Odili, whose administration has the people of the state at heart.

The Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council, Engr. Christopher Ogolo said, the skills acquisition programme of the Wife of the Governor, has brought about development in the area.

The chairman of the occasion, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, described the inauguration of NIGAN and the graduation of the skills trainees in Opobo/Nkoro as a landmark. He attributed the rapid development in the state to the visionary efforts of Governor Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili.

Speaking shortly before the inauguration of the Opobo/Nkoro NIGAN chapter, the state president, Mrs. Ene Akawor said, it is a continuous efforts of government towards women development at the grassroots.

The wife of the Governor Justice Mary Odili, had earlier paid a courtesy visit on King Jaja (V), the Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Jaja, where she was presented with Balolo-shining star of Opobo Kingdom, a citation of Justice Odili’s investiture.

In his remarks, King Dandeson Jaja commended the governor, Dr Peter Odili for making Rivers State a haven.

Justice Mary Odili later, commissioned a computer centre, boats provided by the council.

Highlight of the occasion was the match past by the graudands and the cutting of the ceremony cake.