Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated the
commitment of his administration to the promotion of a business
friendly environment for the sustained growth of the state’s
economy.
Commissioning the Land Ship MV “Rivers Pride” built by Charkin
Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre in Port Harcourt on Thursday,
Governor Wike assured that his administration will promote policies
that would encourage businessmen to invest in the state.
Governor Wike who also laid the foundation stone for the construction
of an accomodation block for 200 cadets, announced that the state
government has waived the fee for the certificate of occupancy for
the Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre.
He noted that investors will have their land documents speedily
processed to ensure that they quickly add value to the state.
The governor said: “Rivers State will continue to be great. We are
reforming our business processes to enhance our business climate and
increase employment opportunities.
“We are making the environment friendly for businesses to thrive. I
commend the Chief Executive Officer of Charkin Maritime and Offshore
Safety Centre, Sir Charles Kinikanwo Wami for this outstanding
investment in the state. We are happy that an indigene of this
state has faith in this state through this multi-billion investment”.
He urged multinationals to create opportunities for the indigenes
of the state as prominent management staff. He said that Rivers
people have the capacity to deliver quality service.
In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Charkin Maritime and
Offshore Safety Centre, Sir Charles Kinikanwo Wami said that the
organisation has grown substantially over the years, as it now has
over 53 oil and gas short courses, over 20 international STCW courses
and 6 other marine courses.
He said: “We are proud to say that over the past 16years, while other
institutions are moving away from the state, we have kept ourselves
rooted here providing accessible and affordable training for
seafarers in Rivers State “.
Also speaking, Norway Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens-Petter Kjemprud
expressed satisfaction at the contribution of Charkin Maritime and
Offshore Safety Centre to the training of Seafarers.
Highpoint of the occasion was the inspection of the training
facilities of the institution by Governor Wike and other
dignitaries.