National Devt: Wike Calls for Implementation of NIPSS’ Reports

By Joel Anekwe

Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that Nigeria would have made greater progress if the Federal Government had been implementing the reports of the participants of the National Institute, Kuru.

He stated that the implementation of study reports of the National Institute would help governments at all levels address key developmental challenges. 

The governor made the statement during a courtesy visit by participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 41 2019 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru to the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday. 

 He said: “What has happened to past reports of the National Institute? Gradually, this has become a national ritual. 

 “If people sit down, conduct researches and write reports based on the researches, what is the government doing with the reports? If we make use of the reports, probably, we may not be where we are today,” he said.

He called on the Nigerian Army to restrict themselves to their constitutional responsibilities of securing the country, instead of getting involved in election rigging.

 “In those days when people hear about the Nigerian Army, they fear and view them with respect.  Today, the fear is gone. Instead of improving security, they are only interested in politics. 

 “They leave their primary responsibility.  You can see the level of insecurity in the country.  There is no state that is free from insecurity,” Wike said.

 He urged the National Institute to formally notify the Federal Government on the need to implement reports, as the country would be better for it.

On the theme of the study tour, Governor Wike noted that his administration places premium on the funding of healthcare delivery.  He said health and education are competing for budgetary allocation in the state.

He, however, pointed out that the state government has financial challenges which affect funding of healthcare delivery. The governor said that his administration has performed creditably in healthcare delivery, despite the constraints. 

In his remarks, director of Research, National Institute and leader of delegation, Prof Habu Galadima said that the Senior Course 41 is focusing on Funding Universal Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria. 

He said that the study tour will examine issues and challenges facing the funding of healthcare delivery in Rivers State. 

Prof Galadima said that Rivers State is one of the hubs of healthcare delivery in the country, hence it was selected as one of the states for research. 

“The participants will be studying the funding of universal healthcare delivery in Rivers State.  Rivers State is an important case study, especially that it is known to be the hub of healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said. 

Share Post on

Check Also

NLNG, NCDMB Boost Nigeria’s Tech Capacity, Unveil Research Hub at Rivers University

By Paul Williams  Gas company NLNG and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Thursday broke ground for the NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering (RICCEE) at Rivers State University in a bid to expand Nigeria’s indigenous research and technological capacity.  The project, NLNG’s largest Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening initiative to date, is designed to enhance the university’s capacity to undertake advanced, industry‑relevant research, provide specialised training and develop technological solutions in computer and electrical engineering for Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.  A professorial chair, structured to be a fully operational research and development unit, will be instituted in the centre to promote industry‑focused research and develop solutions to critical operational challenges, particularly for NLNG. Successful research outcomes will also have the potential to be commercialised for wider industry application.  NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, described the project as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and a practical demonstration of the company’s commitment to sustainable human capital development.  Falade, represented by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the centre would strengthen the university’s ability to produce highly skilled professionals and conduct research that responds directly to industry needs.  He added that RICCEE would strengthen the connection between academic knowledge and practical industry requirements, enabling researchers and professionals to collaborate on innovations with commercial and developmental relevance.  NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director, Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, described the groundbreaking ceremony as an important milestone in the implementation of the agency’s Human Capital Development objectives.  He said the project forms part of the NCDMB’s Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening Programme, which seeks to build enduring partnerships with institutions of higher learning by providing infrastructure that enhances teaching, research, innovation and practical skills development.  Ogbe urged the centre to become a vibrant hub of discovery, creativity, enterprise and technological advancement, where students are inspired to innovate, researchers develop solutions to real‑world challenges, and industry finds reliable partners for research and development.  He also commended NLNG for its firm belief in and commitment to the project, and lauded the Governing Council, the Vice‑Chancellor and the management of Rivers State University for their commitment to academic excellence.  Vice‑Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb‑Obipi, said the university’s 2026–2030 strategic development plan prioritises improving academic programmes and strengthening research collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship. He noted that the RICCEE would provide a vital platform for advancing these objectives.  “We envisage the centre as a world‑class hub where researchers and students can develop practical solutions to engineering and technological challenges, where university‑industry collaboration can flourish, and where innovative ideas can be transformed into useful products, technologies and services. The presence of NLNG and NCDMB today underscores the immense value of strategic partnerships,” he said.  He expressed profound gratitude to NLNG and NCDMB and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ensuring that the centre is utilised productively to strengthen research, build human capacity, foster innovation and deepen collaboration with industry and educational institutions.  A release by NLNG’s Sophia Horsfall and NCDMB’s GM, Corporate Communications Division, Obinna Ezeobi, said the centre will be developed on approximately 9,336 sqm of land within the university and will accommodate specialised laboratories for Electronics and Signal Processing, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, and Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, among other facilities.  …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *