By Valentine Amanze,
Lagos
Rivers State Governor , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that the state ggovernment would partner with Rotary International to eradicate polio in the country.
The governor also declared that the state government would continue to invest massively in the promotion of security to attract international investors and visitors.
The governor spoke on Friday at the Government House , Port Harcourt when 35 Rotarians from the United States led by International Director of Rotary International , Mr. Brad Howard, and Rivers State former Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, visited him on the events marking the Rotary International West Africa Project Fair.
He pointed out that the administration appreciated the programmes of the Rotary International to eradicate polio, hence the need to offer the required assistance and support.
He said: “As a government, we have invested in the eradication of polio and we shall continue to support Rotary International to achieve this worthy objective.”
The governor said that the presence of several international Rotarians from the United States and Bahamas indicated the growing confidence of the international community on the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Governor Wike expressed happiness that the improved security in the state was attracting more international investors and visitors to the state, pointing out that the international visitors would serve as ambassadors of Rivers State in the international community.
In his remarks, the International Director of Rotary International, Mr. Brad Howard, said that the team was in the state to attend the Rotary International West Africa Project Fair and also engage with Nigerian communities in areas of partnership for development.
He added that the team was also in Rivers State to support the fight to eradicate polio through effective immunization and healthcare support.
Team Leader and Rivers State former Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, commended Governor Wike for his support for the activities of Rotary International.
He noted that he informed the governor that the Rotary International West Africa Project Fair was a platform to promote international friendship and an avenue to reach local communities.
According to him, over 50 clubs from West Africa and East Africa are participating in the fair. He iinvited the governor to support Rotary International as a major donor.