Rivers State Television Channel 22

                           

: CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed that more than four
hundred companies have so far benefited from the two hundred billion naira
intervention fund for re-financing and resuscitation of the manufacturing
sector out of this, one hundred and ninety eight billion naira has been
disbursed.

The CBN deputy director, development finance, Mr Akintunde Sowunmi , said
the apex bank expects commercial banks to play their roles in ensuring
that the funds are judiciously utilised.

He stated that the central bank has engaged the services of African
Finance Corporation (AFC) to provide technical advice to ensure effective
implementation of the projects invested in, as the AFC is also to provide
capacity building to the Bank of Industry (BOI).

 Title: RSIEC

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has debunked
allegations that grants approved for political parties in the state by
government were not equitably distributed.

Correspondent Hannah Aman reports that RSIEC chairman and Chief Electorial
Officer, professor nimi briggs represented by the commissioner incharge of
public affairs, Mr. Nimi Walson-Jack made the refutal at a news conference
in Port Harcourt.
Mr. Walson Jack said some political parties in the state under the aegis
of frontline political parties alleged that funds provided to political
parties has not equitably distributed by the commission.

He said the state government at the instance of the commission financially
supported all political parties involved in  the council elections,
stressing that there is clear distinction between subventions and grants.

Mr. Walson jack stated that political parties in the state are supported
by grants which are not statutory but subject to budget approval to
promote multi-party democracy.

He explained that the commission had met with thirty-five political
parties a week ago and resolved all issues relating to payment among other
issues.

The conference also featured question and answer session

RSSDA

Inline with its policy on accountability and transparency, the Rivers
State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) has made a public
presentation of its twenty-ten annual report.

The event which took place at its headquarters in Port Harcourt, attracted
journalists from within and outside the state.

Presenting the 24-page report, the managing-director and chief executive
of the agency, Mr. Noble Pepple lauded the media for its critical role in
the sustainable development agenda of the Amaechi-led administration.

He noted that RSSDA was created four years ago with the mandate to
initiate variable to engender rapid socio-economic development and reduce
poverty.

Mr. Pepple while appraising the activities of the agency for the past one
year, enumerated the setting up of rivers state partners for sustainable
development; completion of feasibility study and commencement of an
initial Rssda/Spdc/Ministry of health joint-project on paramedic training,
as well as signing of partnership deal with UNITAR for the training of
young rivers men and women in technical skills in Norway and Namibia as
some of the agency’s m any achievements.

The chief executive officer also disclosed that the agency has concluded
arrangements to develop an endowment fund for the existing scholarship
scheme.

He said inspite of the numerous constraints facing the agency, RSSDA is
poised to pursue the development of the agricultural sector through
establishment of agro-allied industries that would be
technologically-driven.

This according to him will promote industrialisation, generate employment
and reduce poverty.

He therefore enjoined stakeholders to partner the agency in terms of
capacity and investments.