A university Don, Prof. Gibson Okoroafor of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri has advocated government driven infrastructure in the Niger Delta, considering its difficult terrain.
This disclosure was made by Prof. Okoroafor, at a one day lecture forum organized by the Project Management Institute PM1, Nigeria Chapter, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Prof. Okoroafor identified the use of Public Private Partnership (PPP) by government in handling projects to be on a higher side, and its adverse effect on the end user, which mostly affect rural dwellers. He blamed most of the failures in project management and completion on lack of responsible government in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to ensure voting for the right people during elections, as the politicians cannot be held accountable, because they were not elected by the people. He berated the attitude of Nigerian politicians who he said start planning for their next election from the day- they were sworn-in to office, making it difficult for them to care for the people.
Speaking earlier, Engr. Agwu E. Agwu, Vice President PMI, Port Harcourt Chapter explained that looking at some issues they faced in managing projects in Niger Delta such as: environment, agitations by individuals and communities, they felt that there was a need for stakeholders to come together and itemize the challenges facing the practitioners within the industry.
He was optimistic that by the end of the day, participants will be aware of how to manage the challenges caused by the difficult Niger Delta terrain, expressing hope that the event is already a success.
However, Mr. Okechukwu Amadi, Regional Roll-out Manager, MTN Nigeria in an interview with newsmen called on government to look into the issue of multiple taxation. He suggested that a body, at the state level be made to approve every dues instead of Local Governments, urban and town planners coming differently for dues approval.
On difficulties being experienced by Nigerian subscribers, Amadi disclosed that they are upgrading their system and moving from obsolete equipments to a more modern ones to meet up to an international standard, adding that by the end of second quarter that the issue of drop calls will be over.
Some of the participants described the event as a right step in the right directions. ###
Blaise Elumezie
