The week long activities to mark the 100 year centenary anniversary of the Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA), Port Harcourt Rivers State has come to an end with a thanksgiving service held at Corpus Christi Cathedral Port Harcourt.
Presenting his speech at the best day of the event, the general manager, Eastern Port, Port Harcourt, Mr. Sonny C. Nwobi enumerated on the decision to open the Port Harcourt Port in 1913, its processes and achievements till date. He stated that the Rivers Port has come a long way and note worthy the ship and cargo offering as commendable.
Nwobi however commended the management of Habib Abdulahi, Managing Director of NPA and expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their contributions to the development and sustenance of activities in the Port Harcourt Port Complex.
The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Nebolisa Emordi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport lauded the average turn around of vessels, 24 hours port operations amongst others. He expressed government satisfaction to have achieved the resumption train services from Lagos to Kano, adding that the rehabilitatuion of the eastern line is in progress, through Port Harcourt to Maidugiri and commended NPA for being supportive.
Nebolisa also stated that government has reduced the number of its agencies operating at the ports from 14 to 7. He admitted that the ports are operating beyond their operating standards, adding that government is working to open deep sea ports to enhance port operations across the nation.
Representative of the minister disclosed that the ports have witnessed a better performance since the introduction of private operations at the ports, through PPP initiative. Emordi however commended Mrs. Carolyn Akum Ufere, Port Manager, Rivers port complex for achieving almost the 35% affirmative action, for women employment, adding that more still need to be done. He added that the transformation agenda of Mr. President, particularly in the maritime sector is already yielding fruits.
Mrs. Carolyn Akum Ufure was optimistic that government will live up to its promises to better the lot of Port Harcourt port. She however called for the establishment of a port police station to checkmate the activities of miscreants and protect goods at the port.
Speaking with The Newswriter at the event, Mr. Iroka Emmanuel, Head, Marketing/Sales of Ibeto Cement company Ltd, one of the companies at the event exhibition ground, commended the strides of NPA in the last 100 years and called on government to beef up security at the ports, while urging Nigerians, particularly those in the construction industry to continue to patronize Ibeto cement for construction.
The duo of Engr. Musa Wada, Port Manager, Calabar Port and Henry G. Wariso, Corporate/Retail Sales of NASCO, member of Dangote Group lauded NPA for the achievement so far recorded, while Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, who represented the board chairman, chief Tony Anenih at the Gala Night said the event afforded her the opportunity to shade off the PDP mini convention stress.
She described Nigerian Ports Authority as the gateway to Nigerian economy, adding that she did not know the workings of NPA until she joined the board. The senator used the medium to call on Nigerian politicians to avoid utterances that are capable of destroying the peace and stability of the nation.
She prayed that Nigeria will continue to enjoy the 14 year uninterrupted democratic rule and commended the Port Manager, Mrs. Carolyn for her giant strides, wishing Nigerians more years of enjoyment at the Port Harcourt port.
The highlights of the Gala night was presentation of certificates to the 13 port managers of Port Harcourt port. Post humous awards were given to 5 port managers out of 13, while trophies were presented to men and women of NPA Port Harcourt port on their novelty football match and a display of cultural dances to the admiration of staff and guests at the event. ###
By Blaise Elumezie
