Blessing Iruoma
The Accord governorship candidate for Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has assured that if elected into office, on March 11, his government would combat the menace of unemployment and insecurity in the state.
Lulu-Briggs stressed the need for proper development in both education and human capital in the state, stating that a state like Rivers would have been more developed if well managed by a visionary government.
The Accord governorship candidate spoke yesterday, at the Pan-Rivers Town-hall meeting for the unveiling of his manifesto, held in Port Harcourt.
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Speaking on the setbacks in the state, Lulu-Briggs observed that “long stints of unemployment have aggravated the dwindling business opportunities in the State, such that we witnessed low tax revenues and a lack of investible funds”.
He also observed that the “few businesses that manage to remain open are harassed daily by youths with an entitlement mentality acquired unwittingly by reason of the distressing social condition surrounding them”.
He said he will prioritise some identified strategic areas of intervention to bring the unemployment rate and misery index in the State far below the National average in four years, believing that “these efforts shall see to the return of the Rivers state to a land of gainful and innovative employment opportunities”.
On security, the Accord governorship candidate promised that “The government that I shall lead will have zero tolerance for insecurity. My multiple strategies for securing the state shall include creation of a public/private sector driven Security Trust Fund. I shall also ensure increased investment and intensification of collaboration with State Security institutions and neighbouring/congruent states in a project to be named Rivers Watch”.
On education and human capital development, Lulu-Briggs his plan for education sector is to offer beneficiaries the opportunity to fit into a technology and knowledge driven 21st century workplace and society.
He said his led government if elected shall undertake a comprehensive needs assessment of the education sector and an increased education budget based on the outcome of the Needs Assessment.
According to Lulu-Briggs, emphasis will be given to the refurbishment and rebuilding of school infrastructure, adding that he “shall pursue the policy of entrenching the use of computers and guaranteed internet access for schools”.
Other areas to concentrate on, he said include: establishing a technology sector in the state, infrastructure, wealth creation and sustainable development, health and wellness, agriculture and allied industries, environmental sustainability, gender balance and inclusion in government.
Others are sports and youth development, enhancing local government administration, public revenue and development funding.