“15 years later, it is exciting that the greater Port Harcourt city dream is becoming a reality under the current administration. Governor Fubara, with his visionary leadership and a slew of transformative projects, is making the state experience a revitalization like never before”.

BY TEENAR U. GENE

Back in 2009, the greater Port Harcourt city was envisioned by the administration of Rotimi Chubuike Amaechi as a means to expand beyond the confines of traditional “rumus” and create new cities to fuel economic growth and development within the state.

The idea was ambitious: to build cities that could harness the economic potential of the region, generate employment opportunities, increase revenue, and alleviate the congestion plaguing the Port Harcourt metropolis.

Initially known as New Port Harcourt, the project aimed to address the escalating demands for housing, modern urban facilities, healthcare, education, and other essential services within the burgeoning population. The strategic placement of the project signalled a shift from sprawl to a more organised and sustainable approach to urban development.

Despite the efforts of Amaechi’s administration to kick start the project by relocating key infrastructure like the world-class Amasiemeka stadium and building modern schools within the greater Port Harcourt area, subsequent administrations failed to fully embrace and nurture this visionary concept.

Over the following eight years, development primarily focused on the old Port Harcourt, overshadowing the potential benefits the new city could bring. Critics lamented the missed opportunities, suggesting that projects such as the law school initiative could have been sited around the greater Port Harcourt landscape and the flyover projects could have been converted into vital infrastructure in the greater Port Harcourt region, which would have accelerated progress and addressed the pressing challenges in the already overcrowded Port Harcourt metropolis.

However, a new chapter began when His Excellency, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, assumed office as the Governor of Rivers State. With a clear vision for driving economic prosperity and development, Governor Fubara revived the ethos of the greater Port Harcourt city project, aiming to unlock the state’s full economic potential.

In a series of strategic moves within his first year in office, Governor Fubara initiated a transformative vision that has birthed projects such as the TAF 20,000 housing units, the Oyigbo spare parts market, and the cutting-edge Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines, and Agriculture permanent site. These initiatives, I believe, are designed to stimulate growth, attract investments, and enhance the quality of life for residents in the greater Port Harcourt area.

During the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the auto spare parts market, Governor Fubara articulated his vision, stating, “The completion of this centre will revolutionise this area’s economic landscape. Employment opportunities will abound, businesses will flourish, and landlords will see increased demand for their properties.”

Governor Fubara at an audience with representatives of the Federal Housing Authority of Nigeria, led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Governor Fubara emphasised his administration’s commitment to completing these projects successfully, ensuring that their impact would be felt and appreciated by the community.

Evidently, the ongoing Ring Road project exemplified this dedication, which is poised to catalyse the development of the new city and bring the grand vision of the greater Port Harcourt to fruition.

15 years later, it is exciting that the greater Port Harcourt city dream is becoming a reality under the current administration. Governor Fubara, with his visionary leadership and a slew of transformative projects, is making the state experience a revitalization like never before.

Also, the unwavering commitment of the administration of Governor Fubara to unlocking the full potential of this ambitious undertaking makes many agree that this administration is poised to reshape the economic landscape of the state, marking a defining moment in its history.