GPHCDA 2024 MANAGEMENT RETREAT: GOVERNOR SIM FUBARA COMMITS TO MAKING GREATER PORT HARCOURT CITY A MODEL…

…AS GREATER/TAF CITY WORKS TO ENSURE THAT ABOUT 400 AFFORDABLE HOUSES ARE AT VARIOUS STAGES OF COMPLETION IN 3 MONTHS OF ITS FLAGOFF WITHIN THE NEW CITY AREA.

The Greater Port Harcourt City 2024 Management Retreat, with the theme, “Transiting to New Smart Cities; The Beginning” which held from April 26 to April 27, 2024 at the Swiss International Hotel, Mabisel, Port Harcourt brought together a diverse group of government officials, stakeholders, industry experts, and leaders of thought to deliberate on key issues related to the sustainable development and growth of Greater Port Harcourt City.

The retreat was flagged-off by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminilayi Fubara, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Prof (Mrs) Ngozi Nma Odu who assured the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA) management that the Governor has a keen interest in seeing that the vision of creating the Greater Port Harcourt City is fully realized during his tenure. He emphasized hs commitment to support the authority towards the achievement of the vision for the good of the people of Rivers State and truly make Greater Port Harcourt City a model for other states to emulate, calling on the management to seize the moment and lay the ground work for a city that is prosperous, liveable and futuristic.

In his own address, the acting Sole Administrator TPL (Dr) Tonte Davies highlighted the road map/action plans which the GPHCDA is undertaking towards achieving the vision of creating new smart cities and in the context of the outlined drive, the recent groundbreaking for the ongoing 20,000 low income housing units is a recognised cardinal move that points to the start of a major implementation activity which will enhance this focus. He also listed a few achievements like the completed phase 1 storm water canal retention, the 500,000liters capacity water project, the installed 11kva switch-gear panel, and 3kva electricity power substation amongst other ongoing infrastructural projects. Dr Davies happily informed the meeting of the introduction of a digital solution to streamline physical planning regulations and documentation to facilitate business transactions and enhance express approvals, which promotes the ease of doing business in that regard.

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Management Board, Engr. Omatsola Felix Ogbe, represented by Mr Olubisi Okunola, Manager Strategy, presented a paper on “Transformation and Reorganisation of a 21st Century Organisation; The NCDMB Experience.” He took the participants through the transformative journey of the board, which placed them as one of the most productive public sector organisations in the country. He stated that the board has transformed the oil and gas sector with strategic partnerships, which has enhanced local participation in the industry to about 70% in the past few years.

Also an international investor from Gambia and CEO of RIV/TAF, Mustapha Njie, presented a paper on affordable housing Initiative and promised the timely completion of the ongoing TAF City 20,000 housing units project, a pet project of Gov Sim Fubara. He gave participants strategic insight on the keys to successful project implementation and project delivery and stated that the RIV-TAF project has recorded remarkable progress with about 400 housing units at various stages of completion within three months of its flagoff.

Furthermore, the lead paper presenter, renowned Town Planner Kazeem Sanusi tasked the management of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority to stand out in their responsibilities emphasizing that the most beautiful aspect of planning is inclusiveness, utilizing the power of crucial discussions and team work. He stated that the GPHCDA stands on the threshold of history to transform the new city into a model smart city just like Dubai was transformed in the past few decades.

He urged the participants to be committed to fostering partnerships and collaborations to drive sustainable development in Greater Port Harcourt City, including engaging with private sector stakeholders, civil society organizations, and international partners to implement the sustainable development practices and initiatives in the new city.

In his closing remarks the Administrator Greater Port Harcourt City, TPL (Dr) Tonte Davies promised a commitment to the comprehensive action plan outlining key priorities, initiatives and timelines for implementing the ideas and recommendations generated during the retreat. He further declared that the just concluded Greater Port Harcourt City Management retreat has set the stage for a new chapter in the city’s development journey, noting that the vision, passion and commitment of Governor Sim Fubara and the enthusiasm and shared vision of all participants has laid a strong foundation for the sustainable growth and prosperity of Greater Port Harcourt City and the state at large.

The Lead Consultant Mr Ono K. Akpe of Red Sapphire Ltd , Abuja, who led a team of seasoned facilitators engaged the participants for the two days at the retreat with cutting edge intellectual discourse to broaden knowledge in various aspects of management covering work ethics, organizational culture, intrapreneurship, team building, infrastructural development, innovation and mindset change, re-branding and marketing smart cities. The creative two-day retreat was rounded up with a team bonding exercise session that was quite stimulating , engaging and exciting.