Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has accepted a partnership offer from the Austrian government in a move geared towards the development of Rivers State.
The agreement, which covers healthcare, agriculture, and education, was confirmed after a closed-door meeting between Governor Fubara and the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Thomas Schlesinger, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Accompanying the ambassador was a delegation from Avsatel Communications Limited, an Austrian company seeking collaboration between state-owned tertiary institutions and an Austrian University to improve health education standards. Governor Fubara revealed plans to engage Avsatel to overhaul the State Fire Service, making it more responsive to the needs of Rivers people.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ambassador Thomas Schlesinger highlighted the areas of mutual partnership, emphasizing collaboration between Austrian and Rivers State universities for global training in health education.
He also mentioned the state’s intention to utilize Avsatel’s expertise in transportation technology, particularly in the installation and use of air traffic management systems and the revitalization of the State-owned Fire Service.
The details of the meeting released by Boniface Onyedi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity further revealed the participation of former governor Peter Odili in the closed-door meeting.
Former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, who participated in the closed-door discussion, commended Governor Fubara’s efforts to harness the state’s potential for the benefit of its people.
Dr. Odili emphasized the importance of collaboration in the education sector, which will facilitate shared experiences and exchange programs, paving the way for advancements in medical education for both Rivers State and Austria.
