Model Port Harcourt After Dubai, Las Vegas, Wali Writes Fubara

Philanthropist and former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Mr. Kingsley Wenenda Wali, has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to tailor the development of Port Harcourt after the Dubai and Las Vegas models.
In an open letter he wrote to the governor titled, ‘Letter To My Governor (2); You Can Make It Happen’, Wali said the Las Vegas and Dubai models very well suit the nature of Port Harcourt, saying “Soft Life is in our DNA.”
He said that such models would boost the local economy and attract global funds and visitors to the city of Port Harcourt.
To kickstart the adoption of the models, Wali urged the governor to convoke a retreat with Rivers Investment Promotion Agency (RIPA) and draw up a marshal plan for entertainment in the investment promotion agenda.
He said the Las Vegas, Dubai model would make an instant hit as government would not need to design another plan again as all that would be needed is to improve on the model.
He said the two immediate past governors, Chibuike Amaechi and Nyesom Wike did well in building schools and health facilities as well as massive urban renewal. “So, all you need to do is complete the Ring road, rebuild the Airport hotel and add a golf course. I hear that was already on course,” he said.
He urged the governor to avoid the temptation of building houses or estates whether low, medium or high income. “Provide site and services using the Eagle Island model. Government didn’t build houses in both Las Vegas and Dubai. It just provided the enabling environment,” he pointed out.
He said the rich night life of Port Harcourt should be harnessed because it is not only a goldmine but it is very easy to adapt.
But he said providing security would be paramount as it will boost the economy and create a magic that would stun everyone.
He said Port Harcourt people should feel free to showcase their art. “We shouldn’t be ashamed of revelry. Our night life is unique and worth promoting. Las Vegas and Dubai grew on revelry, so, why not the City of Port Harcourt?”
Wali called on the governor to build a five-star hotel at the present site of the Airport Hotel near the international airport; provide site and services within the Phase 1 of Greater Port Harcourt master plan, and guarantee security within the Port Harcourt metropolis.
“There is a nexus between entertainment and investment,” he said, noting that life without relaxation could cause mental lethargy.
“Expatriates will always prefer Port Harcourt to any city in this country. Las Vegas and Dubai did not grow because of ‘industrial development.’ They grew from soft life and that’s Port Harcourt for you.”
In an earlier letter, Wali had urged Governor Fubara to make civil servants report for duty only on three days – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for what he considered an obvious reason.
While stressing the need for an education summit in the state, the former APC chieftain urged the governor to urgently direct the state commissioner for education to cause the investigation of illegal and irresponsible levies by private schools proprietors.
“Please, ask your commissioner for works to sit with the contractors handling the Ring Road and figure out how to reduce the suffering of commuters, as a result of the ongoing construction of bridges within Obio/Akpor LGA.
“Nobody will invest in a lawless society. Let the honorable commissioner for transport call a meeting of stakeholders, so they can figure out how to stop the madness on our roads. Driving against traffic has since been normalized within the Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs. The road rage is choking.
“Try and declare happy hour on Fridays and “direct” the Chief of Staff to lap GRA on Friday evening and ensure that boys are okay,” given the high cost of drinks and relaxation in the country.
Wali expressed concern about empowerment programmes. Lest I forget, in the name of God, tell the CTC people to stop moving scraps around their LGAs in the name of empowerment.