WORDS OF NARENDRA MODI,PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA.

Borrowing immensely from the words of Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, I state that constituting one of the largest voting blocks in, and contributing about 20% of the earnings of Nigeria, Rivers State has both a special claim on Nigeria and a particular responsibility to it. Consequently, it must be strong economically, cohesive socially, robust politically and engaged nationally. To that end, governments in Rivers State must follow an approach of "participation of all, development for all". Such democratic outlook must be the creed that animates successive governments in our dear Rivers State. Administrations in Rivers State must launch initiatives to generate faster and more inclusive growth, aimed at realising tangibly better lives for every Rivers man, woman and child by the end of 2017, the 50th anniversary of the creation of Rivers State. This entails eliminating poverty within a democratic polity on a scale unparalleled in human history. And we should do so amid a sputtering national economy and serious security challenges. While working to improve the local economy and income per head, we must embark on major increases in capital expenditure on infrastructure that have large multiplier effects on private investment. Rivers State has tremendous social strengths, including pluralism, enduring family values and a good work ethic. We should work seriously on several aspects of our civic culture. We should remember that policy and lifestyle choices are key to sustainable development. In that respect we should rebirth our great tradition of conservation and respect for ecology and environment. There is a worry about allowing events that constitute a strong threat to our sense of a common future as a people bound together by God. This has in turn created an immense sense of urgency and expectations from governments and the elite. Inevitably, some of these expectations run ahead of us. As we head into 2016, we the elite must remain conscious of the trust that has been placed on us by the forsaken "We the people" and resolutely work to redeem it. No less than the succces of all Rivers State people and therefore a better future for Nigeria is at stake. From the depth of my heart, body, mind and soul, I wish you a very robust and enthralling 2016 ~ Barr Dumo Lulu-Briggs