Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was one of three high profile speakers at this year’s Commonwealth Observance day which held at the Westminister Abbey in London.
Since 1973, Commonwealth day has been marked on the second Monday in March by a unique multi faith Observance at the Westminister Abbey in London.
Globally recognized persons who are embodiments of the year’s theme spirit are invited to deliver brief thought provoking testimonials.
This year, Governor Amaechi was invited to speak alongside Virgin Atlantic’s Richard Branson and Ricken Patel, Executive Director of Avaaz the largest online activist community. This year’s theme was “Opportunity through Enterprise” and Governor Amaechi shared the story of how some young persons in Rivers State are making giant strides through the various wealth creation and entrepreneurship opportunities provided by the Rivers State government.
He made particular mention of the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) agric/agro allied business initiative which objective is to create wealth, guarantee grass roots independence and provide opportunity through enterprise for the rural poor. He also talked about the industry of urban youth in Rivers State. “Our urban youth have also achieved great things,” Governor Amaechi said. “For instance, Dabo Etela and Apola Opuda, two young men from Port Harcourt, have built a social enterprise called ‘Converge’ – a forum of over 1000 young innovators and entrepreneurs, converging to share ideas, pool resources, and indeed create ‘Opportunity through Enterprise’”
Singling out two out of the 28 beneficiaries of the RSSDA scheme, Ebenezer Ikashi, who owns The Servant Quick food Services in Ahoada, and Ella Stella Sharon a cement dealer from Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, for mention ,Governor Amaechi said he was very thankful to all the beneficiaries of the scheme as well as Etela and Opuda, “for their energy and hard work, for transforming their communities, and for showing us in government that youth entrepreneurship is the best vehicle for inclusive growth.”
Governor Amaechi was invited to speak at this year’s Observance because of “your incredible achievements at the national level, your personal commitment to policies that encourage enterprise and create opportunity and not least your personal engagement.”
The ceremony was attended by the Common wealth Secretary General, Common wealth High commissioners to the United Kingdom, and Senior Representatives of Her Majesty’s government. Unfortunately the Queen who was billed to attend the event cancelled as a result of a stomach bug.