The Chairman of Khana Local government area of Rivers State, Dr Bari-ere Thomas says it is time to translate economic ideas into reality, having situated peace in the area in his last three years in office.
Dr. Thomas who stated this during an interview with our correspondent said doing that means, establishing the Khana Local Government Microfinance Bank.
He explained, ” The whole idea of a microfinance banking is extending banking services to the unbanked, to the rural areas, to people who need funds to grow economically but do not have capacity to present collateral as required by the regular banking services. Therefore, as a government, we are interested in the economic growth and development of our people. And the idea to establish a local government microfinance bank is about making business funds available to the people of Khana, no matter where they are. “
Dr Thomas also said top on his priority would be to ensure the cost of transportation is reduced through a eche that would creat job for Khana youths.
“Our feasibility study revealed that Khana’s transport cost-wise is about the most expensive in this part of the country. And so, as a government, we shall establish the Khana Local Government Transport Company. Doing so will also mean engaging our youth, essentially. The whole idea is to put money into the hands of our people so that the poor can be economically empowered” he said.
Dr Thomas said the whole idea is to put money into the hands of the people so that the poor can be economically empowered.
The Khana Chairman expressed regrets over the poor state of the Khana FC as youths who were engaged in it have returned to the streets as unemployed.
“My heart bleeds that I am alive to watch young men withdraw talents when we’re engaged in the Khana FC now return to the streets as unemployed. What that means is we shall set up structures that will make the Khana FC and whatever economic structures we shall establish independent, so much so that whether a government comes or goes, the structure will remain. 50 youths were taken off the streets by that Khana FC formation. Today, among the 50 youths, only 3 are from my community, meaning 47 communities have been rendered economically impoverished.”
What does that tell you? “That families who were once flourishing are now back to the bottom line of poverty. That we shall not encourage. And it is easy, we shall ensure that we set up structures that will live, whether we are in office or no longer in office” Dr Thomas stated.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, sworn in the twenty-three newly elected Local Government Chairmen yesterday, issuing a charge for them to reject self-interest and embrace a new era of transparent, accountable, and reform-driven leadership for the people.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
In his address, Administrator Ibas reminded them that public office is a sacred trust, not an avenue for personal gain.
“This victory is not a prize to be enjoyed. It is a burden to be carried. It is not an entitlement, but a duty. It is not a call to self-interest, but to selfless service,” Ibas declared. He cautioned that leadership must move beyond the politics of patronage and focus squarely on delivering measurable services that tangibly improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots.
Earlier, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, issued Certificates of Return to 23 chairmen-elect and 319 ward councillors-elect who emerged winners of the August 30, 2025, council elections.
The certificates were presented to the winners at the RSIEC office in Port Harcourt by the commission’s Chairman, Michael Odey.
