Rivers State Government says it was ready to partner private sector players in improving the economy of the state with a view to putting the state on the global stage in terms of economic viability.

It further stated that it was desirous to see more private sector involvement in the sustainable development of Rivers State.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo said this today when the leadership and members of the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Scientists Society of Nigeria (HBTSSN) led by its National President, Professor Zacchaeus Jeremiah, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Port Harcourt.

Dr Danagogo affirmed that, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike was willing to partner with private individuals and organizations who are taking the initiative to put Rivers State on the global stage at different levels.

“I am happy that you have taken the lead to attract the entire nation and the international community to the State through hosting the maiden edition of the HBTSSN conference here in Rivers State.

“You will agree with me that a thriving economy is one that the private sector is fully involved. Indeed, the Rivers State University Department of Laboratory Science, which is the first medical laboratory department in any Nigerian university, has made us proud by also housing the HBTSSN headquarters in the State,” he noted.

He urged members of the association to join hands with the State Government in its effort to prevent the COVID-19 disease presently threatening the world from coming into Rivers state. 

While expressing joy for the non-record of the disease in the State, he said, “We are grateful that we have not had any case of Coronavirus but that is not to say we should not be prepared to prevent and arrest any case that might cross into our borders.”

The National President of HBTSSN, Prof Zacchaeus Jeremiah intimated the SSG on its forthcoming international conference to be held in the State between 16 – 20 March, 2020.