Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has called on European Union to partner with the state government on agricultural development for job creation.

He also tasked the EU on the area of improving the state’s waste disposal system.

Speaking to the European Union Heads of Missions in Abuja on Tuesday in a presentation titled: Understanding current political and security situation in Rivers State in particular and Niger Delta region in general.

The Governor in his presentation said, “We will continue to solicit for targeted development interventions in Rivers State from the European Union Missions.

Increase your unconditional development grants to Rivers State, and deploy same to fund programmes, projects and services that will sustainably advance the socio-economic wellbeing of our people and communities; and encourage European companies and investors to come over to Rivers State in particular and the Niger Delta in general, invest in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, maritime services, oil and gas exploration, quality healthcare delivery, quality education, especially, in science and technology, roads and transport infrastructure, affordable housing, water provision and effective waste disposal systems”.

He added, “Rivers State is effectively being governed. Law and order is in place; people are freely going about with their social and economic activities; the state is largely peaceful and the crime rate is relatively low on the national average.

“This is also true with other Niger Delta states; none is under a state of pervasive insecurity or violence as we have in some other parts of the country. As a government, our desire and resolve is to ensure that Rivers State is sustainably peaceful, secure and safe for citizens and visitors to reside, do business and have fun. And we have done a lot in the last four years to advance the security and wellbeing of the state and our citizens through personal initiatives as well as through the national security institutions”.

The leader of the delegates, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ketil Nelson said the meeting was an avenue for the governor to address the EU on his visions and ideas to the growth and development of the state.

This move is coming from the state government in continuation of his developmental programme in the state.