RSHA To Partner With UNITAR In Capacity Building

By Ngozi Anosike

The Rivers State House of Assembly has concluded plans to partner with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in capacity building of its members.

This was disclosed by the Head and Resident Representative of UNITAR, Dr Larry Boms during the team’s visit to the Assembly.

According to Dr. Boms, UNITAR is interested in establishing e-governance, sustainable development, participatory budgeting, revenue generation monitoring and evaluation, hinting that the institute has succeeded in training over 500 youths with skilled manpower development for oil industries to take advantage of local content Act.

The Head and Resident Representative of UNITAR further disclosed that he has assisted in the improvement of local and state administration by building capacity of country leaders, civil servants, NGOs, the institute and local administrators, adding that UNITAR will not only train lawmakers but monitor and evaluate their oversight functions.

“Not just training but we are going to install a monitoring and evaluation system in place”, Dr. Boms assured.

In his response the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree thanked UNITAR for the interest shown in Rivers State House Assembly.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Leyii Kwanee, he said Rivers State House of Assembly is ready to partner with UNITAR and will ensure that the institute's vision for the House is achieved.

Stressing the need for legislators to be up to date, the chief legislator noted that the 7th Assembly has placed high premium on the issue of training especially as 70% of its members are new entrants who need training to legislate effectively.###