Establish travel visa processing centre in Port Harcourt, DIafrica tells Rivers govt.

The International President, African Global Development for Positive Change Initiative (ADIafrica), Dr Prince Mbachi, has urged the Rivers Government to establish a visa processing centre in Rivers for revenue generation.

Mbachi made the remark on Thursday in Port Harcourt during a two-day free eye-screening outreach organised by ADIafrica, an NGO, in collaboration with the Stephen and Judith Igwe International Educational Foundation, targeting over 300 beneficiaries.

He said that the visa processing centre, when established, would captured South-South and South-East regions’ residents and also reduce their travel stress.

Mbachi said visa processing centres were currently located in Abuja and Lagos, making it difficult and costly for applicants from South-South and South-East regions to obtain travel visas promptly and conveniently.

He urged the Rivers government to partner with relevant African bodies to actualise the project, describing it as achievable through constructive engagement and collaboration.

‘’The establishment of a visa processing centre in Rivers would not only enhance access to consular services but also stimulate economic activities in the state capital,’’ he said.

Mbachi also decried the high cost of air travel fees within Africa, describing African routes as among the most expensive globally.

He called on the African Union to intervene and initiate dialogue aimed at reducing airfares across the continent.

He further appealed to the United Nations to consider establishing a vocational university in Africa to promote skills acquisition and youth empowerment.

Mbachi stressed the need for such an institution in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, noting that vocational education was critical to sustainable development on the continent.

‘’The proposed university would equip young people with practical skills needed to compete globally and address unemployment challenges,’’ he said.

He reiterated the organisation’s readiness to work with relevant stakeholders to achieve the proposals.

In his remarks, the traditional ruler of the Orazi Rumueme in Obio-Akpor LGA, Chief Livingstone Akaninwo commended the ADIafrica and Stephen and Judith Igwe Foundation for its community health outreach programme.

Akaninwo described the programme as impactful and worthy of emulation by other NGOs and added that the initiative, aimed at improving the people’s health and wellbeing, was a practical demonstration of genuine community service.

‘’Good health remains fundamental to productivity and overall well-being; beyond the provision of food, access to healthcare services should be prioritised.

“People do not only need food like rice and beans; they need good health so that whatever they eat will benefit their body,’’ he said.

He urged other non-governmental organisations, and well-meaning individuals to invest in practical interventions that would directly impact the lives of the people.

Akaninwo further called on ADIafrica, Federal and state governments to intensify campaigns and sensitisation programmes against drug abuse among youths.

He reiterated his support for the initiative and called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to alleviate the suffering of the populace.