Rivers govt urged to establish visa processing centre in Port Harcourt

The international president of African Global Development for Positive Change Initiative, Prince Mbachi, has urged the Rivers government to establish a visa processing centre in the state to generate revenue.

Mr Mbachi said this 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 capture residents of the South-South and South-East regions and also reduce their travel stress.

Mr Mbachi said visa processing centres were currently located in Abuja and Lagos, making it difficult and costly for applicants from the 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.

Mr 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 to reduce 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.

Mr Mbachi stressed the need for such an institution in Nigeria and across Africa, noting that vocational education is 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.