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New RSUST Ready, 2014 …As Senate President Restates FG’s Plan To Boost Technology –Amaechi
The new campus of the Rivers State University of Science Technology(RSUST) is to be ready by 2014, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has assured.
The Governor gave the hint during the 19th-23rd convocation ceremony of the state- owned university last Saturday in Port Harcourt.
Amaechi declared, “from our calculations, we will be able to move the first batch of students by 2014″.
Rt Hon. Amaechi maintained that the plan to relocate the institution to a more spacious site was still in progress as his administration was poised to restore the school’s glory as the premier university of technology in the country.
He recalled that prior to the inception of his administration, the university was comatose and in serious decay, hence, the resolve to appoint a new governing council and Vice Chancellor, saying, “today, I am very proud of that decision and I have seen the changes with my eyes”.
Apart from pulling the institution out of the rots, Governor Amaechi argued that the convocation ceremony also underscored the drastic changes the school had undergone under the new leadership, “I am delightful today because the university has broken the seven years jinx of non-conferment of degrees and diplomas to deserving students,” he said
He, therefore, pledged government’s support to develop the school, as he assured that the health centre would be refurbished and equipped before the end of next year.
Congratulating the new graduands, Amaechi enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the institution bearing in mind the values they had imbibed, “excellence and creativity must be found in everything you do. Remember always that this is your alma-mater and so make sure you contribute to make it great”, he pleaded.
The Rivers State Governor also commended the Senate President, Senator David Mark who alongside High Chief O. B. Lulu-Briggs were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees at the event.
In the words of Amaechi,”our dear David Bonaventure Mark…is very distinguished and legendary and is renowned, is a friend of Rivers State and a frontline statesman”.
He said both Senator Mark and Chief Lulu-Briggs deserved the awards and wished them well in their endeavours.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Governing Council of RSUST, and former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Adolpus Karibi-Whyte stated that the new changes seen in the university were as a result of support given to it by the Governor.
Despite the daunting challenges, he said the council had been able to reform the institution and make it an ICT centre.
The same view was expressed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Barineme Fakae who described the convocation as a milestone with a record figure of 25,917 graduands.
So far, Prof Fakae disclosed that the university had made tremendous improvements in its infrastructure and manpower development, and called on the state government to assist in the completion of some ongoing projects to sustain its accreditation.
Meanwhile, the Senate President David Mark has commended the authorities of the RSUST for its giant strides in technological improvements in the country.
He emphasised that the Federal Government would ensure that high premium was placed on technology innovation.
The Senate President who lauded the university for the award given to him pledged to entrench democracy and touch the lives of the common man.
In a related development, Senate President, Senator David Mark, has underscored the Federal government’s desire to give priority attention to technological development and research in the country.
Senator Mark gave the indication at the 19th-23rd convocation ceremony of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology(RSUST) last Saturday in Port Harcourt.
Senator Mark who received an honorary doctorate degree with High Chief O. B. Lulu-Briggs from the university, noted that the Federal Government was giving serious attention to science and technology development in order to stimulate the country’s vision in being a strong economy by 2020.
So far, he pointed out that the university had made huge marks in technology development while urging it to sustain the tempo.
According to Senator Mark,”you should not join the bandwagon, break from the ranks and join the few that chart a fresh path”.
He decried the low attention given to technology education by the authorities, and therefore, urged the state government to ensure that educational institutions were managed to provide maximum results.
Senator Mark described universities as powerful agents of change, stressing that all measures must be put in place to promote excellence and hard work in the institution, and commended the university for” growing to be one of the best in Africa”.
The Senate President however, called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU),including other unions in the university to cooperate with the university authorities to ensure that the vision of the institution was realised.
In his speech earlier, Governor Chibuike Amaechi and Visitor to the school pledged to restore the university to its status as the country’s premier university in science and technology..
He lauded the governing council of the university for the drastic transformation the institution had undergone especially in infrastructure and ICT, adding that,” the focus of this administration is to improve technology and agriculture as new revenue earners”.
He promised that the government would ensure that the moot court building in the university’s Law Faculty was completed in 2012.
Amaechi identified the Law programme being run by the school as one of the best in the country as he promised that the state government would make sure that the status was maintained.
However, he enjoined both private and corporate bodies to come to the aid of the university, “we must learn to encourage greater support aside grants and government’s investment”, he said.
This, he said could be achieved with synergy between the alumni and the outside world,” everywhere in the world, universities survive first from endowments, no government or one institution can do it alone”, he reiterated.
Earlier, the chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte thanked the Governor for his support to the university, and observed that the school still needed more funding to boost its research and scholarships.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Barineme Fakae stated that in the course of executing its mandate, the university was faced with myriads of problems which included shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff.
He also pleaded for improved welfare for staffers as the university underwrites payment of some of its staff in partime studies.
Highlights of the ceremony were the commissioning of the Rotimi Amaechi Centre for Technology and the unveiling of the RANCAM Link Road and the new Soil and Biology Laboratory by the Senate President.
Wife of the Secretary to Rivers State Government, Mrs Stella Feyii who represented the governor’s wife chatting with Commissioner for Transport, Hon George Tolofari at the Skye Bank’s Savers Promo in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday. Photo Chris Monyananga
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.