Niger Delta
Association Harps On Special Education
The Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), has appealed to state governments that are yet to fully implement the Special Education scheme and the Federal Government approved 30 per cent Special Teachers’ Allowances to do so since the greater needs of children with disabilities depend on the teachers.
This is just as it has been disclosed that pupils and students of Delta state origin attending special schools in Ekiti state and other states have been sent parking by the school authorities as they were told to withdraw and return to their state.
It has been disclosed that Ekiti State School for the Deaf and Dumb took the decision following the wastage of its resources on children with special needs from other states that have refused to provide basic teaching aids, good learning environment and schools for the children.
Our source revealed that over 30 children attending special schools in Ekiti were affected by the action.
Meanwhile, Delta state government is yet to fully implement the scheme as the special schools across the state and located in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli and Agbor are either moribund with falling rooftops, waterlogged or inaccessible while the classrooms are usually overcrowded due to lack of classroom blocks.
Attempts to reach the state commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Patrick Muoboghare, to comment on the ugly development proved abortive but a source in his office said “that aspect of this special education has not received any serious attention from this ministry.”
National President of the NASET, Dr. Joseph Okuoyibo, ahead of its Annual Conference in Asaba, tagged “Special Education Service Delivery In Nigeria”, said that about five states, including Delta state are yet to fully implement the special education scheme and key into payment of the emoluments to teachers even as other states have since implemented it.
He added that the 30 per cent remuneration increase which took effect from 2008, when it was increased from the earlier 15 per cent to 30 per cent
Also, the Delta state chapter chairman of NASET, Dr. Mrs Onwubolu lamented that there is presently no functional public schools for children with disabilities in Delta state, saying that the few facelifts in some of the schools were done by private organisations.
She however blamed education supervisors for the inept attitude of the state government and the education ministry towards the development of education in the state. “The education supervisors are not telling the government the true situation of things in the state. Go and find out for yourself and you could weep at what you will see.”
disclosed that the state government has only implemented the 15 per cent special pay package to few teachers in secondary schools in October, 2010 but has vehemently refused to pay the primary school teachers who are more in number, despite the new increment of 30 per cent.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.