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UK Lauds Wike On Education Dev …Wike Has Defined Good Governance -Sultan
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Awkright has commended Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for investing in girl-child education, noting that no country can develop if it fails to educate her girls.
Speaking while commissioning Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, last Saturday, Awkright called for greater investments in girl-child education.
He said: “There is no reason why we should neglect half of our population who can help ensure the prosperity of the country. That is why education is important. That is why girl child-education is important. Without girl-child education, this country cannot thrive”.
While thanking the people of Rivers State for their warm reception, he said he was genuinely pleased to be in the state which was the heart of the Niger Delta region.
“I am particularly pleased that I am here for the commissioning of a girl’s school. I have a daughter. I know how important it is to see girls educated. That they receive a minimum of 12 years of quality education.
“When they are educated, they marry later. When they marry later, they have fewer children. They can contribute to the economy. They can fulfill themselves”, the British high commissioner said.
“The joy in the air was contagious. Hundreds of students and old girls of Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta celebrated Wike’s golden touch to their institution.
They sang pro-Wike songs, danced and urged the Rivers State governor to sustain the delivery of quality education for all students.
Speaking at the event, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that his administration was committed to quality education, hence the transformation of selected schools.
Wike noted that critical investments have been made to improve quality of teaching and learning in the interest of the development of the state.
He announced that the school would return to its old uniform, while the primary school would be fenced off from the secondary section.
“We will contract the maintenance of this school to members of the host communities. They will cut the grass and clean the environment of the school.
“We shall provide security in the school. Beginning Monday, nobody is allowed to trek across the school premises. This is a girl’s school and their security is paramount”, he said.
Wike warned the principal of the school against hiring out facilities of the institution for conferences, noting that boys would no longer be allowed to play football in the institution.
In a project description, Rivers State Education Commissioner, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja said the school which was established in 1972, was allowed to decay beyond measures by previous administrations.
He said all the structures in the school were dilapidated, pointing out that the Wike administration demolished them and built new structures.
The education commissioner stated that the school has four new hostels, a major 960-seater Assembly Hall, sick bay, several science and other laboratories, sports facilities and new internal roads.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Saturday, decorated his recently promoted aide-de-camp (ADC), Haruna Bomby with his new rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
The governor was assisted during the decoration at the Government House, Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed.
Wike congratulated his ADC on the elevation, and urged him to continue to serve dutifully.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has declared that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has opened the eyes of Nigerians on the true meaning of good governance through the delivery of quality projects.
This is as the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers formally honoured Governor Nyesom Wike with the title: “The Pride of Rivers State” for his outstanding developmental strides.
Commissioning the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers’ Secretariat Complex constructed by the administration of Wike, last Friday, the Sultan of Sokoto christened the governor, “Mr Opener”.
He said: “We will continue to commend you as long as the people commend you. I call you ‘Mr Opener’ because you have opened eyes to what governance should be. What you are doing will endear you to the people”.
He noted that the transformation of Rivers State under the leadership of Wike was real, pointing out that most of the projects being commissioned as part of the Third Year Anniversary were inspected by traditional rulers after their national meeting in January, 2018.
“We saw these projects with our eyes, nobody told us. You cannot say that this governor has not worked. Even the enemies of progress will acknowledge that something is being done”, the Sultan said.
The Sultan of Sokoto noted that government was a process where the leader continues to do what is right, and praised Wike for doing what was right for Rivers people.
Abubakar urged the Rivers State governor to concentrate on agriculture, especially oil palm production when the people actualise their support for him next year.
He stated that no matter the situation, the votes of Rivers people must count and the people allowed to determine their leaders.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that his administration resolved to construct a befitting place where the traditional rulers would share ideas and contribute to the development of the state.
He said that his administration has worked closely with the traditional rulers to build peace which has led to the development of the state.
Wike said: “I will always give priority to the welfare of traditional rulers. The traditional rulers are key to the stability of the country”.
The governor said that his administration was committed to the delivery of projects, noting that the administration would continue to commission key projects irrespective of criticisms by the opposition.
He thanked the state traditional rulers for honouring him, adding that the honour would spur him to greater service.
Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja said the secretariat would serve as a centre to preserve culture and tradition of the people of the state.
Also speaking, Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Robinson O. Robinson stated that Rivers people would re-elect the governor next year because of his planting of projects across the state.
Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Victor Ihunwo assured the Rivers State governor that the residents of the area would re-elect him.
Special Adviser on Special Projects to the Rivers State Governor, Alabo George Kerley said the secretariat was mid-wifed and delivered by Wike, adding that the facilities in the structure would enhance the deliberations of the traditional rulers.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.