Niger Delta
Edo Focuses On Youth Education
Executive Chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education (EdoSUBEB), Mrs Ozavize Salami, has said the state has began a disarticulation policy as a measure to get a more educated youth population.
Salami said this on Wednesday in Benin City at the South-West media dialogue on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN).
The Tide’s source reports that the event was organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Lagos State Directorate in collaboration with UNICEF.
Salami said the initiative was to ensure that affordable basic education was extended to the JSS 3 class, even though the state has not fully practised the system.
“We are actually looking at the transition number in this regard, because it is not sufficient to stop a child at primary six just like that.
“At the end of the normal six years of primary school education, the number of children that move on and graduate at JSS 3 drops by at least 50 per cent.
“The idea now is to keep the children in compulsory education for longer, although it will cost the state more. But in the long run, we will have a more educated youth population.
“This is with the understanding that education may mean more educated youths who are skilled and valuable to their environment, and understanding that Edo was popular for illegal migration and search for better prospects.
“If they (those involved in illegal migration) were educated, they will understand that there will be better options to stay in Nigeria”, she said.
The SUBEB Chairman hinted that there would be changes in the location of schools as it were at the full implementation of the disarticulation policy.
“The junior and senior secondary schools will co-habit in the same compound”, she said.
The source reports that disarticulation is a medical terminology which means the separation of two bones at their joint.
This is done either traumatically by way of injury or by a surgeon during arthroplasty or amputation.
Salami noted that programmes such as “Kwara Learn”, “Eko Excel” and “Bayelsa Prime” being implemented in some states across the country were adopted from the “EdoBEST” initiative.
She added that Edo remains the first state accelerator in Nigeria due to its verifiable data and successes recorded in foundational literacy development.
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.