Niger Delta
Bayelsa Prioritises Teaching Ijaw, French, Others In Public Schools
The Bayelsa State Government says it will place priority on the teaching and learning of Ijaw, French and Chinese Languages, as well as Science and Mathematics in public schools in the state.
The State’s Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, disclosed this when the national and state chapters of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) paid him a courtesy visit in Yenagoa.
Ewhrudjakpo explained that the emphasis on the above listed languages, in addition to the core science subjects was to equip the children to take full advantage of career opportunities offered by those subjects in the future.
He noted that the growing economic influence of China in global affairs today, justified the inclusion of Chinese Language as a subject of interest in the school curriculum.
The Deputy Governor commended the group for sharing in the promotion of programmes to uplift the state.
“I am happy for the programme you are introducing it is in tandem with the thinking of the state government.
“For us, we have made it compulsory and we are pursuing Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) because we believe that with that, the negative impression of Bayelsa State would change sooner or later.
“We are recruiting more teachers in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, agriculture science and computer science. The other subjects we are placing priority on are: Chinese, French and Ijaw languages”, he said.
Ewhrudjakpo urged APWEN members to make team work their watchword to achieve their objectives.
He appealed to the body to include male students in their programmes for gender balancing.
The Deputy Governor explained that engineering career required a lot of hard work for one to be awarded fellowship, urging them to partner with other male-dominated professions to gain more visibility.
He advised them to do more in encouraging the girl-child at secondary schools to take up engineering profession as a course of study and profession.
Ewhrudjakpo appreciated APWEN for bestowing awards on him in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of the engineering profession in the state and the country.
Earlier in their separate remarks, the State Chairman of APWEN, Diepreye Owana-Omubo, and the Vice Chairman, Dr Ann Jonathan-Obuebitei, said the association was doing everything to encourage the girl-child to take up engineering at the basic education level.
They commended the State Government for establishing more technical colleges and the recruitment of Science and Mathematics teachers to promote STEM education in the state.
The highpoint of the visit was presentation of two special awards to the Deputy Governor by the National President of APWEN, represented by the APWEN Chairman, Owana-Omubo and its Vice Chairman, Jonathan-Obuebite.
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.
-
Politics5 days ago
Diri Renders Stewardship As Jonathan, Others Grace Anniversary Celebration
-
Business5 days ago
LCCI Urges FG To Reduce Inflation Through Improved Petrol Export
-
Features5 days ago
A Farewell To Arms In Ogoni
-
Politics5 days ago
2027: SDP Advocates Principles-Based Alliances For Good Governance
-
Business5 days ago
NCDMB, Starzs Gas Upbeat On Industrialisation …Unveil CNG Project In Delta
-
Politics5 days ago
Alleged Free 2027 Presidential Ticket To Obi Misleading – ZLP
-
Business5 days ago
Diri Laments Revenue Deprivation …As Mutfwang, Abbas Unveil Projects In Bayelsa
-
Politics5 days ago
Osun LG Crisis: APC, PDP Lose Members As Adeleke Shuts Councils