News
We Won’t Politicise Education In Rivers, Says Fubara …Inaugurates Senior Secondary Schools, UBE Boards
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that great care has been taken to choose seasoned educationalists to administer two strategic schools’ boards without compromising the process with political considerations.
The Governor insisted that if a better Rivers State that is educationally prosperous is to be achieved, then things must be done rightly at the foundation levels of education.
Governor Fubara made the remark while inaugurating chairmen and members of the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board and the State Universal Basic Education Board at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Governor stated that it is important to him to constitute the boards because of his passion to change the trajectory of education in the State and provide a system that will effectively groom Rivers children.
Governor Fubara explained: “I have been very patient on carrying out this assignment because I know the importance of these two boards, more especially the board of the Universal Basic Education. This is because it is the foundation of all the educational developments of everybody.
“You cannot get it right, if you make mistakes from the UBE. That is why I have been really patient in inaugurating these boards after the expiration of the tenure of the past board members.
“I believe that at this point in time, we shouldn’t play politics with everything. We should get some things right, build a foundation for a better Rivers State,” he emphasised.
Governor Fubara reiterated that the priority areas of his administration for 2025 remain education, health and agriculture, which, according to him, will be given the needed attention through policy implementation and budgetary allocation to achieve the desired targets.
He said: “So, the inauguration of these boards today is the beginning of our 2025 programme for the good people of Rivers State, and I believe strongly that we are going to achieve it together as one people who believe in a better Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara charged the board members not only to count themselves lucky to have been appointed but to be committed also to their assigned duties and bring about the needed transformation in the sub-sector.
He said, “So, I can proudly say that, I have no doubt in the capacity of these ones that are here, that are fortunate in the midst of over seven million people that are our supporters and wonderful people of Rivers State.
“I count you very lucky, and I believe strongly that this assignment that the Rivers State Government is giving to you, you are going to deliver on it with all amount of commitment. I believe that a lot of good things will happen in our educational sector.”
Governor Fubara, who urged the board members not to disappoint the confidence reposed in them, particularly enjoined the Chairman of the UBEB, Chief David Briggs, to ensure that he improved on the existing standard at the board.
The Governor said, “For the UBEB, I know that there is a standard that is already set. The immediate past chairman did his best. He might not be correct or right in everything, but I know that there is a level of discipline in that section of our educational system.
“I am saying this to you here because I will not tolerate anything that will bring down that standard. Rather, I will want that standard to be improved upon,” he said.
Governor Fubara also charged the State Senior Secondary Schools Board to commence the promotion exercise for teachers, which, he said, has been delayed because there was no board in place.
Speaking on behalf of his members, the Chairman of the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Dr. Sam Emejuru, thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity out of over seven million people in Rivers State.
He said: “What I want to assure you is that we are not going to disappoint you. We are going to carry out our duties efficiently, diligently and with fairness to everyone.
“We take cognizance of the fact that we know you are very passionate about education. So, we are not going to joke with this responsibility assigned to us.
“We are assuring you that we shall not be found wanting. We are going to deliver as you have trusted us to give us this assignment.”
In his speech, on behalf of his members, the Chairman of Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Chief David Briggs, expressed gratitude to God and to the Governor for reposing high level of confidence in them with such assignment.
He said: “Our commitment will be unalloyed. We are assuring you that we will not disappoint you, knowing how meticulous, detailed, passionate, and of course, how result-oriented you are.
“We will not disappoint you. We will not disappoint your government, and in totality, we will not disappoint the people of Rivers State. We will be at your side, as your foot soldiers to realize the educational heights you have as a vision for Rivers State.”
Those inaugurated for the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board included: Dr. Sam Emejuru as chairman, with Mr. Francis Jacob, Dr. Grace Jaja, Mrs. Jemina Margaret Briggs, and Mrs. Love Aguma as members.
For the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. David Theophilus Briggs is the chairman with Nwuke Anucha, Dr Alom Anyanya Austin-Mba, Dr. Walson Ominini as members, while Mrs. Ibiere Pepple is secretary.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
-
Niger Delta1 day agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
News1 day agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News1 day agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Rivers1 day ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
Politics1 day agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
Politics1 day agoADC: Okonkwo Rejects Amaechi As Presidential Running Mate, Withdraws Support
-
Politics1 day ago2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda
-
Politics1 day ago
2027: Rivers PFN To Mobilise 600,000 Votes