Issues
Sustaining Amaechi’s Initiatives In Education (2)
Amaechi
Efforts must be intensified to upgrade the college to a university status. Since its inception in 1971 as the Advance Teacher Training College, the Rivers State College of Education has endeavoured to provide economic, social and educational support services to the region. It has offered diverse education programmes to many students of various backgrounds. The college has evolved from its once small upgrading programme of the Grade II Teacher’s certificates upon completion of a five-year post primary course – the minimum qualification for teaching in the primary school, to the Nigerian Certificate in Education-NCE certificate upon completion of a three-year post secondary course. At one time the NCE was planned to be the minimum qualification for teaching in the country. The college also offered a part-time one-year Associate Certificate in Education (ACE) course, in collaboration with the University of Ibadan. Today the College of Education has surpassed its goals by offering accredited post-secondary courses, awards of certificates, diplomas and degrees in such disciplines as: English Language, Biology, Physics, Integrated Science, Chemistry, Educational Psychology, Physical Education, Business Education, Counselling, Early Child Education, Adult Education, Home Science/Management, Political Science, Social Sciences, Social Studies, Public Administration, Economics, Geography and in many other areas. These are content and subject areas that will play important roles in the governor’s initiatives in education. The State College of Education operates satellite campuses at St. John’s College and Ndele, and presently educates over 10,000 students per year and employs over one thousand faculty and other staff. Niger Delta in particular and Nigeria in general need more people with degrees and more skilled workers with higher technical and associate professional qualifications in the years ahead. Over the next ten years most of the new jobs will need people who have the skills and education that higher education offers. In the sixties, only one in twenty post primary school leavers went to university, today it can be estimated that one in three attend university as more adults are taking a degree in their twenties. Getting a higher education degree will not only boost education and skills of a person, but it also improves the ability of the individual to earn a good living. When upgraded to a University status, the State College of Education will become a specialized university in the field of education. It will prepare dynamic leaders and practitioners in teaching, research and management having content excellence, pedagogical competence, commitment and integrity that would ensure quality and sustainable development at all tiers and sectors of education. It will offer nationally and internationally accepted academic programs to produce: (a) classroom teachers to the need of public and private schools of various levels – primary, secondary and higher secondary. (b) educationists/Researchers/Curriculum Developers, etc. (c) It will make the University a thriving hub of educational research and knowledge creation. (d) It will make the teaching profession attractive to the youth by providing quality programmes that is the hallmark of university education. (e) It will create an enabling environment to upgrading our human capital and enhance our competitiveness in a knowledge-based economy. Achieving University status for the State College of Education would be a great achievement towards the governor’s education initiatives of making Rivers State the nation’s premier education reformer, provider and a leader in teaching, research and development. One goal of this new initiative will be to eliminate examination leakages ”expo.” Expo exists because students are not confident of taking and passing their exams, so they resort to the cheapest means of just getting a certificate. The governor’s effort should include an examination of the curriculum. It stands to reason that if what is taught is not closely aligned with what is assessed, students will not have been adequately prepared to enter an examination hall with confidence. A perfectly aligned instructional system would include a curriculum that addresses the syllabi standards, instruction that is based on the curriculum, and assessments that identify opportunities for students to demonstrate what they know and can do on the state standards. This will create accountability where our teachers must be held responsible for moving their students to proficient – passing levels on their end of year examinations. Consequently, teachers must re-examine their instructional programme to ensure that classroom tasks and assignments are aligned to the syllabus they are expected to teach and that are assessed in JSS or SSS examinations. Through the Office of Educational Leadership in the State Ministry of Education, a number of strategies can be adopted and employed to ensure the taught curriculum is aligned with the state academic syllabus. The state should set an academic standard-a process of deciding what all students should learn from primary through secondary. The state should then develop tests that measure whether schools are teaching students what the state expects students to know. Standard and assessments that are aligned with those standards are the foundations of equity in education. Such standards ensure that schools are evaluated against a common benchmark, because our children deserve an education that helps them succeed in today’s technologically rich, global economy. If the governor’s initiatives will be sustained, then it is imperative to recognize that review of the curriculum and assessment tools are essential to the state’s education reform efforts. Teachers suffer from lack of appreciation for the hard work they render. Times were in the past when teachers were owed their monthly salaries and benefits that resulted to low motivation among them. Motivation is anything done to make teachers happy, satisfied, dedicated and committed in such a way that they bring out their best in their places of work so that students, parents and the society will greatly benefit from their services. Researches have pointed out, and educators are aware that reformers of education may establish new schools, effect changes in structure and curriculum, recommend and prescribe teaching methods and provide resources, ‘in the end, the teacher will be solely responsible for applying them to yield expected results. Teachers find it difficult to give their best in a situation where their efforts are not recognized or appreciated. This apathy has made it difficult for even the educational sector to attract and retain such top-quality personnel that are required to function in the school system, especially at the primary and secondary school levels. After all teachers are great role models, what they say and do, directly affect and influence students. An Education Transformation Trust Fund should be created to assist government’s efforts in education reforms. An Education Trust solicits for donations that will help in promoting high academic achievement for all students at all levels. While it is well acknowledged that our system could better serve their students, too often schools in the rural areas are left behind in the area of school supplies and good teachers, the education trust can focus on these schools and provide extra incentives for teachers that serve in the rural areas. The Education Trust Fund will work alongside policymakers, parents, business leaders, education professionals within the state trying to transform schools that genuinely serve all students. Learning will be enhanced when it is more like a team effort than a lone man’s race (only for the government). Sharing one’s own ideas and responding to other’s reactions sharpen thinking and deepen understanding of the mission at hand – building skills that build the future. As an independent agency, the education trust can track and compile information on schools and institutions, thereby build much needed data for policy makers and planners. They can identify smart and gifted children and recommend them for special scholarships so they can demonstrate their special skills and aptitudes. The prospect of the education sector remains bright with governor’s vision and efforts in reforming and increasing opportunities for education. At the end it will empower our students and learners with education and training relevant to regional and national industry needs so that they can contribute positively to the global community. Guided by the governor’s vision on education, we would arrive at the understanding of what it takes to build a sustainable educational system where our students will learn and build an awareness of the choices they make and determine whether or not their choices will support their future. They will develop the skills needed to engage successfully in a sustainable society. The essence of sustainable educational development the governor is initiating will be tested in sincere harmony of a sound, viable, responsible governance and social integration that will ensure that the success of the initiatives will be a lifeenhancing process on the people of Rivers State. When sound policies are put in place, we will be building a lasting legacy in the development and improvement of education in the State that have eluded even the federal government. Dr. Wolugbom is a former school administrator in Rivers State and currently a staff of the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
-
SMEs2 days ago
Customs Bolsters Collaboration With Benin Counterpart
-
Opinion2 days agoFolly Of Leaping Before Looking
-
Niger Delta2 days agoTraditional Rulers Council Honours Two Commissioners
-
Sports2 days agoB’Ball: NBA Stars Dominate US Olympic Team
-
News2 days agoNigeria’s Inflation Rate’ll Drop To 23% By 2025 -IMF
-
SMEs2 days agoEntrepreneurs Support Vulnerable Nigerians Amid Economic Hardship
-
Editorial2 days agoGovernor’s Pension Law Repeal, Otti’s Example
-
Rivers2 days agoMonarch Lauds Fubara Over Solicitor-General’s Appointment