Connect with us

Rivers

Stakeholders Laud POTAF’s Scholarship Scheme

Published

on

Stakeholders in Rivers State have lauded the spirit behind the Professor Owen Tam Adikibi Foundation (POTAF) scholarship scheme aimed at improving human capacity, especially in core science-related fields to help transform the state.
The Tide reports that POTAF was officially launched last December 30, at Kalio-Ama, Okrika Local Government Area, with the presentation of full-funded undergraduate scholarships to two indigent students of the state to study Electrical and Petroleum Engineering at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt.
Speaking as special guest at the award ceremony, Amanyanabo of Ogoloma, King Emmanuel Tamunoigbeinbia, lauded Adikibi’s wisdom, having been inspired, particularly by the Shell Petroleum Development Company’s pioneering scholarship scheme as part of efforts to complement government drive to boost educational development in the Niger Delta, and tasked others to emulate the initiative to move the region forward.
POTAF Chairman, Dr Tonye Adikibi, said the foundation was proud to be part of efforts to lift Rivers sons and daughters out of ignorance and poverty, by empowering them academically to contribute to the development of Okrika, Rivers State and nation, adding that the initiative was a quantum leap in the history of the state.
He challenged other well-meaning individuals and philanthropic organisations to borrow a leaf from the core values and principles of the Adikibi Foundation, and impact positively on the society. POTAF Secretary, Hanson Toby, said the foundation has articulated sound initiatives to enhance the educational advancement of the state, and expressed appreciation to the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma Kingdom, King Emmanuel Tamunoigbeinbia, and other stakeholders for their support to the foundation since its inception in January, 2015.
Toby assured that with their encouragement and the full participation of science-inclined young and brilliant Rivers sons and daughters in secondary schools across the country, more will benefit from the scheme in the coming years.
In her speech, POTAF Administration Manager, Ibiene Kalio, assured a transparent and credible the selection process for intending beneficiaries of the foundation’s undergraduate scholarships, and advised Rivers youth in secondary schools to work harder to surpass Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) cut off points, as better days await them thereafter under the scheme.
Chairman of the occasion, Sir Eli Kalio, thanked POTAF for contributing to the educational development of Okrika LGA, and the state, and encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that their wards pay more serious attention to their studies by focusing more on how best to advance their careers rather than loafing around aimlessly and constituting nuisance to the society.
Kalio particularly congratulated the founder of POTAF for accepting the challenge and fulfilling the promise he made in 2015, and enjoined other well-meaning citizens of the state to take a cue from the POTAF founder so that the society can be a peaceful and better place for all to co-exist.
Also speaking, one of the recipients of the award, who hails from Ogoloma Community, Miss Dagogo Ibierembo Ebenezer, praised the transparent selection process, saying that she did not have to know or lobby anybody to be selected for the scholarship, having met the criteria for participation with excellent.

 

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Continue Reading

Rivers

IYC Demands Apology Over Arrest Of Soboma Jackrich

Published

on

The Elders Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has demanded for an apology from the security agencies over the recent invasion of the residence of Ambassador Soboma Jackrich where two of his aides were killed.
The council said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Signed by Elder Afonya Horsefall, Chairman Ijaw Youth Elders Council, KalabariSekpangi, said the military, by the invasion has trampled on the inalienable rights of its leader.
According to the organisation, “the wanton destruction of his property and the killing of aides is repugnant to natural justice and must be restituted.
It stressed the need for the security agencies to be professional in their approach to security, adding that every action of the security agencies must be within the ambit of the law.
The group described Ambassador Soboma Jackrich as a prominent Ijaw leader who has contributed immensely towards the development of the Niger Delta and the relative peace in the region.
The IYC also called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to come to the aide of the Niger Delta people by ensuring security and development in the region.

By: John Bibor

Continue Reading

Rivers

Fubara Has Demystified Governance-Elder Statesman

Published

on

As Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is set to mark itsone year anniversary, an elder statesman, Sir Fubara Hart, says governance in Rivers State under the governor has been demystified.
Hart, two-time House of Representatives aspirant, therefore, called on Rivers people to rally round the Governor in show of support to achieve the desired objective.
Hart, in an interview in Port Harcourt, said under Governor Fubara, infrastructural development and human capital development are given .maximum attention they deserve for the wellbeing of the citizenry.
He said available evidences abound in the State, judging from the thanksgiving rallies organised by the Simplified Movement, saying it is a strong indication that Rivers people are pleased with the wave of development in the State.
He noted that the spread of projects across the nooks and crannies of the State, unlike in the past, has endeared the Governor to the people who are celebrating him.
Hart said under Governor Fubara, Rivers, people can feel a sense of belonging, as governance is being given a human face through the distribution of social amenities across the board.
He maintained that it would be appropriate to support Governor Fubara, rather than distracting him, saying Governor Fubara has shown his determination to change the fortunes of the people, especially the unreached, among the populace .
“In the past, it wasn’t like this, a scenario where one man divided and cornered the wealth of the people is over. Rivers people are pleased, being carried along and being allowed to contribute to the growth of the State.
The multi-billion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road; Trans-Kalabari road project; the low cost housing units; Songhai farm rehabilitation; and job creation can be described as the monumental achievements Governor Fubara has recorded.
“Gone are the days projects are sited in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area alone. Rivers people can now see projects in all parts of the State. We appeal to detractors to allow Governor Fubara serve his people, give him maximum cooperation as it was given to Wike and others who had ruled the State. Others ruled for eight years, so nothing will stop our own.
Governor Fubara is one of the best things that has happened to Rivers State, as his peaceful disposition, accessibility and open-door policy are hallmark of leadership. He came for Rivers people, as seen in his actions and conduct. Anyone fighting him is an enemy of Rivers people and should be jettisoned,” he said.
Hart said the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili was right by endorsing Governor Fubara as the political leader of the State as provided in the PDP Constitution.
The PDP meant well by enshrining it in his Constitution, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) borrowed to implement.
The elderstatesman, therefore, appealed to all PDP members to respect the party’s Constitution as it is supreme.
He urged the 27 lawmakers led by Hon Martin Amaewhule to know that they are no longer lawmakers in the eyes of the law as any law made by them cannot stand.
While urging them to desist from being used by one selfish politician to destablise the peace existing in the State, Hart pleaded with the Governor to remember Bonny Local Government Area in the award of road projects, as Bonny internal roads are begging for attention.

Continue Reading

Rivers

Monarch Lauds Fubara Over Solicitor-General’s Appointment

Published

on

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, King Leslie Eke, has praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara over the appointment of Mrs Ibiwari Charity Clapton-Ogolo as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor- General of the State.
Eke  said this at a press briefing to mark his birthday at his palace in Woji in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He said Clapton-Ogolo being a seasoned lawyer will do as expected in an attempt to project and defend the interest of the people.
According to him, such opportunity will also reduce the work-load on the office of the Attorney -General of the State.
The traditional ruler also said the appointment will aid in prompt delivery of justice in the State.
The appointment, he noted, has further demonstrated the Governor’s strength in governance of the State and not weakness as argued in some quarters.
He said those who are not in tune with the modern ways of governance will always be at the sea at each step taken by Governor Fubara.
The Governor, he further explained, is full of wisdom and is prepared to better the lots of Rivers people.
“I am at home with the Governor’s leadership style. He is calculative and he always hits the nail on the head. Well, people are free to say anything they like, but for me, the Governor is a goal getter”, he said.
He re-emphasised the intention of the entire Evo Kingdom’s undiluted support for the present administration as he prayed God to continue to guide and direct the Governor aright in order to enable him deliver credibly on the mandate given him.
It would be recalled that the State has for some time operated with only the office of the Attorney-General of the State until the recent appointment of the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of State by Governor Fubara.

By: King Onunwor

Continue Reading

Trending