Connect with us

News

RSG Warns Schools Against Extortion Of Parents

Published

6 years ago

on

The Rivers State Government has warned school heads in the state against extorting money as fees from parents and guardians under the guise of completing the final lap of the 2019/2020 academic session.
A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, yesterday, reads, “It has come to the attention of the Rivers State Ministry of Education that some private schools have resumed for the final lap of 2019/2020 academic session and are collecting fees under the guise.
“The ministry states categorically that: Schools have not resumed for the third term 2019/2020, hence fees cannot be collected for same.
“The ministry is still making consultations with the leadership of private schools and stakeholders in the public-school sector regarding the continued learning of the students.
“The ministry has not announced resumption, hence schools that have asked parents to pay fees for third term purportedly suggesting that third term has started have not told the truth.
“The original calendar of 2019/2020 was suspended with immediate effect on the 23rd of March, 2020 when the closure of schools was announced by the governor of the state.
“Every school that has asked parents to pay fees for third term has acted without authority and should forthwith withdraw all such letters to parents.
“However, the ministry do not abhor online support from various schools for their students. Announcement for collaborative online teachings for third term will be made in due course only after consultation with all stakeholders in the education sector,” the statement added.
Earlier in a meeting with some private schools, last Monday, Ebeku, had warned management of the schools against operating outside the confines of the state government’s orders.
The state education commissioner had invited the management of Greenoak School and Royal Girls Academy, to the meeting following an alleged exploitation report against the schools by some parents.
Ebeku said the state government would not tolerate flouting of the directive on the closure of schools, and warned against exploitation of parents during the period of the pandemic under the guise of third term e-learning programme.
The commissioner also warned that all private schools within the state should desist from inviting parents to pay fees for third term since the state government has not made an official announcement for its commencement.
He said: “Your schools acted without authority. The letters you sent to parents are being protested by the parents and government has a duty to protect the parents.
“Schools have not opened, and therefore, third term had not commenced to the extent of any private schools inviting parents to pay fees. Schools that have asked parents to start paying fees purported that third term had started. The Ministry of Education in the state has not announced resumption of school.
“The original academic calendar for 2019/2020 was suspended with immediate effect on March 23, when the closure of schools was announced by the governor of the state.”
Ebeku, however, directed the withdrawal of the letters forthwith, and warned other private schools not to collect any fees for third term unless and until an agreement has been reached on the issue with all stakeholders.
He indicated that any school that violates this directive of the state government would face unpleasant consequences.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

News

COAS Tasks Troops To Dominate Battlespace, Intensify Offensive In N/Central

Published

12 hours ago

on

May 29, 2026

By

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.

Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.

Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.

 

Continue Reading

News

Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West

Published

13 hours ago

on

May 29, 2026

By

A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Nathaniel Uwaji, has expressed excitement over the emergence of Bro Felix Obuah as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District following the party’s just concluded primaries.
Hon. Uwaji, who formerly represented Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency I, described Obuah’s emergence as a reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the people of Rivers West.
Speaking shortly after voting at Ward Five, Obrikom, Uwaji commended party members and supporters for turning out en masse to participate in the exercise and vote for what he described as “the right candidate.”
According to him, Bro Felix Obuah’s reputation as a bridge builder and grassroots politician makes him well suited to represent Rivers West in the Senate.
“Bro Obuah’s antecedents speak volumes across the length and breadth of Rivers State. The people are pleased to have him represent them at the National Assembly because he has paid his dues,” Uwaji stated.
The former lawmaker further noted that Obuah has remained unwavering in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as key political leaders with strong followership in the state.
“There is no doubt that Bro Obuah has consistently demonstrated loyalty and support to both President Tinubu and Chief Wike. He remains one of the strongest allies of the FCT Minister,” he said.
Uwaji maintained that Obuah’s popularity and political track record have endeared him to the people, stressing that his victory at the primaries was widely expected.
“The name Bro Obuah is already a household name in Rivers State politics because of his track records. This victory has once again demonstrated his popularity and acceptance among the people,” he added.
He also thanked the people of Ward Five, Obrikom, and other stakeholders for their overwhelming support during the primaries, expressing confidence that the APC candidate would record another victory during the 2027 general elections.
“As you can see from the results, the people voted overwhelmingly for him, and they will repeat the same feat during the main election in 2027. Ward Five, Obrikom, will be among the first to deliver results for Bro Obuah and Mr. President,” Uwaji declared.
The former lawmaker also commended security agencies and electoral officials for ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible primary election process.
He assured constituents that Bro Felix Obuah would not disappoint the people if elected into the Senate.
Continue Reading

News

Navy Upgrades Training, Infrastructure To Tackle Security Threats

Published

14 hours ago

on

May 29, 2026

By

The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.

Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.

“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”

According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.

Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.

Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.

Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.

“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.

“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’

He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.

The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.

“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.

In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.

Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.

Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.

“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.

Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.

He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending