Nation
2023 Presidency: Kogi SSG Drums Support For Bello
The Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr Folashade Arike, says Governor Yahaya Bello’s capacity, dedication, sincerity and compassion makes him the right choice for President in 2023.
Arike made this known in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Lokoja.
She said Bello had carved a niche for himself and recorded successes across all sectors, adding that his commitment and passion for development is one that Nigerians are yearning for.
Arike said that Bello’s style of leadership has also brought unity, peace and security to Kogi and its people, which is what Nigeria needs more at this time.
“Empathy, compassion, dedication, truthfulness, sincerity, capacity to deliver on his mandate, commitment to the cause of Kogi State and Nigeria at large are the qualities of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
“Hardly can you find a leader that has so much passion for development as the Governor does.
“Alhaji Yahaya Bello is the man that has carved a niche for himself because of the way he has piloted the affairs of the state since assumption of office.
“The Governor has helped the state get better and the best thing we can do as Nigerians is to give him the support he needs to succeed and make Nigeria great.
“The qualities I highlighted above do not include the fact that he is the youngest man to have ever held the position. That is also something we should ponder about.
“He was a public servant as a federal civil servant and when he decided to run for office, he came straight to say he was interested in being the Governor and the almighty God installed him divinely.
“He did not come and say he wanted to be the Chairman of his LGA or the state Assembly member, but a governor. That is to tell you he is a goal getter.
“To tell you how great he is, he did not only make history in the state, but also in law. The legal documents of this country are no longer the same, partly, because of him,” Arike said.
According to her, the governor’s investment in infrastructure has changed the landscape of the state, turning places that were hitherto overlooked to areas deserving attention.
The SSG added that the comprehensive and all encompassing reform of the civil services has been successfully implemented, in addition to other sectors.
“He has shown doggedness and determination to improve the health, education, road networks, agriculture and other aspects of people’s lives.
“Women and youth of Kogi have their places in the table in terms of governance in the state. The Governor has given those demographic their pride of place having been previously neglected.
“The energy of the youth, the tenacity and compassion of the women and the experience of others is what the governor is using to bring these impactful developments to the state,” she added.
Arike, therefore, advised that as elections approach, Nigerians and politicians should remain peaceful, play politics according to the rules and without bitterness, for the betterment of the country.
She further urged Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter Card and vote for Bello because of his youthfulness, commitment and determination to set Nigeria on a global pedestal.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.
Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.
The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.
“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.
Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state
He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.
“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.
While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.
He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.
Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
