News
Dame Amaechi Blames Militancy On Lack Of Foundation
Wife of Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi has attributed militancy and youth restiveness in the Niger Delta Region to lack of proper foundational and early childhood education.
Mrs. Amaechi stated this on Monday during the ESI and Shell Clusters Development Partnership interactive session in Port Harcourt.
She said if the amnesty package must be successful, its implementation must be able to include and embrace the early childhood education in its programme.
The governor’s wife, who described children in the region as “survival in wilderness” stated that lack of basic amenities including rights to basic education instigated the youths to carrying arms and ammunitions.
According to her “when the child grows up without direction and a path to follow, he has no choice than to find answers to its situations”.
The Rivers First Lady noted that corporate organisations, and communities who neglect the basics in child development do so at their peril.
“The cause of militancy is the lack of proper early childhood education, a child has no access to basic things of life.
“A Holistic approach needs to be put in place to promote early child education if the nation’s education sector must be salvage”, Mrs Amaechi said.
She asserted that the child grows up in the face of intimidation, destruction of local economy and environmental subjugation, adding that this pitiable situation of the child gave rise to the ESI educational intervention scheme to mould children between 3-6 with a view to giving them a new beginning.
She said the challenge before ESI was to build permanent structure in the 319 wards of the state, adding that the structure would provide platform for adult literacy programme for parents.
The governor’s wife said it was necessary for corporate organisations to partner with Non-Governmental Organisations like the ESI to develop human capacity for the nation.
Mrs Amaechi said that the ESI teachers are expected to regular training with collaboration with British Council in Cambridge model of teaching and learning, adding that the 350 graduands of its pilot scheme are doing excellently well in the government –owned primary schools.
Earlier, the Manager, Government Community Relations, East SPDC, Mr Fufeyin Funkakpo said the organisation was willing to partner with ESI through its cluster system in the state.
Funkakpo said the cluster group will cross-fertilize ideas with a view to finding areas of mutual interest that will promote the rights of the child to access basic education.
Also, the Co-ordinator of ESI, Nowa Omorogbe commended the overwhelming support of the host communities, adding that the NGO has introduced “feed a child” project aimed at providing adequate and balanced meal necessary for the growth and learning capacity of the child.
The event was attended by management of 10 Clusters including Andoni, Etche 1 and 2, Greater Port Harcourt, Akuku Toru, Ikwerre LGAs, Shell Residential and Industrial Areas, Daa 1 and 2.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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