Issues

How Partnerships Are Closing Education Gap

Published

12 years ago

May 16, 2012

If there is any sector of the economy where governments at all levels in Nigeria have invested significantly to raise the bar in the much-needed human capital portfolio, it is in the critical area of infrastructure and human capacity development. The result is spiraling collection of educated population across the country.

But very big contributors to this bolstering record in efforts to achieve, if not surpass, targets set as part of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the governments within the oil-rich Niger Delta region. These states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Rivers. They, without doubt, cover the geographic area where the interventionist agency, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is constitutionally mandated to provide fillip for sustainable development.

The NDDC is not the only driver of development in the region. The multinational oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta have also invested huge chunk of money for the overall development of the region. But on the aggregate score, their social spend in building human capacity has been monumental. Indeed, this score is more conspicuous in the education sector where investments in infrastructure and human capital development are already yielding groundbreaking results. These results are visible because the companies have genuinely exploited available windows for partnership and synergy with virtually all stakeholders in the development process.

It is this partnership template from private sector perspective, that the catchment governments are now cashing in on to unleash transformational development never before anticipated. In fact, leading the pack in keying into this development driver is the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Of course, Rivers State is an archetype of the 21st Century Centre of Excellence in PPP-driven educational development strategy. The Chibuike Amaechi-led government, in the last four and half years, has invested huge sums of money in strategic partnerships for the development of the education sector, both in the area of infrastructure and human capital. This is because even as the government sat down to articulate an intervention policy to address the education infrastructure deficit with an initiative meant to build, furnish and equip about 750 model primary schools in the 23 local government areas, it factored in a major role for the private sector, especially the major oil and gas companies, in the process. The primary schools are not just all. Even a good percentage of the 23 model secondary schools being executed across the 23 local government areas, also have PPP content. And one major thread that runs through the entire education sector development is Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). This, indeed, is not surprising!

On assumption of office as Governor, Amaechi declared a state of emergency in the education sector, and initiated pragmatic policy to populate the state’s landscape with world-class model primary and secondary schools. The primary schools have information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled 14-classroom blocks with an auditorium, e-library, sports facilities, principal and teachers’ offices as well as conveniences.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education in the state, Mr Richard Ofuru, reiterated the government’s vision for building the schools in remarks during the inauguration of the Shell and Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership Learning Centres in Port Harcourt. For him, and indeed, the government, the purpose is to create a convergence centre where indigent and poor pupils and those from wealthy families would acquire basic education thereby helping to bridge the yawning gap between the rich and poor in the state. The idea was hinged on the desperate need to remedy the rot and dilapidation that had permeated the sector for decades, and had forced many families to either withdraw their wards from public schools or completely lost hope in the ability of government to revive education sector and thus, re-engineer confidence in a bright future for the state, albeit, Nigeria.

Some of the enablers of this vision are the congenial learning environment, state-of-the-art facilities, spacious classrooms and seating arrangements, 21st Century learning tools, well-educated teaching staff, free tuition fees, accessible environment, and acceptable educational modules. In order to deliver on the vision for building the schools, the government had embarked on training and retraining of teachers to enable them perform effectively in the new technology-driven academic environment.

The permanent secretary was not alone when he touched on the very critical importance of strategic partnerships for sustainable educational development of the state. Ofuru noted that the government has been leveraging on the robust corporate social investment policies of such companies as Shell to lift the education sector to the next level. He catalogued such partnerships to include the Shell/Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership, Cradle-To-Career initiative scholarships through the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), the Digital Learning Programme, and scholars and teachers’ mentoring initiatives and the Sustainable Development Clubs, among others.

Now, let us take a critical look at two of these partnerships for instance. First, the Cradle-To-Career Initiative: This programme is a strategic education partnership between the state government and Shell aimed at making first-class access to education available to hard-to-reach children from rural communities in difficult areas of the state. To achieve its objective, Shell since 2010, has been working with the government to select 20 bright children from poor homes leaving public primary schools in rural communities, and putting them in three of the first-category private secondary schools in Nigeria – Brookstone Secondary School, Jephthah Comprehensive College and now Archdeacon Brown Education Centre, all in Rivers State. Today, 40 students from very indigent families now have their secondary education fully funded by Shell on a scholarship that promises to make them not just competitive in the academic environment, but also functional citizens that can confidently face life and undertake successful careers after secondary school education.And they are doing quite well. Another 20 are billed to join the ivy class this year.

Perhaps, the objectives of this initiative synchronises with the vision of Governor Amaechi for the education sector in the state. Just take a look: The Cradle-To-Career initiative aims to give disadvantaged but bright students from selected remote communities access to quality education; support the attainment of universal basic education; and develop a solid foundation for the training of quality manpower in the state. The benefits of this are enormous. For one, it would, provide improved quality of education and learning environment for students from remote communities; opportunity for interaction with students from other backgrounds; and engineer the development of a firm foundation for higher education and sound human resource base for future employment.

Another bold initiative that blends with the Amaechi government’s proactive investment in improving the quality of infrastructure, personnel and students in the primary education sub-sector is the Shell/Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership. In this novel project, the Ministry of Education is also partnering with the two socially-responsible corporate organisations to take education in the state to the next level. And Ofuru makes no mistake about the conviviality with which the government is savouring the relationship.

But why is the government overwhelmed by this pragmatic approach to human capital development? The reasons are simple: the Shell and Discovery Channel’s Global Education Partnership initiative has adopted 20 of the new model primary schools as veritable tools for re-inventing education in the state, and targets the transformation of no less than 49,315 stakeholders, including 639 teachers, about 12,169 students and 36,500 community members by 2014. This is huge! Already, with the completion of installation of the facilities in 20 schools dotted across five local government areas of the state, 245 teachers have been trained, while 7,050 students are applying the tools in learning, just as over 21,150 community members have improved their skills.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the initiative promises to impact teaching capacity and raise the bar in integrated educational video programming in the classrooms. The four-year Shell and Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership project has installed television and digital video display (DVD) players, and delivered original award-winning educational video programming and intensive teacher training on effective integration of locally relevant video content in support of curricular objectives.

The project is already in effective use, with tremendous results on startling improvements in academic performances. Both the teachers and students in the 20 select schools attest to this. A teacher, Dr Margaret Nwagbara is one of the many teachers who have drastically improved on their teaching capacity as a result. She made it clear in a testimonial that justifies the huge investment in the project when she expressed satisfaction with the project content and quality, and the impact it is already making in changing the face of education in the state.

Like Dr Nwagbara, the students are also enthralled by the innovative educational project. And they also made it unequivocally clear in their demonstrations and intelligent testimonies that reveal a determination to maximize the facilities in efforts to enhance their academic performance.

This promise of a faith accompli is the reason why all stakeholders – the state government, Shell, DCGEP, and the host communities – are delighted with the initiative. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Richard Ofuru made government position clear: “This programme has a good fit with the strategy of the Rivers State Government in the education sector, which has involved an ambitious upgrade of primary and secondary school infrastructure. We are happy that the programme would complement the efforts of the state government in improving teaching and learning in primary schools. Teachers and pupils are advised to take advantage of the opportunities it offers.”

The Managing Director, SPDC, Mutiu Sunmonu, made the company’s feelings known at the launch of the project when he said: “The launching marks the successful start-up of a four-year project to provide, in close collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Education, teacher training and support to integrate educational video programming in the classrooms.”

The Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership family is not left out in the excitement over the success story of the learning centres. Their leader, President of the partnership, Aric Noboa, conveyed the conviviality of hearts and minds they share on this project: “the aim is to use the power of media to transform education and improve lives in under-resourced schools and communities around the world.”

Nelson Chukwudi

Issues

Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

Published

3 weeks ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

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

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

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

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

2 months ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

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.