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RSSDA Debunks Alleged Plan To Recall Overseas Scholarship Students
The Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) has debunked allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party in the state that it plans to recall students sponsored on overseas scholarships by the agency.
In a swift response to the allegation yesterday, the agency’s Manager, Media and Communications, Kingsley Uranta, said in a statement, that the party’s claims were false, unfounded and a calculated attempt to mislead Rivers people.
The statement reads: Our attention has been drawn to the news making the rounds that RSSDA “has given a marching order to students of the state origin to return home when they are yet to start their medical programme (MBBS) for which scholarship was offered, and stoppage of payment of their upkeep with effect from August, 2014’’
According Uranta, “This statement is not true. As an agency responsible for the development of qualified manpower for the state, it will be counter-intuitive for us to force our students to return home before the completion of their studies. That will negate the objective of the scholarship scheme in the first place.
Rather, the RSSDA was recently approached by parents of a group of 17 scholars who were among a number of applicants awarded scholarship by the agency to study for first degree in medicine or medically-related courses in 2010.
“Unfortunately, they could not gain admission for medicine after their pre-degree (foundation) programme, and therefore settled for medically-related courses such as Pharmacy, Bio-Medical Sciences and Physiotherapy. The scholars, who have now graduated in these fields with their allowances fully paid to the end of their studies in July, 2014, have turned around to demand for fresh sponsorship from the Agency to study medicine.
“These medically-related disciplines from which the scholars have qualified are also needed in the healthcare delivery system in the state. Besides, it would only be fair that having benefitted from the State sponsorship for their first degrees, other deserving candidates are given similar opportunity. We have already communicated this position to the scholars and their parents on several occasions.
“Since the inception of the Governor’s Special Overseas Scholarship Scheme, we have placed about 2,000 deserving young Rivers State men and women in top ranking Universities across the world. By the end of September, 2014, nearly 1,000 of them would have fully completed their studies, majority of them with flying colours. The remaining are still in the programme and continue to enjoy the full sponsorship of the Rivers State Government”.
It would be recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State Chapter had in a Press Statement titled: “Rivers PDP Raises Alarm Over Plans To Recall Overseas Scholarship Students”, accused the Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led administration of not keeping its promises to Rivers people.
The party had made the declaration while reacting to the alleged “cries and lamentation of students of the state origin sent to the United Kingdom to study medicine by the state government through the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) since 2010, who have just been given a marching order by the agency to come home when they are yet to start their medical programme (MBBS) for which scholarship was offered.
“Faulting the move by the RSSDA to force them back home and the stoppage of payment of their upkeep and accommodation allowances with effect from August, 2014, the PDP in a statement signed by Jerry Needam, Special Adviser on Media to the state Chairman, Prince Felix Obuah said that is not only deceitful and a breach of contract but also a fraud, as millions of Naira had been voted for the programme.”
The party also challenged “both the RSSDA and Governor Amaechi to take into cognizance the far reaching implications of forcing these students to return home without clearing their indebtedness to the UK institutions, a criminal case which can make them (the institutions) to blacklist the students and denying them the possibility of travelling abroad for further studies or any other business in future.

L-R:Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Chairman, South-South Monarchs Forum, Dr Edmund Dankoru, Amanayabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Jaja-Jeki V and Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi-Aidonogie, at a meeting with the Minister of Transport in Abuja,yesterday
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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