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RSG TO Complement FG On Quality Education
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says his administration will complement federal government in providing qualitative education to the citizenry.
Speaking at the 31st Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt held at the Convocation Arena of the institution, Chief Wike said his administration is doing everything to provide qualitative education in the state.
The governor who spoke through his deputy Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the vision of the Government for the New Rivers State is to ensure that every child who is of school age is in school, stressing that the State is witnessing the effective implementation of all campaign promises in the education sector.
He disclosed that the board of the State Universal Basic Education Scheme had been constituted while some secondary schools in the three senatorial districts of the State were being renovated and equipped with necessary facilities for the re-introduction of boarding system.
Chief Wike said the Port Harcourt Technical and Vocational Center which was commissioned in February this year to boost technical education has received the blessing and approval of the National Board for Business and Technical Education, NABTEB.
In addition, the Governor stated that the College of Arts and Science Rumuola has been upgraded to a Polytechnic while the laws establishing the Rivers State University of Science and Technology as well as the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education have been amended to give them wider scope and ensure liberal selection of quality and competent leadership, in order to keep the dreams of the founding fathers alive.
He stated that attempt by some actors in the State’s education sector to truncate the vision of the government through the imposition of illegal levies in the school system has been promptly checked and those who were involved in the illicit business have been suspended in anticipation of appropriate disciplinary measures.
Wike called on the graduands to be good ambassadors of the school and congratulated the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt for producing quality manpower.
In his speech, President Muhammadu Buhari and Visitor to the University urged Nigerian Universities to maintain their position as Centers of Excellence and train students to be job creators and not job seekers as a deliberate effort to reduce the high level of unemployment in the county.
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, President Buhari said the Federal Government would no longer tolerate the flexing of muscles between university managements and Governing Councils as well as students who are delighted in causing crisis in university campuses, tasking universities to henceforth accommodate only students who have serious business to do in the university system.
On his part, the Chancellor of the university and Emir of Gwandu, His Majesty Mohammadu Ilyasu Bashar described UNIPORT as an acclaimed fountain of peace and academic excellence, warning that nobody should be allowed to drag the good name of the university to the mud for any selfish reason.
The Chancellor expressed appreciation to the unwavering support and assistance of the Government and good people of Rivers State, particularly Governor Nyesom Wike over his indispensable role in the establishment of the Faculty of Social Sciences and his commitment to complete and equip the late Captain Elechi Amadi Faculty of Humanities building.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol