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UK Lauds Wike On Education Dev …Wike Has Defined Good Governance -Sultan

Published

7 years ago

June 25, 2018

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Awkright has commended Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for investing in girl-child education, noting that no country can develop if it fails to educate her girls.
Speaking while commissioning Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, last Saturday, Awkright called for greater investments in girl-child education.
He said: “There is no reason why we should neglect half of our population who can help ensure the prosperity of the country. That is why education is important. That is why girl child-education is important. Without girl-child education, this country cannot thrive”.
While thanking the people of Rivers State for their warm reception, he said he was genuinely pleased to be in the state which was the heart of the Niger Delta region.
“I am particularly pleased that I am here for the commissioning of a girl’s school. I have a daughter. I know how important it is to see girls educated. That they receive a minimum of 12 years of quality education.
“When they are educated, they marry later. When they marry later, they have fewer children. They can contribute to the economy. They can fulfill themselves”, the British high commissioner said.
“The joy in the air was contagious. Hundreds of students and old girls of Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta celebrated Wike’s golden touch to their institution.
They sang pro-Wike songs, danced and urged the Rivers State governor to sustain the delivery of quality education for all students.
Speaking at the event, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that his administration was committed to quality education, hence the transformation of selected schools.
Wike noted that critical investments have been made to improve quality of teaching and learning in the interest of the development of the state.
He announced that the school would return to its old uniform, while the primary school would be fenced off from the secondary section.
“We will contract the maintenance of this school to members of the host communities. They will cut the grass and clean the environment of the school.
“We shall provide security in the school. Beginning Monday, nobody is allowed to trek across the school premises. This is a girl’s school and their security is paramount”, he said.
Wike warned the principal of the school against hiring out facilities of the institution for conferences, noting that boys would no longer be allowed to play football in the institution.
In a project description, Rivers State Education Commissioner, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja said the school which was established in 1972, was allowed to decay beyond measures by previous administrations.
He said all the structures in the school were dilapidated, pointing out that the Wike administration demolished them and built new structures.
The education commissioner stated that the school has four new hostels, a major 960-seater Assembly Hall, sick bay, several science and other laboratories, sports facilities and new internal roads.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Saturday, decorated his recently promoted aide-de-camp (ADC), Haruna Bomby with his new rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
The governor was assisted during the decoration at the Government House, Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed.
Wike congratulated his ADC on the elevation, and urged him to continue to serve dutifully.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has declared that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has opened the eyes of Nigerians on the true meaning of good governance through the delivery of quality projects.
This is as the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers formally honoured Governor Nyesom Wike with the title: “The Pride of Rivers State” for his outstanding developmental strides.
Commissioning the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers’ Secretariat Complex constructed by the administration of Wike, last Friday, the Sultan of Sokoto christened the governor, “Mr Opener”.
He said: “We will continue to commend you as long as the people commend you. I call you ‘Mr Opener’ because you have opened eyes to what governance should be. What you are doing will endear you to the people”.
He noted that the transformation of Rivers State under the leadership of Wike was real, pointing out that most of the projects being commissioned as part of the Third Year Anniversary were inspected by traditional rulers after their national meeting in January, 2018.
“We saw these projects with our eyes, nobody told us. You cannot say that this governor has not worked. Even the enemies of progress will acknowledge that something is being done”, the Sultan said.
The Sultan of Sokoto noted that government was a process where the leader continues to do what is right, and praised Wike for doing what was right for Rivers people.
Abubakar urged the Rivers State governor to concentrate on agriculture, especially oil palm production when the people actualise their support for him next year.
He stated that no matter the situation, the votes of Rivers people must count and the people allowed to determine their leaders.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that his administration resolved to construct a befitting place where the traditional rulers would share ideas and contribute to the development of the state.
He said that his administration has worked closely with the traditional rulers to build peace which has led to the development of the state.
Wike said: “I will always give priority to the welfare of traditional rulers. The traditional rulers are key to the stability of the country”.
The governor said that his administration was committed to the delivery of projects, noting that the administration would continue to commission key projects irrespective of criticisms by the opposition.
He thanked the state traditional rulers for honouring him, adding that the honour would spur him to greater service.
Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja said the secretariat would serve as a centre to preserve culture and tradition of the people of the state.
Also speaking, Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Robinson O. Robinson stated that Rivers people would re-elect the governor next year because of his planting of projects across the state.
Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Victor Ihunwo assured the Rivers State governor that the residents of the area would re-elect him.
Special Adviser on Special Projects to the Rivers State Governor, Alabo George Kerley said the secretariat was mid-wifed and delivered by Wike, adding that the facilities in the structure would enhance the deliberations of the traditional rulers.

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RSG Commits To Workers’ Welfare …. Calls For Sustained Govt, Labour Partnership

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

The Tide

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.

The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.

He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.

Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.

He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.

Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.

“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.

The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.

He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.

The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.

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Labour Unions In Rivers Call For Improved Standard Living For Workers

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.

The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.

“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.

Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.

According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.

“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.

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Tinubu committed to unlocking Nigeria’s potential – Shettima

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.

Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.

He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.

The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.

“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.

” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”

He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.

According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.

Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.

“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”

The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.

” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.

The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.

Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.

” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.

“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”

Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.

“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.

“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.

Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.

The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.

He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.

He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.

Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.

He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.