Education

MOSOP Wants RSG To Invest In Ogoni People’s Education

Published

7 years ago

December 31, 2018

The United States of America chapter of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP-USA has appealed to the Rivers State Government to invest more in the education of the Ogoni people.
An activist and motivational speaker, Ikpobari Dumletam made the appeal while handing over 2,700 books donated by two groups: MOSOP USA and the Council of Ogoni Professionals (COP), USA to a public library in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Dumletam, who is a former President of MOSOP-USA said the motive behind the donation was to help develop the minds of Ogoni students, saying, “I was sent here by two groups that are resident in the United States of America. MOSOP USA, Chicago Chapter and Council of Ogoni Professionals (COP), USA.
“We believe that with the development of the mind comes the overalls development of the body, the individual and the people in general. Another reason is that we found out that libraries unlike what was obtainable in the United States were stationed in one point in the whole of Rivers State. This donation will help create wider access.
“When knowledge is translated into something concrete it brings about improvement of self and the society. Today we have 2, 700 books and some magazines here. There are more than six thousand books and more than 15 computers that are awaiting shipments from the United States. This is a pilot programme because they want this structure to be a workable library,” he said. Dumletam, said of the total number of books donated, over 500 are for University readership, 500 are for secondary school readership, another 500 or more are for primary school readership, while the rest are for general readership.
He said the groups decided on this collaboration two years ago after they heard reports about the structure, saying, “They never wanted the library to be wasted because they believe there are students that are going to use this place.”
Dumletam further disclosed that MOSOP USA was partnering other organizations in that country to provide medical materials to cater for some health needs of Ogoni people, especially those in remote communities, even as he revealed plans by MOSOP USA and COP, USA to give a facelift to the burial site of late Ogoni hero and environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa in Bane, his home town near Bori.
In his remark after receiving the books, the Librarian, Khana Local Government Public Library, Neeka Nwite said the library was built in 2009 by a former lawmaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Befii Charles Nwile who represented Khana Constituency 1, as a constituency project.
Nwite described books as aupaction materials, saying, “There is no education without the library. Education is all about developing the mind.
He added, “Today, MOSOP USA have surprised me because I have made several pleas and consulted educationist. Even lawyers and others of Ogoni origin for assistance and donation of their materials to this library, but none have responded, except one Rev. Paul Legbara who once donated some books.
The Librarian thanked MOSOP USA and COP for the gesture, saying, the library has been increased by over two thousand books, and promised that the book would be processed accordingly and displayed on the shelf for public use.

Dennis Naku

Education

ENUC President tasks ASTEC foundation Schools on dedication, value oriented teaching

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

ASTEC Foundation Schools (AFS) owned by the seventh_ day adventist church had the distinct honour of hosting the President of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference (ENUC), Pastor Onyebuchi Thomas Opara, on his first official pastoral visit to the institution Owerrita in Abia state, recently.

The visit which marked a significant moment in the history of the school, featured the dedication of the newly landscaped roads, dedication of renovated buildings and the consecration of pupils and staff.

The ENUC President who was accompanied by the President of the Aba North Conference (ANC), Pastor Henry Emeka Nwankwo, further emphasized the importance of the visit and the strong support of the Church leadership toward the advancement of Adventist education.

It is noteworthy that Pastor Onyebuchi Thomas Opara also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Management of ASTEC, demonstrating his deep commitment to the institution’s progress and mission.

Addressing the teachers students and pupils of the college at Owerrenta in Abia state over the weekend,Pastor Opara charged the teachers to see themselves as missionaries within the school system, emphasizing the need to model Christ-like character and values before the pupils entrusted to their care.

He encouraged them to regard their profession as a divine calling, shaping both the intellectual and spiritual lives of the learners.

In his welcome address, the Principal of ASTEC, Pastor Ahaoma Chigozirim Nwanma, PhD, warmly received the distinguished guests. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the ENUC leadership for their continued support and commitment to the growth of the Adventist institution and humbly solicited their prayers for the staff and pupils.

The Headmistress of ASTEC Foundation Schools, Mrs. Charity Nwankwo, delivered the vote of thanks, and expressed deep gratitude to Pastor Opara for his pastoral visit and dedicatory prayers. She also acknowledged Pastor Henry Emeka Nwankwo and the ASTEC community leadership team for their consistent support, guidance, and commitment to the development of the Foundation Schools.

A special recognition was accorded to the PTA Chairman, Hon. (MG) Uzoma George, for his invaluable contributions and steadfast support to the school.

The visit was graced by ASTEC community leaders, as well as members of AFS staff and pupils, who gave a warm and enthusiastic reception to the visiting dignitaries.

The visit and dedication ceremony reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Church and school leadership to fostering a conducive learning environment that promotes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

Opobo Kingdom moves to incorporate Ibani Language Into School Curriculum, Takes Off April

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

In a bid to preserve the cultural heritage and promote the values of Opobo Kingdom, the Ibani Language will be reinstated and incorporated into the various communities and institutions of learning.

This reinstatement was declared by the Amanyanabo-Elect of Opobo Kingdom, Alabo Charles Douglas MacPepple-Jaja, Jeki VI , saying that the initiative will take effect from next month

The Amanyanabo-Elect made this statement during his speech recently in port Harcourt,where he stated that the initiative was a key component hinged on his five-point agenda.

The Monarch explained that the goal was to enhance the indigenous language and incorporate everyone at different strata including children and youths from ages 4-16.

The King Elect further added that, in order to achieve this, there would be deployment of modern multimedia tools to facilitate the process.

The Monarch also assured that research techniques will be deployed as there will be partnership with schools and communities across the Opobo clan.

He maintained that the execution of the project is a major step in the preservation of the Ibani Language and Cultural heritage of the people.

Education

NUJ demands strong actions in revamping education in Rivers

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Members of the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have taken bold steps regarding the deteriorating educational standards across the state and called for urgent government actions to stem the tide. They argued that both basic and secondary schools across the 23 local government areas of the state require state government action towards restructuring the highly decayed infrastructure.

This was part of the eight-point communique reached at the end of the special congress of the union in Port Harcourt to mark the first-year anniversary of the present union leadership in the state. The union observed that if no immediate government action is taken to address the infrastructural decay in public schools in the state, the educational future in the state will be a mirage.

The communiqué signed by

Mr. Paul Bazia -Nsaneh

Chairman NUJ Rivers State Council ,

Ijeoma Tubosia Ph.D

Secretary NUJ Rivers State Council , and members of the

Communique Drafting Committee.

Dr. Justice Ihunwo – Chairman ,

Dr. Joy Grant-Amadi – Secretary and

Mr. Chukwudi Ejimofor – Member reaffirmed the position of the union on the state affairs and the nation at large.

The union also urged the state government, as a matter of urgent public concern, to commence the immediate employment of new teachers to fill the gaps caused by the dearth of teachers, stressing the need to post the would-be new teachers to local communities that are lacking teaching manpower.

Recently, the newly appointed Commissioner for Education in the state, Dr. Peters Nwagor, reaffirmed his commitment to implementing transformative education with the sole purpose of achieving inclusive and equitable learning across the state.

We hope that the commissioner will match his words with action and swing into action to give schools in the state a breath on new academic life.

By: Akujobi Amadi