Niger Delta
UNICAL VC Lists Gains Of Formal, Informal Education
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu has identified formal and informal education as a veritable tool for national development, adding that no country can achieve meaningful development without investing in education.
Prof. Akpagu stated this recently at the Institution’s Senate Chambers during the 9th Annual Conference of the Faculty of Education with the theme, “Inclusive Education, Entrepreneurship and National Development.”
While noting that, no country can attain real national development without emphasis on formal and informal education, the Vc said the citizenry needs to be educated and trained in entrepreneurial skills to enable them create wealth for themselves.
“The citizenry needs to be educated for skills development through concerted efforts on entrepreneurship to create wealth and instill balanced development amongst young entrepreneurship’’, he said.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Uche Amalu, also described the theme of the conference as apt.
Prof. Akpagu who also underscored the importance of research in any institution added that any institution devoid of research cannot function effectively.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Simon Akpama said the Faculty’s determination to sustain sacred Academic tradition in a knowledge driven economy in tandem with global best practices.
Prof. Akpama urged participants to dissect the theme and also emphasize the synergy between inclusive education and entrepreneurship to midwife national development. Acting Vice Chancellor of the Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH), Prof. Akon Joshua said education moulds a child, adding that without it the society will be valueless. She urged parents to strive hard to provide their children with qualitative education, which she said, will prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century.
Also speaking, former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. Chigozie Asiabaka described inclusive education as the fundamental principle that children must learn together. Prof. Asiabaka, who was also the keynote speaker, explained that inclusive education has also evolved with different nomenclatures such as normalization, mainstreaming and integration.
He stated that inclusive education focuses on supporting all learners, educators and the system to address the full range of learning needs.
The keynote speaker enumerated benefits of inclusive education to include: creating opportunities for children with varying abilities when motivated, encouraging involvement of parents in the education of their children, fostering a culture of respect, and to provide all children with opportunities to develop friendships with one another.
Speaking on the theme, ”Inclusive Education, Entrepreneurship and National Development’’, Prof. Asiabaka stressed that inclusive education focuses on providing education for all, irrespective of inabilities, adding that education can be formal or informal.”
He also said inclusive education provides equal opportunities for learners irrespective of handicapping condition or severity.
In a paper presentation, Prof. Samuel Killian Bassey from Cross River State University of Technology said equipping learners in an inclusive education system with self employable skills can ginger national development.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.