The Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, has reiterated that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to improving access to quality education at all levels.

Dr. Anabraba gave the assurance while receiving the Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr Ayanfemi Adeniran-Amusan in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit.

He emphasised that Governor Fubara remains resolute in sustaining investment in the education sector to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

According to him, “We appreciate the work you are doing and know that our students are amongst the highest in ranking.

“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, takes education very seriously. He is sponsoring the free registration of students for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Government Schools.

“Also, Governor Fubara has approved the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres across the State’s three senatorial districts and the 23 LGAs. The project is intended to improve access to digital learning and examination facilities for students so that our children are at breast with digital literacy, a prerequisite for today’s students.

“We are currently working assiduously to get those centres, both mega and mini, across the three senatorial districts and the 23 local government ready in order to meet up with your deadline,” he said.

The SSG also conveyed the assurances of the Governor to WAEC on Government’s willingness in providing land for its Zonal Office.

Earlier, the Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator of the West African Examination Council, Mr Ayanfemi Adeniran-Amusan, promised to collaborate with the State Government in matters concerning education development.

In another development, the Secretary to State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, also met with officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, led by the Assistant Director of Intelligence, Rivers State Command, Barr. Ikediashi Nwamaka.

The SSG while appreciating the Agency for its effort in the protection of vulnerable persons, also raised Government’s concern on the activities of orphanages and care homes in unwholesome practices such as child trafficking, abuse of underaged girls also known as baby-factory, and the lack of regulations on surrogacy.

He however assured that the Rivers State Government has already put plans in place towards legislation to regulate these acts against vulnerable persons, particularly women and children.

The Rivers State Government has called on the media to support its efforts towards the promotion of good governance and development of the State.

The State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, made the call during the 21st anniversary celebration of The National Network newspaper in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.

The governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, urged the media to be responsible in its reportage, and contribute towards the growth and development of the State.

He said the government relies on the media to tell the story and enlighten the people on the activities of the government, promote good governance in the society, while at the same time playing the role of a watchdog.

He also urged the media to ensure clarity, honesty and transparency in the discharge of it functions.

Speaking on the theme of the anniversary, “Media Governance and Public Good, 21 Years of National Network in Shaping Civic Participation”, the governor commended the National Network newspaper for its vibrancy and consistency in contributing to the state democratic landscape.

He noted that the media outfit has emerged as one of the strongest pillars in the growth and development of the State.

The Chairman of the anniversary celebration and former Commissioner for Information and Communications in the State, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, also commended the staff and management of the National Network for their resilience, and for remaining professional in the last 21 years.

He particularly praised the publisher of the newspaper, Pastor Jerry Needam, for demonstrating professionalism in the discharge of his duties, urging him to sustain the tempo.

In his remarks, the Editor-In-Chief of the National Network, Dr Chris Okonkwo, said for the past 21 years, the newspaper has maintained its constant presence in the newsstand, and also contributed so much towards the improvement of the society despite the economic downturn in the country.

According to him, “we are celebrating 21 years of uninterrupted presence in the newsstand despite the economic downturn and paucity of funds.”

He commended the state government for its support to the newspaper over the years, adding that the celebration was also a victory over police harassment.

The highpoint of the anniversary was the presentation of awards to some individuals for their contributions towards the growth of the media.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, yesterday, the Nigerian Army said the victims who were rescued on Saturday, had been evacuated to a secure facility where they are receiving comprehensive medical care, psychological support and debriefing.

“Upon completion of these processes, they will be formally reunited with their families. Their recovery has brought immense relief to the community, which had been gripped by fear following the abduction,” it added.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State.”

According to the statement, the victims, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on 23 November while harvesting crops on their family farmlands.

They were freed on Saturday, 29 November, following a swift, intelligence-led operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the southern Borno axis, it noted.

The statement listed the rescued victims as: Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Saidu (15) and Hauwa Hamidu (17).

It further stated that the military high command commended the doggedness of the troops for their swift response, and acknowledged the crucial support of security stakeholders and local informants whose timely intelligence enabled the successful rescue.

“Troops continue to pursue ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further attacks and safeguard civilians.”

“The Nigerian Army calls on communities to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information, emphasising that collaborative efforts are essential to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting security,” the statement concluded.