News

RSG Begins Learn-At-Home Media Programmes For JSS3, SS3 Students

Published

6 years ago

April 2, 2020

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has finalised plans to launch live digital audio-visual academic learning programmes for secondary school students in junior secondary school three (JSS3) and senior secondary school three (SS3) across the state.
Releasing the programme schedule in his office in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the state Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, the initiative was designed to engage candidates for the Senior School Certificate and Junior School Certificate exams via television and radio ahead their exams deferred by the sit-at-home over Coronavirus.
Ebeku explained that the programme, which kicks-off, today, on Radio Rivers FM 99.1, Garden City FM 89.9, and RSTV UHF 22, was articulated by the Rivers State Ministry of Education in collaboration with the ICT Department of the Governor’s Office and BrainFriend Solutions, and planned to last for an initial three months’ period.
While unveiling the programme to newsmen in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Ebeku said, “Coronavirus disease has forced a lockdown across the world, our country is not an exception. As we know, as part of measures to control this deadly disease, schools have been closed, and it would appear that the Coronavirus disease is beginning to impact on the economy and the lives of people apart from causing mammoth deaths. We are determined to defeat this enemy.
“We think as a ministry, we should work to ensure that our children’s future is not compromised because of the lockdown and the closure of schools. As a result of this thinking, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the ICT Department of the Governor’s Office and BrainFriend Solutions is anchoring a digital learning programme on Radio and Television, where our students in SS3 and JSS3 will be taught some important subjects on a schedule that will be contained in a Press Release that I have issued to the Radio and Television stations.
“I would like to urge all students, parents and guardians of these students to take advantage of the programme. The reason why the learning programme is limited to JSS3 and SS3 students is because these are the critical classes and the students in these classes will be taking terminal examinations. I am talking about WAEC and NECO for the Senior Secondary, and of course, also the Basic Examination Certificate (BECE) for the Junior Secondary School.
“We are taking the teachers from our schools, both Junior and Secondary schools, and working in collaboration with the BrainFriend Solutions; we are providing the learning and teaching that will meet the requirements of our students.
“A lot of subjects have been discussed and agreed upon in the meeting held with relevant stakeholders, including teachers and all the important subjects will be aired at the appropriate time.
“We are going to start this programme on Thursday, April 2, 2020, and run through a pilot scheme between Thursday and Saturday, and we will have a period of feedback from the public.
“We propose that this programme will run for an initial period of three months, and thereafter, based on the thinking we had at the meeting held to anchor this programme, we think that this should be a continuous programme that should be running well beyond the Coronavirus pandemic period,” Ebeku added.
A statement signed by the commissioner, indicating the programme schedule, emphasised that the government took the initiative to assist the candidates who will be facing terminal examinations to remain in good form during the period of the lockdown and school closure as part of measures to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus pandemic.
The statement reads, “This is to inform the general public, particularly parents and guardians and secondary school students in JSS3 and SS3, that the Rivers State Ministry of Education in collaboration with the ICT Department of the Governor’s Office and BrainFriend Solutions will be hosting digital learning programme called ‘Stay Safe Continue Learning Programme’ on state-owned Radio and Television stations starting from Thursday, April 2, 2020.
“The programme is designed to last for an initial period of three months, with the trial programme commencing from Thursday, April 2, 2020 and ending on Saturday, April 4, 2020.
“This special programme is designed to assist the candidates who will be facing terminal examinations to remain in good form during the period of lockdown and school closure as part of measures to contain the spread of the deadly corona virus disease.
“The programme schedule for the morning hours is as follows: Radio Rivers FM 99.1 (9am – 10am), Garden City FM 89.9 (10am – 11am), and RSTV UHF 22 (11am – 12noon)”, while that of afternoon hours is “Radio Rivers FM 99.1 (3pm – 4pm), Garden City FM 89.9 (4pm – 5pm), and RSTV UHF 22 (4pm – 5pm).
“Parents and guardians and students are advised to take advantage of this programme”, the statement added.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

News

Tinubu Commissions Bayelsa Gas Turbine, Other Projects Today

Published

27 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate four legacy projects, including a state-owned gas turbine, during a one-day state visit to Bayelsa State, today.

To this effect, the Bayelsa State Government has declared Friday (today) a work-free day, and ordered the closure of markets ahead of the President’s visit.

The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital.

She said, “As we all know that the state is ready and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects.

“In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the State to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.”

According to her, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key projects during the visit, including a state-owned gas turbine at Opolo-Elebele, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Koku-Obiyai urged residents, including traders, to comply with the directive and turn out to welcome the President.

The government said the measures were part of efforts to ensure a smooth and successful visit.

The Tide reports that Bayelsa is the third state President Tinubu will visit for project commissioning in the last one week.

The President was in Ogun State last Saturday to commission the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, together with the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, and its two newly acquired aircraft.

He also inaugurated logistics and trade infrastructure, and launched the Nigeria Customs Service’s N73bn hub that has a residential barracks, training college, warehouse and hospital.

The president also launched mobility, security and agriculture assets, including 1,000 electric motorcycles (EV bikes), and 80 units of security vehicles.

Tinubu was also in Lagos on Wednesday on a two-day state visit to commission key legacy projects of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

Though represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president inaugurated the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) building, and Lagos Multi-Agency Building in Alausa.

Other notable projects commissioned by the President were Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, Ajah, Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, built side-by-side in Ajegunle.

News

RSG Seeks Horticulturists’ Partnership To Restore Garden City Status

Published

1 hour ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called for stronger collaboration with horticulturists as part of renewed efforts to restore the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of Port Harcourt, in line with its urban renewal agenda.

The Commissioner for Urban Development, Sir Amairagha Edward Hart, made the call during an interactive session with private horticulturists and flower dealers at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.

He said the present administration remains committed to reviving the famed Garden City status of the state capital through deliberate policies and strategic partnerships, noting that professionals in horticulture have a key role to play in achieving that vision.

The Commissioner stressed that the state government is placing high premium on environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces, and the creation of a serene urban atmosphere that reflects global best practices.

The Commissioner urged horticulturists to align their operations with government’s urban development guidelines, adding that their expertise and experience are essential in transforming Port Harcourt into a model city.

According to him, the collaboration will not only enhance the city’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved environmental health and economic opportunities for practitioners in the sector.

He, however, cautioned against practices that undermine urban order, particularly the obstruction of walkways and indiscriminate occupation of public spaces meant for other uses.

Hart emphasized that while the government encourages business growth, such activities must be carried out in a manner that supports urban planning objectives and promotes public convenience.

In a move to further support the sector, he disclosed plans by the Ministry to establish a dedicated “Flower Village” that will serve as a central hub for horticulturists and flower dealers across the state capital.

He explained that the proposed initiative is aimed at restoring sanity to the use of walkways and road corridors, while also creating a structured environment that will enhance business operations and boost revenue generation.

Responding on behalf of the practitioners, Evang. Caroline Nabo highlighted some of the challenges faced by horticulturists, including theft of plants and materials by scavengers and scrap metal dealers.

She appealed to the state government for intervention to safeguard their investments, even as she and other stakeholders commended the Ministry’s proactive steps and pledged their support towards the successful greening and beautification of Port Harcourt.

King Onunwor

News

TUC Demands Subsidy To Cushion Rising Fuel Prices

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC ) has called on the Federal Government to deploy excess crude oil revenue to subsidise local refineries as a way of cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.

President of the Congress, Festus Osifo, who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, warned that the price of Premium Motor Spirit could climb to as high as N2,000 per litre if urgent measures are not taken.

Osifo said the persistent increase in the pump price of petrol, driven by global crude oil price volatility and exchange rate challenges, has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.

The TUC leader attributed the surge partly to international developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have affected global oil supply dynamics.

Osifo also linked the rising cost of petrol to the depreciation of the naira, warning that the continued weakening of the currency is compounding inflationary pressures and reducing the real value of workers’ earnings.

To address the situation, the TUC president proposed that the government should utilise excess revenue generated when crude oil prices exceed the budget benchmark to support local refining.

He explained that with the 2024 budget benchmarked at $64.85 per barrel, any price above that threshold results in additional revenue shared by the three tiers of government, adding that at least 60 per cent of such excess funds should be channelled into subsidising crude supplied to domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries.

He also urged authorities to take deliberate steps to stabilise the currency, noting that exchange rate stability would significantly reduce the cost of imported energy and other goods.

The TUC said it would formally communicate its proposals to the Federal Government, including the Presidency, with a view to ensuring the prompt implementation of measures to ease the hardship facing Nigerians.

He said, “Today, the cost of petrol is heading towards N2,000 per litre, depending on the part of the country that you are in. It has deeply affected the purchasing power of the salaries that we earn as Nigerian workers.

“Let the government take that excess fund that was never budgeted for, take at least 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the crude being supplied to Dangote Refinery.

“The same should be done for Dangote Refinery and all modular refineries, where crude is supplied to them at that subsidised rate.

“Take the difference from the excess crude revenue, take about 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the price at which crude is supplied to the refinery.

“When you subsidise crude, it cannot be abused because you are subsidising production directly. When that is done, we are going to see an immediate reduction in the price of petroleum products.”