Connect with us

News

RSG Warns Schools Against Extortion Of Parents

Published

on

The Rivers State Government has warned school heads in the state against extorting money as fees from parents and guardians under the guise of completing the final lap of the 2019/2020 academic session.
A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, yesterday, reads, “It has come to the attention of the Rivers State Ministry of Education that some private schools have resumed for the final lap of 2019/2020 academic session and are collecting fees under the guise.
“The ministry states categorically that: Schools have not resumed for the third term 2019/2020, hence fees cannot be collected for same.
“The ministry is still making consultations with the leadership of private schools and stakeholders in the public-school sector regarding the continued learning of the students.
“The ministry has not announced resumption, hence schools that have asked parents to pay fees for third term purportedly suggesting that third term has started have not told the truth.
“The original calendar of 2019/2020 was suspended with immediate effect on the 23rd of March, 2020 when the closure of schools was announced by the governor of the state.
“Every school that has asked parents to pay fees for third term has acted without authority and should forthwith withdraw all such letters to parents.
“However, the ministry do not abhor online support from various schools for their students. Announcement for collaborative online teachings for third term will be made in due course only after consultation with all stakeholders in the education sector,” the statement added.
Earlier in a meeting with some private schools, last Monday, Ebeku, had warned management of the schools against operating outside the confines of the state government’s orders.
The state education commissioner had invited the management of Greenoak School and Royal Girls Academy, to the meeting following an alleged exploitation report against the schools by some parents.
Ebeku said the state government would not tolerate flouting of the directive on the closure of schools, and warned against exploitation of parents during the period of the pandemic under the guise of third term e-learning programme.
The commissioner also warned that all private schools within the state should desist from inviting parents to pay fees for third term since the state government has not made an official announcement for its commencement.
He said: “Your schools acted without authority. The letters you sent to parents are being protested by the parents and government has a duty to protect the parents.
“Schools have not opened, and therefore, third term had not commenced to the extent of any private schools inviting parents to pay fees. Schools that have asked parents to start paying fees purported that third term had started. The Ministry of Education in the state has not announced resumption of school.
“The original academic calendar for 2019/2020 was suspended with immediate effect on March 23, when the closure of schools was announced by the governor of the state.”
Ebeku, however, directed the withdrawal of the letters forthwith, and warned other private schools not to collect any fees for third term unless and until an agreement has been reached on the issue with all stakeholders.
He indicated that any school that violates this directive of the state government would face unpleasant consequences.

Continue Reading

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

on

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

Continue Reading

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

on

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

Continue Reading

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol

Continue Reading

Trending