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Police Open Another Children’s School In Edo
The Police Command in Edo State has inaugurated another police children’s school in Benin, made up of two blocks of 11 classrooms.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Phillip Ogbadu, in his opening remarks, disclosed that the newly-built School at Adesuwa Barracks was formerly under the control of Police Children School I, Ogida Barracks.
He noted that on his arrival in the State as the Commissioner of Police, he paid an impromptu visit to all the units within the command.
He added that on visiting the school, it was a “slum” as there were more than 50 pupils in a class, separated by dilapidated ply-wood.
“The head teacher and office and staff room were an eye sore. I made up my mind not to visit the school until I leave Benin.
“But on second thought, I had to consider how best we can help these little ones and the staff whose daily schedule and living are based on the school”.
The CP said this prompted him to begin to nurse the dream of constructing a permanent structure for the primary school, because their present accommodation was a transit camp for junior police officers transferred to the command.
He disclosed that the dream of building the school, however, caught the attention of the Christ Embassy Church, which then came to the project site and inspected the plan when the project was at the excavation stage.
“They informed us that they will take over the building of one block.
“This amazed us because it showed us that the society, the government, and the profession I belong to, may forget some people, but the church has refused to forget these people”.
Ogbadu revealed that one block of six classrooms was constructed exclusively by the Christ Embassy Church, while the second block was constructed by the command but financed by well-meaning Edo indigenes, clerics and corporate organisations.
He appreciated the Edo government for providing the enabling environment and financial support for the project and several other undertakings.
He however solicited for support to assist in the remaining facilities like the administrative block, sporting and game facilities, furniture, generator and computers, among others.
Meanwhile, Edo Deputy Governor, Phillips Shaibu, who was the special guest at the event, described the facility as another investment in the upbringing of children.
Shaibu also said that the need to teach children aright could not be over-emphasised, hence the decision for an educational reform that would deal with learning and punctuality in schools across the state.
He noted that the state wants to build children who are skilled and confident.
He commended the CP for giving back to the command by ensuring that police officers’ children get conducive environment for learning.
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
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.
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