Rivers
OPM Marks World Down Syndrome Day In Style …Preaches Inclusion, Non-Discrimination
The Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Worldwide, joined the rest of the world, on Monday to celebrate the World Down Syndrome Day to actually draw attention to children born with the condition, with a view to creating awareness on their plight, particularly in Rivers State.
As a way of truly marking the day and giving it meaning, the church organised and packaged a special programme at its Free Special School for Children Born with Autism and Down Syndrome in Umuakpu-Rukpokwu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, with the General Overseer of OPM, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere; the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku; and other personalities in attendance.
In keeping with the theme of this year’s event, which is “Inclusion Means…”, Apostle Chinyere and Prof. Ebeku, stepped out in grand style and danced with the children, wriggling their bodies and waists in ecstasy to the admiration of those present. The special way the General Overseer in particular stooped and danced with the children drew thunderous applause from the audience, who were mostly parents of the victims, amid laughter and jocularity. The children and their teachers wore special T-shirts designed specifically for the event.
The crowning moment, however, came when a handful of normal children, decked in their school uniforms, drawn from OPM Free School, presented the famous. “We Are One” rendition to their physically challenged counterparts, assuring them that like the rest of humanity, they were not supposed to be treated less than other human beings by circumstances of their birth, and telling them in essence that they had indeed not been forgotten by the society, as epitomised by all that OPM is doing for them.
As captured by the presentation, the reality of this assurance is underscored by the sheer fact that OPM itself through the uncommon magnanimity of the General Overseer had deemed it necessary to establish on January 11,2021 a special school for them where they are provided educational materials and among other items free of charge.
Another strong point about these special children is the fact that some of them, through the tutelage of their teachers, who the General Overseer described as core professionals and God-sent, are now able to do what they were not able to do before now.
Cakes, weavons, among other items made by them were actually displayed and exhibited at the event.
To crown it all, a special cake was also cut by the children alongside the General Overseer; Prof. Ebeku; among other dignitaries, to mark the day, while a popular radio presenter in Port Harcourt, Mr. Akas Baba anchored the proceedings.
In his remarks, Apostle Chinyere gave reasons for establishing the free special school in the first place, hinting that children of the wealthy, with similar conditions were privileged to be sponsored in special schools by their rich parents unlike the poor children who were more or less sent to public schools, where ordinarily they could not blend.
The General Overseer further noted that he decided to site the special school in the same environment with a regular school for the purpose of inclusion, a situation where, according to him, physically challenged children could conveniently blend and interact with normal children.
Chinyere stressed the need for the society not to discriminate against children born with autism and down syndrome because, according to him, they are created by God, adding that everything created by God is good and beautiful.
He disclosed that within 90 days, he was going to establish a department where persons with autism would be employed so that multinational companies would borrow a cue, to drive home the point that disability is not limitation.
Chinyere was full of praises for teachers in the special school whom he said were given adequate incentives to effectively do their work, contending that persons with disabilities actually needed to be accepted by the society instead of being seen as a curse.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku thanked Apostle Chinyere and the OPM Foundation for complementing the state government’s efforts in anchoring free schools and special schools in the State, describing the General Overseer as an icon of education. He said it was an act of great respect for the man of God that he personally decided to grace the occasion.
He said the state government is always happy with organisations that help to promote the process of governance, stressing that the government has spent a lot of money to revamp and reactivate special schools in the state.
“What Apostle Chibuzor is doing is to complement that effort. This is practical Christianity,” he said.
Ebeku also condemned in strong terms discrimination against persons with disabilities, which he said violates the Constitution of the country, and stressed the need for inclusion.
The Principal of the OPM Free Special School, Mr. Idoh Francis said the vision of the church is to alleviate the sufferings of parents and make the society a better place for all, and commended the General Overseer for the bold initiative of establishing the special school where both the regular pupils are playing together with the physically challenged ones.
In her welcome address, the OPM Director of Schools and Welfare, Dr (Mrs) Maureen Chukwu said the church is the only organisation running a free school for children born with autism and down syndrome, and commended the General Overseer for all that he is doing for mankind, describing him as the icon of quality free education.
She further hinted that the special school only recruited teachers with cognate experience in special children care, contending that the school believes in the synergy between teachings, extra-curricular activities and medical attention as well as prayers/spiritual impartations from the General Overseer in order to bring out the best from pupils.
By: Donatus Ebi
Rivers
HYPREP Completes Six Water Projects, Three Booster Stations In Ogoniland
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has so far completed six water headworks and three booster stations in Ogoniland in Rivers State.
HYPREP’s Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who dropped the hint in Port Harcourt during the commemoration of this year’s World Water Day last Friday, said potable water is currently being supplied in 18 communities in the area.
He noted that when construction of the ongoing 18 water schemes is completed, HYPREP should have achieved 95 percent potable water supply coverage of the entire Gokana Local Government Area; 70 percent of Khana Local Government Area; 90 percent of Eleme Local Government Area; and 95 percent of Tai Local Government Area.
Zabbey further indicated that each water scheme comprises boreholes, ground and overhead water tanks, treatment plants, staff quarters for resident workers, a generating power set; and a mini laboratory for quality checks and quality control.
He said HYPREP is also undertaking shoreline clean-up and mangrove restoration in Ogoniland to restore ecosystem goods and services, including the maintenance of water quality, for the socio-economic benefits of the local and contiguous communities.
With HYPREP’s investment in potable water infrastructure and rehabilitation of oil-degraded creeks, he said the agency significantly contributes to economic development, poverty reduction and resilience to climate change.
The Project Coordinator, therefore, maintained that by harnessing the power of water for sustainable development, “we can create opportunities for peace and prosperity for present and future generations”.
“We recognise the interconnectedness between water security and peace building efforts.By prioritising access to water resources, promoting dialogue and fostering collaboration, we can address root causes of conflict and build bridges toward lasting peace”, he said, adding that it is imperative to adopt inclusive and participatory approaches to water governance that prioritise the needs of all stakeholders, including marginalised and vulnerable communities.
Therefore, to ensure the sustainability of HYPREP-built water schemes in Ogoniland, Zabbey said HYPREP would continue to collaborate with communities in the design and execution of the projects and would hand over the water facilities to the respective communities for effective management.
According to him, the facilities are managed by HYPREP in the first two years, during which, with the collaboration of the Rivers State Government,it trains community workers and sets up the Water Consumers Association (WCA) for continuous management and sustainability.
Zabbey noted that as the world commemorates the World Water Day, “we reaffirm our commitment to leveraging water as a peace and sustainable development catalyst”, and urged the people of the world to work together across borders, sectors and ideologies to ensure water resources are managed responsibly, equitably and sustainably, as well as honour the vital role of water in promoting peace and building a better world for ourselves and future generations.
He said the World Water Day commemoration was a reminder of the profound significance of water as a catalyst for peace, stability and sustainable development around the globe.
The Project Coordinator said this year’s theme, ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’, underscores water’s vital role in fostering cooperation, understanding, development and peaceful coexistence among nations and communities, contending that HYPREP understands that water is a fundamental human need and a shared resource that transcends borders and cultures, as it is essential for food security, sanitation, health and economic prosperity.
He noted that access to quality water remains a pressing issue for millions worldwide, exacerbating tensions and conflicts in many regions.
“Considering the importance of safe water to human existence, the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland Report recommends providing potable water for oil-impacted Ogoni communities.Thus, HYPREP has taken bold steps towards enhancing communities’ access to safe water for various uses”, he said.
By: Donatus Ebi
Rivers
Bonny Ward 12 Endorses Council Boss For Second Term
The leadership of Ward 12 in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State has endorsed the second term bid of the council chairman, Hon (Mrs) Anangi Barasua Wilcox.
In an interview with newsmen, the leader of the ward, Amaopusenibo Joel Tolofari urged the council chairman to make herself available for second term.
Tolofari made the declaration during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service in honour of the Executive Governor of the State, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara in Bonny last Saturday.
The leadership of Ward 12 in Bonny said it is pleased with the recent role played by its House of Assembly member, Hon Uko Jumbo and some of his colleagues in the defence of democracy in Rivers State.
The leadership of Ward 12 noted that its support for Rivers State Governor remains total and unwavering and solidly behind him to move the State forward.
He noted the milestones Governor Fubara has achieved within a short period in office.
The elder statesman said pensions are paid, civil servants salaries are paid and the N100,000 Christmas /bonus, job opportunities and road infrastructure are some of the notable achievements of Governor Fubara which deserve commendations.
“This is a man who does not discriminate, not full of himself, but came to serve his people having known what they have been through in the past years. Bonny is happy associating with him as our son and brother .The turn out to celebrate his victory tells us that Bonny is prepared to support him succeed. Under him, the entire local government is in safe hands, peaceful and making progress. People of Rivers State are happy because he is doing what they want,” he said.
Tolofari said Rivers State for long had not experienced some of the bold steps the Governor had taken for the common good of everyone. We are ready to support him ,pray for God’s wisdom, good health and direction for him to pilot the affairs of Rivers State to an enviable heights.”
He, however, pleaded with the Governor to allow the Chairman of Bonny LGA to continue with her wonderful performance in the area.
“Dame Anengi Wilcox as council chairman has really turned things around for good for Bonny people. As one of the founding fathers of Bonny, her performance in the two years in office speaks volumes. Her performance has surpassed those of previous administrations in Bonny, hence, we urged that she should make herself available for second term.”
Rivers
Andoni Stakeholders Endorse Fubara’s Administration
Some eminent personalities from Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers state under the aegis of Andoni Critical Stakeholders Forum have endorsed the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
They made this known at a media briefing in Port Harcourt.
Prominent among the stakeholders are Engr Kingston Sylvanus, covener; Prof William Ubulom, chairman; and Associate Professor Jones G I Ayauwu, secretary
The rest are Prof Nkalo H Ukoima; HRH NLA Iraron Ede, Obolo 11 and Chaiman, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Eastern Zone; Professor Lysias D Gilbert, Prof Godspower J Irikana and Professor Obediah A Uriah.
Other are, Professor Charles O Asuk, professor Jackson G Akpa, Professor Awajiogak G Ujile, HRH Ukot Ifritamo Okanga Ama Inyong Oron Town, Bishop Sunday D Osaat , Professor Zach Jeremiah and Hon Gogo Ogute Isaiah.
gute Isaiah.
The rest are Dr Kpekot A Kpekot Dr (Mrs) Alom A Austin Mba, Dr (Mrs) Gloria Jones, Engr Gogo Nathan, Hon Godspower Macdonald, Hon Esuku M Esuku, Chief elect Fred Uwuikor, Dr Obediah Okwa Dr Emmanuel Urang Hon Lucky Ayauwu, Chief Dr Sampson Otugot and Hon Gogo Offiaja.
The text for the briefing which was read by the chairman of the forum, Prof William Ubulom commended Governor Fubara for setting Andoni on the path of economic prosperity through the completion of the Andoni section of the Unity Road.
“Of greater interest to us and understandably so is the completion of the Andoni Unity Road by His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“Road infrastructure is pivotal for economic development as it alleviate the pressure of transport, reduces congestion, saves transport time, reduces transmission cost and increases transportation income.
“Indeed, the path to the economic development of Andoni land has been accelerated with the completion of this road,” the forum said.
It said the stakeholders and the rest of Andoni communities are deeply appreciative of Governor Fubara.
The forum also appreciated the Governor for embarking on other people-oriented projects across the State.
It particularly mentioned the ongoing Port Harcourt Ring Road project; the 20,000 housing units; upgrading of the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, construction of the third phase of Trans Kalabari Ring Road; linking of Opobo and some parts of Andoni to the national grid, the provision of N4billion loan scheme to small and medium scale entrepreneurs, promotions of civil servants and payment of Christmas bonus, among others.
‘We acknowledge with great admiration and gratitude these outstanding performances of our dear Governor within this short period of time despite the unwanted and unnecessary political distractions.
“It is crystal clear that our dear Rivers State is on her path to unprecedented growth and development under the able Government of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara” it said.
It called on well-meaning indigenes and non indigenes of Rivers State to give their support to Governor Fubara.
Earlier, convener of the forum, Engr Kingston Sylvanus said the event was to let the world know how grateful the people of Andoni are to Governor Fubara for developing Andoni.
He said no administration has done to Andoni what Governor Fubara has done since the creation of Rivers State.
Others who also spoke urged for the siting of a College of Education in Andoni.
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