Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, last Wednesday, commenced the issuance of forms to prospective students who wish to apply for grants to enable them obtain their Masters and PhD degrees.
The council disclosed this in a speech by the Secretary of the Post Graduate Grant Committee, Barrister Kelvin Akani, at the council’s secretariat, Rumuodomaya.
He said that the disbursement of funds to awardees would be on the basis of merit, credibility, impartiality and not on party affiliation.
Akani emphasised that the Post Graduate Grant, which was initiated by the council Chairman,Barrister George Ariolu, in 2021 to cushion the effect of the challenges associated with studying in most higher institutions in the nation, would not just carter for indigenes who were studying in any of the state-owned institutions but also include residents in the area, irrespective of their tribe, religious background or state of origin.
The Post Graduate Grant, he said, would create a sense of belonging and also encourage a high level of political participation amongst residents in the area.
He further restated the council’s desires towards the constitution of the Post Graduate Committee, adding that the rationale behind the grant was to ensure that the local government produces about 150 Master’s Degree and 150 PhD holders that would contribute meaningfully to the society.
He described Ariolu’s approach towards educational advancement as Chinese magic, commending him for initiating a long-term plan which would enhance sustainable development and ensure that the local government had a place in the league of elite researchers and philosophers in the state.
Although, he pointed to the state of the economy and paucity of funds, Akani declared that Ariolu’s administration would sustain the programme through his prudent management of scarce resources and effective policies.
He explained that Obio/Akpor Local Government was one amongst others whose programmes and policies had been effective, especially under the leadership of Ariolu.
While urging other local government chairmen in Rivers State to emulate Ariolu’s priority attention on education, and said that it was the right way to go.
He said, in the wake of the economic meltdown, high level of insecurity and poor educational system in the nation brought about by the harsh leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), students and the electorate should continue to garner support for the administration of Ariolu and Governor Nyesom Wike.
Residents of the local government who spoke earlier, expressed delight over the commencement of the second batch of Obio/Akpor Post Graduate Grant which was announced last Monday by the council authority.
In an interview with some of the applicants who hailed Ariolu’s contribution to the advancement of education in the society, they described the initiative as a powerful investment and smart move for economic growth and development.
They also extolled Ariolu as a smart leader, whose efforts in education had put citizens on a pathway of employment, wealth, success, and decision making, urging the electorate to shun personal interest and elect leaders whose vision and policies would effectively benefit the masses.

By: Nelson Chukwudi