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Obio/Akpor Begins Issuance Of 100 Post Graduate Grant Forms
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
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene