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We’re Building Schools For Quality Learning, Not Cultism, Fubara Warns …As Okocha Commissions GCSS, Borokiri
The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has warned that schools in the state are for quality teaching and learning, and not breeding grounds for cultism.
He warned that any principal caught would not only be dismissed, but also arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to toe that path of dishonour.
The governor made this known at the commissioning of the remodelled Government Comprehensive Secondary School (GCSS), Borokiri in the old Port Harcourt township, yesterday.
He also bemoaned the practice of cultism among students, and warned that “our schools are for quality learning, not for cultists and brigandage.
He said his administration was committed to providing world class edifices that would inspire teachers to give their best in grooming students as he believes in education as the foundation for development and growth.
The governor said that this was necessary because education was the bedrock of development, progress, and greatness in every society.
Fubara noted that though the project was started by his predecessor, it has been completed by his administration by effectively deploying tax payers money for the good of Rivers people.
While charging the school authority to do everything possible to secure the facility, the governor enjoined the students to devote more time to their studies to become the best in their careers.
“Today, we have a world class edifice. We have an environment that makes you feel and appreciate learning, even our students will be happy to be in school. It will also encourage our teachers and spur them to put in their best.
“That was why the government at that time started it. When we came on board, we saw every reason to see that it was concluded and commissioned for the good of our people. Let me say it here, it should be a policy. Any principal found to be associated with cultism will be dismissed from service.
“Today’s event is very special because education is the foundation of development and greatness in the society.
“The project we are commissioning is anchored on something very important, which is, our promise to our people.
“The money we are using to do these works is not my money, it is your money, so we owe you the duty to continue to do those things that impact your lives positively and make our system better.
“The immediate past administration saw the need to embark on the remodeling of this great school that we completed, today we have a world class edifice. We will continue to consolidate on the gains of my predecessor,” he said.
The governor enjoined management and teachers of GCSS, Borokiri to own the project and keep it in good shape.
“I want to charge the school authorities to own these facilities, you should keep them in good shape. We did this for the wellness of the system.
“We have a problem in our school system and that problem is cultism among students. If you join cult when you are in primary or secondary school, by the time you get to the university, you have lost direction already.
“Please, I am begging you to shun cultism and other social vices because you are the future of our tomorrow, you are the ones that will take over from us,” the Governor added.
In his remarks while commissioning the project as the Special Guest of Honour, the former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his immediate predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike for embarking on the project, which he described as a legacy project.
Okocha noted that the present administration has transformed the school with quality structures and learning facilities that have become a source of envy and at the same time, inspiration to a generation of leaders.
“I have seen that this project is indeed a legacy project. I sincerely thank you Your Excellency and your immediate predecessor for this remarkable gesture. You have completely transformed this school,” he stated.
Providing the project description, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, maintained that the school facility consists of 24-classroom blocks, administrative block, library, science laboratory, ICT block, 500-capacity multi-purpose hall, and sport facilities.
The President of Comprehensive Old Boys Association, Dr. Noble Abe led the executive officers of the body to induct Governor Siminalayi Fubara as an honorary old boy of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, Port Harcourt.
Abe expressed their appreciation to the state government for responding to their plea for intervention, and remodelled the structures at the school to make it a befitting learning institution.
Earlier, the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, had inaugurated Mgbuodohia community internal roads in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Fubara, who inaugurated the roads, last Monday, described it as a very special and important project.
“We are here today to bring alive the fulfilment of the promise that was made by the immediate past administration. As a government, our mantra is Consolidation and Continuity. We will continue to consolidate on every good project and noble idea initiated by our predecessors,” the governor said.
Providing the project description, the Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dax Alabo George-Kelly, maintained that Mgbuodohia internal roads link Olumeni-Epirikom Road and Nkpor Road.
“This road is a link road linking Olumeni-Epirikom Road and Nkpor Road. The total length of the road is 5.2 kilometres. There are drains along the entire stretch of the road,” the commissioner added.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Lubrik Construction Company, Hadi Chehade, asserted that the construction firm completed the project according to the standard and specifications.
He thanked the people of Mgbuodohia in Rumuolumeni for their cooperation.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.
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