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Fubara Laments Shortage Of Teachers In Rivers Primary Schools
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the stark reality of having 75 percent of primary schools in the State without teachers and 90 percent of such schools in dilapidated condition is very troubling.
The governor said this when he received a delegation of leaders of Muslim community in the State on Eid-el-Fitr Sallah visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
He explained that he became aware of the deplorable state of the primary schools when a firm, New Global, in its bid to partner his Administration to enhance the capacity of teachers, performed field assessment of such personnel that they intend to train.
This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
Fubara said the report from the field was very disappointing because the firm did not find the number of teachers that should so trained, which should have benefitted Rivers children tremendously.
The governor emphasised the crucial place that primary school occupies in the educational journey of any child in shaping the character, instilling essential skills, and fostering quest for learning, which, obviously had been ignored in the past.
He, however, assured that his Administration, having its focus firmly on Education, Health and Agriculture sectors, will ensure a change in what has been identified.
“It will surprise you to note that an agency came to Rivers State. They call them ‘New Global’, and they were willing to spend $5million. It is not for infrastructure but to train our teachers, to provide softwares and other things to improve the learning process at the primary level.
“I told them to go round and assess the primary schools in the state. After their assessment, you won’t believe it that 75 percent of our primary schools have no teachers. 90 percent of the schools are dilapidated”, he said.
Fubara said further: “So, how will you now put in the $5million. So, when I said education, I really mean education. It’s not education where we renovate schools, and call people for commissioning.
“We are talking about touching what is important, because, for us to develop as a society, for us to get it right from the foundation, it is at the primary school level.
“If we don’t have that aspect right as a foundation to preparing our youths as the leaders of tomorrow, then, we have lost it,” he added.
He also noted that the tertiary health institutions in the State are overstretched because the primary and secondary health facilities are not functional.
He stated that in the coming days, the five zonal hospitals will be revisited so that they can become operational to expand healthcare services available to the people.
“The only health facilities that are functional in this State are the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), and maybe, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
“The other aspects of the healthcare system that should be functioning are the primary and secondary healthcare. We have to do everything that is within our power to make sure that they function.
“Now, you see, there is so much pressure because the primary healthcare centres have a limit of what they can attend to. So, the pressure is always with the tertiary institutions, what you call the teaching hospitals”, the governor said.
Fubara reassured that: “We have already taken it upon ourselves, by the special grace of God, in the next one or two weeks, we are going to make sure that we revisit the five zonal hospitals in the state to make sure that they function.
“Now, when they function, they will give support to the primary healthcare centres. A lot of people die because of minor illnesses and unavailability of health centres, not well-equipped with qualified personnel. So, we know it is important.
“It might not be something people are seeing, but those are the key things to development and the things that people need, and to prove that, yes, we have a functional government.”
In the agriculture sector, the governor said there is already so much work ongoing to revamp some agricultural facilities, and make the sector attractive in order to guarantee food suffiency and create employment for the youths.
According to him, “You already know what we are doing and what we are trying to do in the aspect of agriculture. God being on our side, it will work and work well for everyone of us”.
On reviving moribund State-owned industries, the governor said, “We know that the only way we can combat crime is providing employment. I don’t think any criminal feels happy when he is enjoying his money. This is because he does so in hiding. He does it with fear.
“When you have a legitimate means of livelihood, even if it’s N10,000 that you are making, you enjoy it happily without fear. I know a lot of people want that.
“We will visit those areas to see what we can get out of it so that employment will be, at least, more for those our unemployed youths who by virtue of having nothing to do, end up resorting to crime as the only way out.”
While acknowledging their feat in successful completion of the Ramadan fasting, Fubara thanked the Muslim community for their prayers and support to his administration.
He noted with delight their efforts at coordinating, mediating and ensuring a reduction to the minimum incidences of farmers-herders’ clashes in the State.
He assured that his Administration will continue to create the enabling environment for them to practice their faith and other endeavours that positively impact on the development of the State while promoting peace.
In his address, leader of the Muslim delegation and Vice President-General, Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, thanked the governor for his financial support that enabled them to participate in Hajj last year, and his inclusive policy that has given the community a sense of belonging.
Alhaji Uhor, who assured that the Muslim community would not relent in partnering with the governor and his government, emphasised that they were solidly behind him, and approve of his people-oriented policies and programmes.
He condemned in strong terms the activities of those who want to truncate Fubara’s administration with impeachment threats and persecution of his Chief of Staff, Dr Edison Ehie.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
The new Commissioner of Police Eastern, Ports Command, Mr Tijani Fatai has promised to ensure a crime- free ports operations in the zone.
He said effective policing will be mounted across the ports in the zone in tackling the high rate of community unrest, activities of port rats and other social vices.
Fatai while speaking to newsmen shortly after taking over as the 17th commissioner said he wants to be remembered as a peace maker during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in the Eastern Ports Command.
According to him,’’the community policing is the sure way of addressing most conflicts and other social vices bedeviling our society today and I will explore it to its fullest” .
The Commissioner also assured officers of the rank and file of improved welfare whoch he described as a cardinal objective of the present efforts of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
He said,” the Inspector General of Police has sent me to assure you all of welfare, promotions as and when due,no officers particular rank and file will be left behind in the coming months.
Fatai before his recent posting was an operational officer,who spent most of his years with the Police Mobile Force (PMF) where he served as Unit Commander (UC) and Commander, PMF.
Before his redeployment as a Commissioner of Police,(CP), he was the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP, Operations, Lagos State Command.
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