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FG Partners Japan, UNESCO To Improve Girl-Child Education
The Federal Government in collaborations with the government of Japan and UNESCO has come together to proffer ways to improve girl-child education in the country.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu at a National Conference on Teacher Education in Abuja yesterday, applauded Japan’s support and UNESCO’s role in coordinating education agenda.
The conference has the theme:”The Teachers We Need for Quality Girl-Child education in Nigeria”.
Sununu said the conference was a prelude to the project for capacity-building of teachers to promote continuous and inclusive access to safe and quality education for girls in West Africa.
According to him, the project which runs concurrently in six other African countries is sponsored by the government of Japan and coordinated by the International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (ICBA).
“Today’s event was birthed sometime last year when Dr Wodon paid a courtesy visit to me and in the course of our discussion, requested for all forms of support from UNESCO-ICBA.
“The project aims to build the capacity of teachers, enhance teacher training institutions, and provide continuous access to quality education, especially for girls.”
The Minister added that the initiative was aimed at addressing the educational challenges facing the girl-child in the country.
“This project is targeted at addressing the serious educational challenges, characterised by low educational attainment and high rate of out-of-school children, poor learning, poverty, gender inequality and acute shortage of qualified teachers, especially female teachers.
“The teachers we need are those who are committed to providing quality education to our girl-child,” he said.
He emphasised that committed teachers were needed to empower the female children
The minister also expressed optimism that the project would have a significant impact on the lives of women and children, thereby creating opportunities for every girl to receive a quality education and achieve their dreams.
On his part, the representative of the Japanese Embassy, Mr Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, emphasised the importance of empowering women and girls, saying it was essential for peace and security.
“Access to quality education is paramount. It enhances the labour force, improves family health and education, reduces poverty, and promotes gender equality.
“We are committed to improving access to quality education for 4 million girls in Africa, and this project is one way we are honouring our commitment,” he said.
Also, the UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo, said the partnership demonstrated the value of partnerships in development and the commitment of Nigeria, Japan, and UNESCO to improving girl-child education in Nigeria.
Diallo said the importance of teachers in promoting girl-child education could not be overemphasised, hence the need to support their roles professionally.
“Teachers transform lives and can act as role models, confidants, mentors, and advocates for girls
“The project aims to support the professional development of teachers, enhance the capacity of teacher training institutions, and provide continuous and inclusive access to quality education, especially for girls,” he said.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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