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RSG Extols Importance Of Science Education
The Rivers State Government says science education is a catalyst to the development of the nation.
The State Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike stated this at a State Banquet in honour of delegates to the 60th Anniversary Conference of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN).
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Wike said the state government was very committed to science education because of its Importance to the development of the state.
“We know the importance of science education; all over the world, the practice of science in all its ramifications is the bedrock of development”, he said.
According to him, for several years, the state’s counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education was not paid by the previous administration, stressing that for this reason, education took a nosedive and deteriorated very fast.
“Our children were sitting on the bare floor, the environment was terrible, and we had no option than to quickly pay up all the outstanding counterpart funds to salvage the situation”, Wike said.
He said 175 primary schools and secondary schools are undergoing a total renovation while standard science equipment have also been provided as part of deliberate efforts to encourage science education in the state.
Wike, who expressed delight that the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria chose to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee in Rivers State in the same year the state was celebrating her Golden Jubilee, regretted that Rivers State has been a victim of false and negative propaganda by people who do not mean well for the state.
He urged the science teachers to be ambassadors and tell the true story of Rivers State when they return to their various states.
“Like you said, we hope you will be our ambassadors and have good stories to tell about Rivers State from what you have seen and heard. Rivers State is a serene and beautiful place to be. In fact, there is no Nigeria without Rivers State”, Wike said.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani, who frowned at the absence of any federal project in the state, stated that for the past two years, Rivers people were yet to benefit from the Federal Government despite being the geese that lay the golden egg in the country.
He noted that as a responsible government, the Wike-led administration has committed 70 per cent of the state budget to infrastructure development, which according to him, has earned the governor the name “Mr. Project”.
Earlier, the National President, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAM), Mr. Mohammed Moulud commended Governor Nyesom Wike for sponsoring 400 science teachers in the state to participate in the conference, noting that the state government’s support to the growth of science and technology was most needed at this time.
Mohammed, who remarked that the security system in the state was one of the best in the country, lauded Rivers people for their hospitality to the delegates during the conference.
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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