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Woji Gets First Public Secondary School

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3 years ago

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Woji Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has joined other communities across the state with government-owned secondary school.
The move followed the foundation laying of the first government secondary school in the community by the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, yesterday.
The school, known as Woji Community Secondary School, had the construction of its initial 19-classroom blocks, staff offices, administrative block, head teachers’ office, and public conveniences.
Speaking during the flag off of the project, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, said the project was inline with the council’s desire to boost education in the local government area.
Ariolu, who described education as agent of development, said the school would serve as breeding ground for future leaders of the area, adding that the contractor has been mobilised to site.
He said it would also improve the economy of the area through the creation of employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council has restated its commitment to produce quality manpower for the area.
Inline with this, the council has instituted a policy of ensuring the production of 150 PhDs and 150 Masters’degree holders within the next three years.
Ariolu said during the flag off ceremony of the first public secondary school in Woji, that the council was producing 50 PhDs and 50 Masters’ degree holders every year.
He said the first batch had completed their programme,while forms for the second batch was out and was being processed.
According to him, candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degrees were paid N700,000.00 while their Masters’ degree counterparts get N500,000.00.
He charged the people of Woji to cooperate with the contractor handling the project with a view to ensuring speedy completion of the project.
While performing the foundation laying ceremony, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof Prince Chinedu Mmom, thanked the chairman of the Obio/Akpor local government council for embarking on strategic people-oriented projects.
He also commended the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for giving opportunity to the people of Obio/Akpor to elect Ariolu as their chairman.
Mmom said the project would greatly impact on his ministry,adding that in a few months from now, Woji would be celebrating its first public secondary school.
Also speaking, the member representing Obio/AkporFederal Constituency, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, said Ariolu had embarked on projects that most state governments in the country have not been able to do.
He said the massive turn out of the people of Woji for the event shows that the project was rooted in the community.
Chinda said the project was in consonance with the philosophy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of providing democratic dividends to the people.
On his part, the Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, said the project would impact positively on the people.
He commended Governor Nyesom Wike for showing the way in project execution,adding that most states in the country were envious of Rivers State.
Earlier in an address, the people of Woji community, said they were overwhelmed with joy at the landmark project.
“Our happiness stems from the fact that this event brings to fulfilment all efforts in the past to have a public school in Woji Town”.
The Woji Chiefs and Elders Council also described Woji as the largest urban community in Obio/Akpor but regretted that until yesterday, it had no public school.
“The matter is made worse by the fact that the school in the nearby Rumurolu community is overpopulated because of the influx of people from in and around the area.
“This is one of the reasons we cherish this landmark project being flagged off today”, the chiefs said.
The address, which was read by the Secretary, Woji Council of Chiefs and Elders, Chief Ernest Chinwo, also expressed the hope that the project would be delivered in record time.
According to the community, it was their desire to have comprehensive primary and secondary school complex in the location as the entire land mass was not under any litigation.

By: John Bibor

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Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

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6 days ago

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January 12, 2026

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The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.
Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.
The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.
Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.
According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.
The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.
Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.
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Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

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6 days ago

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January 12, 2026

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The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.
The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.
This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”
The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.
“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.
Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.
“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”
He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.
“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.
By: Tonye Orabere
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PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

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6 days ago

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January 12, 2026

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Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.
Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.
Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.
He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.
“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.
“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.
“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”
At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.
Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.
He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.
Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”
He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.
“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.
The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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