Connect with us

News

RSSDA Debunks Alleged Plan To Recall Overseas Scholarship Students

Published

on

The Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) has debunked allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party in the state that it plans to recall students sponsored on overseas scholarships by the agency.
In a swift response to the allegation yesterday, the agency’s Manager, Media and Communications, Kingsley Uranta, said in a statement, that the party’s claims were false, unfounded and a calculated attempt to mislead Rivers people.
The statement reads: Our attention has been drawn to the news making the rounds that RSSDA “has given a marching order to students of the state origin to return home when they are yet to start their medical programme (MBBS) for which scholarship was offered, and stoppage of payment of their upkeep with effect from August, 2014’’
According Uranta, “This statement is not true. As an agency responsible for the development of qualified manpower for the state, it will be counter-intuitive for us to force our students to return home before the completion of their studies. That will negate the objective of the scholarship scheme in the first place.
Rather, the RSSDA was recently approached by parents of a group of 17 scholars who were among a number of applicants awarded scholarship by the agency to study for first degree in medicine or medically-related courses in 2010.
“Unfortunately, they could not gain admission for medicine after their pre-degree (foundation) programme, and therefore settled for medically-related courses such as Pharmacy, Bio-Medical Sciences and Physiotherapy. The scholars, who have now graduated in these fields with their allowances fully paid to the end of their studies in July, 2014, have turned around to demand for fresh sponsorship from the Agency to study medicine.
“These medically-related disciplines from which the scholars have qualified are also needed in the healthcare delivery system in the state. Besides, it would only be fair that having benefitted from the State sponsorship for their first degrees, other deserving candidates are given similar opportunity. We have already communicated this position to the scholars and their parents on several occasions.
“Since the inception of the Governor’s Special Overseas Scholarship Scheme, we have placed about 2,000 deserving young Rivers State men and women in top ranking Universities across the world. By the end of September, 2014, nearly 1,000 of them would have fully completed their studies, majority of them with flying colours. The remaining are still in the programme and continue to enjoy the full sponsorship of the Rivers State Government”.
It would be recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State Chapter had in a Press Statement titled: “Rivers PDP Raises Alarm Over Plans To Recall Overseas Scholarship Students”, accused the Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led administration of not keeping its promises to Rivers people.
The party had made the declaration while reacting to the alleged “cries and lamentation of students of the state origin sent to the United Kingdom to study medicine by the state government through the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) since 2010, who have just been given a marching order by the agency to come home when they are yet to start their medical programme (MBBS) for which scholarship was offered.
“Faulting the move by the RSSDA to force them back home and the stoppage of payment of their upkeep and accommodation allowances with effect from August, 2014, the PDP in a statement signed by Jerry Needam, Special Adviser on Media to the state Chairman, Prince Felix Obuah said that is not only deceitful and a breach of contract but also a fraud, as millions of Naira had been voted for the programme.”
The party also challenged “both the RSSDA and Governor Amaechi to take into cognizance the far reaching implications of forcing these students to return home without clearing their indebtedness to the UK institutions, a criminal case which can make them (the institutions) to blacklist the students and denying them the possibility of travelling abroad for further studies or any other business in future.

L-R:Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Chairman, South-South Monarchs Forum, Dr Edmund Dankoru, Amanayabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Jaja-Jeki V and Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi-Aidonogie, at a meeting with the Minister of Transport in Abuja,yesterday

L-R:Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Chairman, South-South Monarchs Forum, Dr Edmund Dankoru, Amanayabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Jaja-Jeki V and Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Aliyu Danesi-Aidonogie, at a meeting with the Minister of Transport in Abuja,yesterday

Continue Reading

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

on

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

Continue Reading

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

on

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

Continue Reading

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol

Continue Reading

Trending