Rivers

RSUBEB Suspends Two Principals For Collection Of Illegal Admission Fees

Published

4 years ago

October 10, 2022

The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), last Friday slammed an indefinite suspension on two more principals of junior secondary schools in the state for collecting unapproved illegal admission fees.
This brings to four principals of junior secondary schools of basic education since the war against corruption and indiscipline by the present RSUBEB led by Dr Fyneface Akah started.
The two affected school principals include those of Junior Secondary School Omoku in Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area and Community Secondary School, Odaga in Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
The Executive Chairman of RSUBEB, Dr Fyneface Akah therefore directed them to hand over to the most senior Vice Principals of their affected schools with immediate effect pending the investigation of their allegations and resolution, ,adding that the board has not asked any principals to charge any money for admission fees from students across the state.
Akah said this when he had an audience with Omoku Community Education Committee and other groups who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Port Harcourt over the weekend and expressed worry that he did not understand why people want to have their way in bringing wrong practices, insisting that they did not want Principals who are not qualified to be appointed as heads of schools but they are just there because somebody wanted them to remain as Principals.
According to him, the board trains principals and position them on quality leadership and added that Principals do not have any right to send children away from school because their parents were unable to pay admission fees.
“You do not stop children from accessing any learning environment because their parents are not able to buy their uniforms. You do not do that of course, even the school where SBMC has received their approval for them to make contribution towards the running of the school.
You don’t put those charges on the children, parents should pay and if parents are unable to pay ,that does not mean that they should be sent away from school.
This is the policy and norm approved by the board.
And there we stand today so that these people that are doing whatever they are doing, they risk their job and we will not keep one person who did not obey the policy,” he stated.
The chairman of the board also disclosed that they have rules that regulate actions and practice direction of Principals who will misbehave and by so doing, portray themselves to be disobedient.
“Suspension is not the sufficent disciplinary measures for Principals of schools who are on suspension and each time it happens, they come and plead for leniency and they continue to committ the offence with impunity,” he said
Akah further told groups that running of schools should not be left in the hands of government alone, adding that communities and individuals must complement the efforts of government in that regard.
He explained that the when the missionaries who brought and establish most the schools in the past play their roles in development of education and didn’t leave it a lone for government .
In their various responses ,
The Rivers State primary health care (RSPHCMB) led by Dr Babbo Diana.
seek the permission of the RSUBEB of visiting school for imunazation from the 20th of this month.
The chairman of Omoku Community Education Committee, Prof John C. Imegi expressed appreciation of the chairman of the RSUBEB for his transparent manner and support for schools in the area .
Also the chairman of Community Development Committee (CDC) Of Obigwe community , Ogwe Gladson Chijioke in Ogba/ Egbema /Ndoni local government council of Rivers State.
On behalf of the entire good people of the Obigwe, the Ochi-Ohna in Council, the women, the youth, the school based management Committee, SBMC /SIP, CPS Obigwe also expressed they heartfelt gratitude to the RSUBEB for the showed love and unrelentless magnanimity to their people through the approval of various execution plethora of projects in the community.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor