Rivers Crisis: Consider Interest Of Rivers People First – Gov Fubara Appeals

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has called on all parties to consider the the interests of Rivers people above personal interest in resolving the lingering political conflict in the state.

Gov. Fubara made the appeal today while commissioning the remodeled Okrika Grammar School, in Okrika Local Government Area, reconstructed by his administration to improve the quality of education and reduce crime in the area.

The governor told the people, “It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has made its judgment. We don’t have any option but to abide by it and by the grace of God we have started the process.

“We are appealing to the other parties to consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing we owe this State is peace and development. I am open any day, any time to total peace in our State because if I have to govern well there is need for peace.”

On the conviction to upgrade Okrika Grammar School, he said, “How we started this project was when the Communion of the Diocese (Okrika) was planning their 20th anniversary, the planning committee visited and pleaded that this whole school be given a facelift.

Gov. Fubara noted that considering the importance of the school and the present challenges in the society where quality education is only available in private schools, his administration found it necessary to remodel the school and bring it to standard in line with his vision of improving healthcare, education and agriculture for food sufficiency.

“The key theme of this administration is centered on healthcare, education, and agriculture. So, we immediately keyed into it and to the glory of God we are here today to unveil one of the things we have done even in the face of the situation in our State.”

While promising to give consideration to further assistance, including shoreline protection to sustain the standard of the school, the Governor charged the old students of the college to also raise their commitment to giving back to the school that groomed them to greatness in diverse fields.

He emphasised that “Education we all know is the bedrock of development, a key indicator, if well managed, will help reduce crime. So, I believe when all the facilities put in place in this school is put into full use, crime and criminality will definitely reduce not just in Okrika but neighbouring LGAs will still benefit from it”.

The State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Orluideye Chinedum Chukwuma, while describing the facilities said the remodelled school, “Consist of Administrative block, 12-classroom Block A, Laboratory, ICT, Library Block, Assembly Hall, Male and Female Hostels, Kitchen and Dinning Hall, Matron Quarter and Sick-Bay, Principal, Senior and junior staff quarters, perimeter fencing, gate and generator House, and power supply for extension of electricity including solar powered street lights.

He commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his vision of improving the quality of education and making it available to every Rivers child irrespective of where they may be found in the State.

Welcoming guests at the event, the Head, Local Government Administration, Okrika Local Government Area, Mrs. Lasiki Hart expressed the gratitude of the people to Gov. Fubara for remodeling Okrika Grammar School, which has been a beacon of excellence in both academic and sports and produced individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the society.

She noted that the visionary leadership of the governor in remodeling the school with imposing structures clearly demonstrates his administration’s commitment to providing quality education to Rivers children.

In a goodwill message, the Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and Proprietor of Okrika Grammar School, Bishop Enoch Atuboyediya applauded Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for the remodeling of school, saying that the commissioning is not just about the unveiling of infrastructure, but a celebration of history, resilience and the unwavering commitment of Rivers State government to the advancement of education.

According to him, “today’s event underscores your administration’s dedication to quality education and the restoration of institutions that have long been the bedrock of academic excellence in our State.

“This investment is not just in buildings but in the future of our children, the future of Rivers State. It is a testament to your vision for a State where every child regardless of background has access to a world-class learning environment,” he said

He further requested for the building of a mini stadium to boost sports in the school and protection of the shores around the school as well as building the Port Harcourt/Okrika link road.

Also the National President of the Okrika Grammar School Old Boys Association, Engr. Golden Iruayenama thanked the governor for reviving the old school as the deplorable condition of the school in the past had been a great concern which they made several appeals to previous administrations to remodel it to no avail before the intervention of Gov. Fubara.

He requested for the conversion of the existing dining hall to an ICT centre to serve as a CBT Center for JAMB and expansion of the existing Library to an e-library.