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An Educated Ijaw Nation My Priority’ Says NDU VC

Published

3 years ago

December 29, 2019

…Advocates Free Varsity Education for Ijaw Nation

The Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Prof. Samuel G. Edoumiekumoh, has said that one of his priorities is to see the entire Ijaw nation attain peak education wise.

The VC, who noted that he was convinced that the Government of Bayelsa State, being the rallying point of the Ijaw, has capacity to sponsor free university education for the entire Ijaw nation, urged authorities concern to work towards the direction.

Prof Edoumiekumoh disclosed this in Burutu, Delta State, at a Thanksgiving/Reception party put together by the Barr. David Otutufegha-led Committee of Friends over the promotion of Ben Binebai to a Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory and Criticism by the Niger Delta University.

“My pride would be for the Ijaw nation to attain a time when nobody would tell us we didn’t go to School.

“I personally believe that as a way of moving the Ijaw nation forward, all willing Ijaw students need not pay school fees. We have the statistics and have done the calculations. It is possible. I mean students of the entire Ijaw nation across the Niger Delta, in tertiary institutions nationwide.

“It won’t be more than 3 billion naira annually. Taking that out of the annual Bayelsa State budget is a sacrifice that will beget a forward match for the Ijaw nation”, the VC noted.

Prof. Edoumiekumoh said on assumption of office, he engaged the National Universities Commission (NUC), on the inadequate admission quota of NDU then placed at 3,500 to raise it to 7600.

“We are now begging Ijaw people to come to school. The NDU is also for all Ijaw irrespective of state. Please forward names of your wards seeking admission through Prof. Binebai. Bring your children to NDU. Indeed, I intend a tour of Ijaw communities to canvass for students for NDU.

“We need western education to be able to compete favorably with other regions. Ijaw youths should be focused in self-propulsion even where our parents may not have the wherewithal to push us on.

“I became a professor at a young age even when my father had thought that if I go to school, I’ll die. These things hold us back. As youths, you should work hard to go to school. As a Professor and VC, powerful doors are open to me. I am shocked to know today that Binebai is the first Professor of Burutu town, an ancient community. We should strive to have, at least, one Professor in every Ijaw family.

“Since I became VC, we have produced 57 Professors. We’ll produce more as they qualify. We have produced 80 Associate Professors and 47 Senior Lecturers. We won’t deprive deserving people promotions. We must set the stage for the time nobody will tell the Ijaw people that we didn’t go to school. That is my pride.

“It is against this background that, amidst criticisms, I commend Governor Seriake Dickson’s establishment of two universities in the state. I insist that we even need more but my concern is proper funding”, the VC further said.

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Also speaking at the event, the Registrar, Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Dr. Alfred Mulade, urged Ijaw youths to take advantage of the NMU, Okerenkoko, as close quarters to obtain university education, saying “the Bible itself recommends that we study to show ourselves approved.”

The celebrant had earlier said “with sponsorship often in short supply, Ijaw youths should assume status of fingerlings who must propel themselves to be able to swim”.

In apparent response to the challenge of encouraging education in the Ijaw nation, a philanthropist, Chief Evans Etimigba, at the ceremony, announced purchase of 6 JAMB/UME Forms for willing students.

It was also announced that Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi, member representing Burutu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Abuja has 300 JAMB/UME Forms for take by willing students.

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Wike/Dokpesi Faceoff Deepens As AIT/Ray Power Port Harcourt Station Receives Demolition Notice

Published

16 mins ago

March 23, 2023

Editor

Rivers State Government has issued Daar Communications, owners of African Independent Television/Ray Power notice to vacate the land housing it’s Port Harcourt transmission station or have it demolished within 48 hours.

The development is believed to be induced by lingering political feud between Governor Nyesom Wike and Daar Communications owner, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, but the governor has maintained AIT/Ray Power has no title to the expansive premises it occupies in the Rivers state capital city and the eviction order has no political undertone.

The latest eviction notice was issued 20 March 2023 by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers Ministry of Works, Mrs Ebere Dennis-Emenike, “To Whom It May Concern” and titled “Proposed GRA Phase 5 Ozuoba, Port Harcourt Demolition Notice”.

It reads, “Following the imminent commencement of the above project, all structure(s) impacting on the right-of-way of the project have been earmarked for demolition including your own. Consequently, you are by this notice requested to remove such structure(s) within forty eight (48) hours to allow for speedy progress of work.”

On intervention, the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) has urged the state government to rescind the decision to demolition the transmission station of Daar Communications.

NUJ Rivers State Council, in a statement signed by Stanley Job, Chairman and Ike Wigodo, Secretary, appealed to the state government embrace dialogue with the media organization for mutual resolution of the dispute.

NUJ statement reads, “We appeal to the Rivers State Government to review the quit notice given to Daar Communications Plc, owners of AIT and Raypower Radio Station. The Press and the Rivers State Government have come a long way as partners in progress.

“We believe proper negotiation and peaceful resolution of the land dispute will serve the Government and people of Rivers better. Whatever the merit of the quit notice, we would not want the world to see the Press in a fight with the Rivers State in view of the long standing mutual relationship.

“NUJ will not be happy to see a Media House in Rivers State demolished over a land dispute that can be resolved peacefully and amicably”

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Buhari Redesignates State House Clinic Into Medical Clinics

Published

13 hours ago

March 22, 2023

Editor

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-designation of the State House Clinic back to the Medical Centre.

Permanent Secretary of State House, Tijjani Umar, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja after a pre-commissioning inspection of the new Presidential (VIP) Wing of the State House Medical Centre.

The commissioning was done by Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

“Now, with the improvement in the problem areas and the addition of the new VIP Wing with state-of-the-art facilities, we can no longer operate as a Clinic. It is now to operate as State House Medical Centre,” Umar said.

Umar disclosed that all is set for the President’s inauguration of the new world-class facility to add to this administration’s growing number of completed and commissioned legacy projects.

He added that the calibration, equipment testing and training of medical personnel are ongoing.

He said the presidency is determined to ensure that the Centre remains fully operational and well-maintained after the inauguration.

In 2019, Buhari had downgrounded the facility owing to infrastructural deficit.

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Ramadan: Buhari Sends Message To Muslims As Fasting Begins

Published

13 hours ago

March 22, 2023

Editor

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent greetings and best wishes to Muslims as they commence 30 days of Ramadan fasting.

Buhari urged Muslims to use the season “to project the best and finest virtues of Islam by personal conduct, and not precept.”

In a goodwill message to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, Buhari says “let us use this opportunity to put the best teachings of Islam into practice, such as kindness and the love of humanity.”

According to the President, “This is an occasion for deep reflection and greater fear of Allah and avoidance of all evils that harm humanity.

“Ramadan is characterised by abstention from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, which brings both the rich and poor to share the experience of hunger together, thereby strengthening the bonds between haves and have-nots.”

Buhari explained that “as we begin these 30 days fasting season, let us not forget that Ramadan is not only about abstention from eating and drinking, but it is a reminder to refrain from all kinds of evil and transgressions that harm humanity.

“I am particularly aware of the activities of traders who artificially increase the prices of their goods, including food at the beginning of every month of Ramadan. This kind of exploitation is against the spirit of the Ramadan and the spirit of Islam.”

Buhari added that “while we are observing this important occasion in the spiritual life of Muslims, let us share food and drinks with the less fortunate, because by sharing our blessings with others, Allah will multiply our rewards for good deeds.”