Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for total peace in the state, urging members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment in the best interest of the people.
Fubara made this appeal on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly renovated Okrika Grammar School in Okrika Local Government Area. He emphasized that peace was essential for good governance and the state’s development.
Fubara said, “It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has given its judgment, and we have no option but to abide by it.
“We have started the process, and we are appealing to 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 for total peace in our state because for me to govern well, there must be peace.”
Okrika Grammar School’s Transformation
Speaking on the renovation of Okrika Grammar School, Fubara explained that the project was initiated after the planning committee for the 20th anniversary of the Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion requested government intervention to restore the dilapidated institution.
“I felt the least we could do as a government was to uplift the standard of this school. It aligns with our agenda, which prioritizes healthcare, education, and agriculture for food sufficiency,” he stated.
Despite the challenges facing his administration, Fubara reassured the people that his government remained committed to improving education in Rivers State. He also promised that the remaining phases of the school’s rehabilitation, as approved by the government, would be completed.
He noted that well-managed educational facilities could help reduce crime among young people.
Fubara added, “I believe that when all the facilities in this school are put to full use, crime rates will drop, not just in Okrika, but in neighbouring communities that will benefit from this institution.”
He urged the Old Boys Association of Okrika Grammar School to support the school’s growth by taking on key projects such as establishing a center for computer-based examinations.
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Extensive Remodelling of the School
Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ovy Chukwuma, described the renovation of Okrika Grammar School as a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to quality education.
“The project was awarded in April 2024 and fully funded by the Rivers State Government. It includes an administrative block, 24 classroom blocks, a laboratory, an ICT library, an assembly hall, a 100-bed male hostel, a 100-bed female hostel, a kitchen and dining hall, a matron’s quarters, a sickbay, principal’s quarters, senior and junior staff quarters, perimeter fencing, a gate, a generator house, and solar-powered streetlights,” he said.
He further noted that the school now boasts modern sports facilities, a 1.8-kilometre paved road network, and an upgraded drainage system. Classrooms and hostels have been furnished with standard furniture, air conditioning units, smart televisions, and computer systems.
Community Leaders and Old Students Praise Fubara’s Efforts
The Head of Local Government Administration for Okrika, Mrs. Obianime Appollos, commended the governor for restoring the school’s status after years of neglect.
Similarly, Mr. Golden Iruayenama, representing the Old Boys Association, noted that previous administrations had failed to renovate the school despite multiple promises. He praised Governor Fubara for fulfilling the long-awaited intervention.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia, described the project as a significant milestone in the school’s history.
“It will be remembered that when Okrika Grammar School turned 85, Governor Fubara remodelled and resuscitated it to help shape the future of Rivers children,” the bishop said.
Governor Fubara also assured the Anglican Church that his administration would deploy experts to address shore protection concerns to prevent erosion from damaging the school’s land.