Rivers State govt builds 350 model schools, to re-award road contract

Ibanga Isine, with agency report


The Rivers State government has said it is building 350 new model primary schools in various parts of the state.




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A statement from Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday quoted Governor Rotimi Amaechi as saying that some of the new schools had been completed and equipped with the state- of-the-art facilities.

The News Agency of Nigeria quoted the statement as saying that government's focus on education followed growing concern over the disparity in the education sector, "as children from rich homes attend good private schools, while those from poor homes attend the old mal-functional public schools."

"The financial status of any parent should not be a barrier to the children in terms of access to good education.

"Besides, it is our belief that by focusing on education, we are investing in the future of the state. Everybody is equal and should have equal access to education.

"If my own children are playing around with computers, children from poor homes should also have access to computers as well.

"If the proposed social levy scheme receives the needed acceptance from the people of the state, the state government will provide free education and health care for the people."

Meanwhile, the governor said on Monday that it would soon re-award the contract for the construction of Trans-Kalabari Highway to open up riverine communities in the state.

Amaechi said this at Buguma during a reception to mark the 80th birthday of the Amanyanbo of Kalabari, Prof. Theophilus Princewill.

When completed, Amaechi said the road would facilitate the growth of the economy of Kalabari communities.

He hinted that the road contract, which would link several communities within and outside Kalabari, Kingdom was earlier awarded to contractors from the area.

He said that 80 per cent of the job was awarded to Kalabari businessmen but they abandoned the work after being paid.

He expressed disappointment over the attitude of some prominent Kalabari people that stalled the project.

Amaechi also blamed Kalabari leaders for not doing much to develop their communities, but assured that his administration would improve the lot of the people.

He said, "It is wrong for some people to claim that other ethnic groups in the state do not love the Kalabari people.

"I think there was a mistake somewhere and I call on all of you to unite to correct the wrong impression."

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Tonye Graham-Douglas challenged Princewill to focus on the age-long unity of the Kalabari kingdom and congratulated him on the 80th birthday celebration.

While welcoming guests, the Amanyanabo said his 80th birthday, though remarkable, was not without tortuous moments.

He, however, expressed gratitude to the governor and all those who attended the function which also featured the unveiling of a status of King Jacob Tom Princewill, Amachree VII.