The Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has called on Nigerians to shun ethnicity, nepotism, corruption and work together to ensure indivisible Nigeria.
Governor Amaechi made the call while presenting his speech during the 52nd Nigeria Independence celebration at the Liberation stadium Elekahia, Port Harcourt.
Governor Amaechi who described Nigeria as a great nation posited that people are watching, emphasizing that Nigeria must continue to work hard in harmony to reach its destination.
The Chief Executive Officer of the state who recalled that 52 years ago the British flag was lowered and after Nigeria gained her independent, the country was confronted with the challenges of delay of hope and insecurity but today Nigerians can tell a pleasant story as the country has improved.
Governor Amaechi further hinted that when he came on board as the state governor the educational system was broken down, most roads were bad, challenges of insecurity “we had to act fast and declared a state of emergency on education and the state is building 250 schools and most of them have been completed as well as some of the roads which were under construction have been completed.
According to him, the present administration has constructed several roads and is partnering with the foreign company to rehabilitate Diobu and D/Line which will cost about 17billion naira, adding that his desire was to ensure that the state is better than how the administration met it.
The Chief Executive Officer of state who noted that his administration is focusing on how to diversify the economy of the state, hinted that he has concluded arrangement to train citizens of the state on technical programmes to ensure human capital development.
In a chat with journalists at the ceremony, Alhaji Abubakar Wurno, while commending governor Amaechi for his developmental strides across the state advised him not to relent in his good work. He described this year’s independence celebration as interesting.
Alhaji Wurno who is also a businessman debunked insinuations that Boko Haram is sponsored by Moslems, stressing that Moslems are peace lovers who preach against violence and cannot be associated with the wicked Boko Haram and called on Nigerians to join hands to fight Boko Haram to ensure peace in the federation.
Meanwhile, Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike has emerged winners of this year’s 52nd Independence anniversary match past competition with 89 points. Government Model Secondary School, Rumueme, came second while Book Stone Secondary School Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area came third.
In the nursery school category, ESI Igwuruta came 1st, FSP 2nd, while ESI Eneka came 3rd.
In the paramilitary category, Navy Primary School came 2nd while the Prisons Primary School emerged third.
In the voluntary organizations category, Boys Brigade came 1st, WAI Brigade 2nd while Royal Ambassador came 3rd.
In the debate competition on sustainable education that took place across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, to bring back the book culture, Asari Toru Local Government Area emerged winner, in the junior category, Oyigbo Local Government Area came 2nd, while Ikwerre Local Government Area came 3rd.
In the senior secondary school category Port Harcourt City Local Government Area emerged winner, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, 2nd, while Gokana Local Government Area took 3rd position. ###
Emeka Jilly Ejiowho
