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...Calls for sustained peace for Rivers Development
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged that Nigeria prioritizes technical and vocational education, stressing that the country's excessive emphasis on university degrees is at the expense of practical skills.
The governor made this known on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Entrepreneurship Centre and Faculty of Engineering Building in Rumuola, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
The governor explained that the Entrepreneurship Centre was established to equip students with business and vocational skills that would enable them to become self-reliant instead of depending solely on government jobs.
He urged the management, staff and students of the institution to protect the newly completed facilities from vandalism and theft, describing the projects as assets belonging to the people.
He also called on residents to preserve the prevailing peace in the state, saying the stable atmosphere has enabled his administration to execute projects that directly impact on the lives of the people.
Fubara said the return of peace had allowed his administration to focus on development, adding that lasting progress could only be achieved in a peaceful environment.
"There is every need for everyone to abide by this peace. Without peace, we will not be here to inaugurate this project," he said.
According to him, his administration is committed to delivering meaningful projects that future generations would remember for their contribution to the state's development.
Fubara thanked the people of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area for their continued support, describing the council as special to him and assuring residents of sustained government attention.
Earlier, Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution, Hon. Hope Ikiriko, commended the governor for his commitment to improving infrastructure at the polytechnic.
Ikiriko described the projects as significant to the institution's growth and appealed to the governor to conclude the recruitment of 150 academic staff initiated in 2024, while also approving the employment of an additional 200 academic and technical personnel.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peter Nwagor, praised the governor for ensuring the timely release of funds that led to the successful completion of the projects.
He disclosed that the projects, awarded on October 9, 2024, were completed within nine months and include the construction and furnishing of two one-storey buildings housing classrooms, workshops, staff quarters for the School of Engineering, the Entrepreneurship Centre and the furnishing of the institution's Governing Council Building.
