The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has warned that failure to properly educate children poses a serious threat to the future and identity of society, stressing that education remains the foundation for character formation, development and social stability.Gift Worlu gave the warning during the official handover of the renovated State Primary School, Choba, describing the institution as a historic school that has produced eminent personalities, including professors and leaders in various fields.
In his address, the council chairman said his administration is driven by the desire to solve real problems rather than engage in showmanship, noting that a tour of facilities across the local government revealed shocking levels of decay, especially in public primary schools and health centres.
He disclosed that he personally schooled at State Primary School, Choba, and expressed joy at returning to hand over a fully renovated facility to pupils and teachers.
“A problem you don’t understand, you cannot solve. We inherited liabilities, but with God’s enablement, we will continue to add value and give our people a sense of hope and meaning in life,” he stated.
He assured that the renovation of the Choba school would not be the end of government intervention, pledging to further improve and maintain the facility through partnerships with community groups and corporate organisations. He specifically called on the Choba Elites Foundation to take ownership of the school’s maintenance, while revealing ongoing engagements with Dufil Prima Foods Limited to support environmental sanitation.
He further revealed that beyond infrastructure, his administration is focused on human capital development, skill acquisition and empowerment, urging residents to embrace the philosophy of “learn and earn.”
In his remarks, Mr. Christopher Amadi Iwai, Supervising Director of Obio/Akpor Local Government Education Authority, representing the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), Barr. Sam Oge, commended Hon. Worlu for what he described as an unprecedented intervention in the basic education subsector.
“In less than five months in office, you have transformed a structure that was in total decay. This has convinced RSUBEB of your genuine commitment to basic education,” he said.
The Paramount Ruler of Choba Community, HRH Eze Raymond Okocha, praised the chairman for promptly responding to long-standing requests, describing him as proactive and divinely guided. “We made this request once, and before I returned from abroad, the work was completed. This is the hand of God,” the monarch said.
Also speaking, the Headmistress of State Primary School, Choba, Mrs. Umenwo Mary Nnenda, expressed gratitude to the chairman, describing the renovation as a dream come true and offering prayers for divine promotion.
The Supervisor for Education, Obio/Akpor LGA, Hon. George Igwe, and the project contractor, Dr. Best Eke, urged the community to protect the facility and prevent vandalism.
The ceremony ended with a guided tour of the renovated school facilities, as the council reiterated its commitment to replicating similar projects across Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
SIGNED:
Goodluck Nsirim
Chief Press Secretary, Obio/Akpor LGA
January 12, 2026
