Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State voiced his frustration on Monday as he conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of Okrika Grammar School (OGS), a project pivotal to revitalizing one of the state’s most historically significant educational institutions.
During his visit, the Governor’s disappointment was palpable as he contrasted the reported progress—initially stated by the Commissioner for Education as 70%—with the stark reality he encountered at the school. The site, marked by stagnation rather than advancement, spurred Fubara to question the integrity of the updates he had received. “What I am seeing here is far below such an impression,” he remarked, visibly perturbed by the discrepancies between the reports and the actual work completed.
Fubara emphasized the importance of the Okrika Grammar School, noting its role in shaping influential figures in various fields, both locally and internationally. “This school has produced great men who have excelled in politics and other disciplines. It is dear to me, and I need to see for myself the extent of work done and the standards delivered,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to restoring the school to its former glory.
In response to the slow pace of work, Fubara announced plans to summon the contractors responsible for the project. “I will read the riot act to them and re-emphasize strict compliance with project specifications and agreed timelines,” he declared. His resolve to take a more hands-on approach indicates a shift in oversight that aims to ensure the project meets the community’s expectations for quality and timeliness.
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The Governor’s dedication to educational reform was further underscored as he reflected on the initial impetus for the project: a shared concern for the deplorable state of Okrika Grammar School. “We were touched by the very deplorable state of the foremost school, and our government decided that we should give it a facelift,” Fubara explained, reiterating that the full contract sum had already been paid. “There must be value for money,” he insisted, underscoring his commitment to accountability in public spending.
In addition to the school project, Fubara also took the opportunity to inspect the state of the Woji-Akpajo-Alesa-Eleme-Port Harcourt Refinery Road and bridge, highlighting his administration’s broader focus on infrastructure development across the state.
