In a heartwarming initiative, Rivers State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Prince Solomon Abel Eke, has kicked off a Back to School Programme designed to ease the burden on parents as the new academic year commences.
Christened; ‘Back2School Support Programme,’ the event took place in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, where Hon. Eke distributed cash grants of ₦100,000 each to over 100 children, channeling the funds through their parents to support their tuition fees for the 2024/2025 session.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Eke emphasized that this gesture is his way of supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s steadfast commitment to education. He called on the participants, particularly mothers, to continue backing the people-centered policies of the current administration, which are geared toward delivering tangible benefits to Rivers people..
Hon. Eke also lauded the C.T.C Chairman of Obio-Akpor LGA, Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo, for his unwavering support for Governor Fubara, noting that the Chairman’s impactful programs have resonated strongly with the Local Government Area.
“This Back2School Support Programme is for both indigenes and non-indigenes. It’s our small contribution to helping parents as they prepare for the new school year. We understand the challenges families face,” Hon. Eke stated. “As the Commissioner for Power, my main task is to ensure Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s success, and this initiative is part of our efforts to make that happen. This will also compliments the efforts of our leader Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo the C.T.C chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA because If Amb. Ihunwo succeeds, it means Gov. Fubara has succeeded in Obio-Akpor.”
The Commissioner didn’t shy away from addressing detractors of the Governor, condemning their attempts to disrupt the peace and progress of Rivers State. He made it clear that Rivers State is not the personal estate of any individual and vowed that the people of Rivers would stand firm against any attempts to hijack their collective wealth.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Obio-Akpor Woman Leader Hon. Mrs. Sophia Amarachi Nkoro expressed profound gratitude to the Commissioner, describing the event as a “life-saving” initiative. She reminisced about a similar program Hon. Eke spearheaded when he was the Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government six years ago.
“You are truly reflecting the vision of His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara,” Mrs. Nkoro said. “We must commend you for always standing by the women and children. Considering the current economic situation, we can’t thank God enough for a leader like Hon. Solomon Abel Eke, who understands the struggles people are facing. This Back2School Support Programme is not just a relief measure, but a source of hope and renewal for many.”