By Kalugbene Dominic, Lagos
The Gbaaloo Nyo-khana USA, has called on the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, to embark on urgent rehabilitation of educational institutions within the community.
According to a communique over the weekend, the USA based indigenes of Rivers State, lamented that the primary and tertiary schools, Taabaa hospital in Nyo-khana have been in a state of disrepair for an extended period noting that the deplorable condition of these educational institutions and health care are unacceptable and detrimental to the future of the youth.
The communique signed by the President Gbaaloo Nyo-khana Socio-Cultural Community Group USA, Comrade Lebari Legah Nzidee and Secretary .Comrade Samuel L. Nwibana , Public Relations officer, Barineka Akponi., further tasked the Governor to direct the Universal Basic Education (UBEB) Board to immediately assess and carry out necessary repairs and renovations in these schools, stressing that education of children is a priority, and urgent action is needed to restore these institutions to standard.
On the need for government to sited projects in the community, the communique reiterated that “To curb the rising tide of restlessness and crime among the youth in Nyo-khana, we strongly advocate for the siting of government projects within our community.
“Such projects will provide employment opportunities, engage our youth in meaningful activities, and help reduce crime rates. It is essential that our youth are given opportunities to contribute positively to society and build a better future for themselves and our community.
Primarily, the group noted also that Nyo-khana community has been marginalized and overlooked in the appointment of key government positions in Rivers State.
In furtherance to appeal for peace and unity among political office holders, they called on all politicians and stakeholders in Rivers State, irrespective of party affiliations, to embrace oneness, for the overall happiness of the Nyo-khana community.
“Political differences should not hinder the progress and well-being of our people. We urge everyone to work together harmoniously for the greater good of Nyo-khana and Rivers State.
“As Gbaaloo Nyo-khana USA, we are deeply ā¶committed to the development and progress of our homeland Nyo-khana Ogoni,and Rivers state as a whole We pledge our full support to any initiatives that will uplift Nyo-khana and ensure its prosperity.
” We have no other state to call home but Rivers State, and we remain steadfast in our desire to see our community thrive within it.”, the statement quoted.
The group called on the federal government to initiate the process of creating a local government area for Nyo-khana community, even as they expressed believes that the Nyo-khana community has grown significantly in population and influence, thus making it deserving of its own local government area.
While advocating for a Local Government Area for the community, the document noted that” We hereby call on the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, to initiate the process of creating a local government area for Nyo-khana.
They decried the non Inclusion in Government Functions for over the years, pointing out that the Nyo-khana community has been marginalized and overlooked in the appointment of key government positions
“The Gbaaloo Nyo-khana USA, during its recently concluded meeting, has unanimously elected new executives to lead our association forward. In addition to the election of these officials, several important resolutions were reached concerning the well-being and development of our beloved Nyo-khana community.
“We strongly appeal to Governor Siminalayi Joseph Fubara to recognize and appoint qualified sons and daughters from Nyo-khana to positions of responsibility within the state government. This recognition is not only overdue but also essential for fostering a sense of belonging and participation among our people.
