The Gbaramatu Interdenominational Christian Fellowship (GICF) in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has called for the prioritisation of education in the Niger Delta riverine communities as a long-term measure towards deepening the existing peace in the region and boosting its growth and development.

The umbrella body of Christians in Gbaramatu Kingdom made the call in a statement of commendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the National Assembly for signing the long overdue bill establishing the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) into law.

Signed by its chairman, Pst. Samuel Ukuli, and vice chairman, Apst. (Dr.) Mathias Amaye Zion, the GICF in their statement said the recent passing of the NMU Bill to law marks a new dawn in the transformation of higher education in the oil-rich kingdom.

However, they group canvassed for government at all levels to pay more attention to foundational education in the creeks to be able to prepare pupils and students in the area to adequately prepare them to be more competent in applying to the NMU.

The body of Christians lamented with dismay the challenges of the lack of teachers and learning aids for both the primary and the secondary schools in the riverine Kingdom, stressing that such are negatively impacting on quality learning, thereby creating a divide between the standard of education between urban and creek dwellers.

Speaking further, the GICF also appealed to leaders from the region to borrow leaf from High Chief Dr. Government Ekpemupolo by applying their resources and using their connections in government to put an end to the scourge of inadequate teachers and learning aids.

While fuming at the challenges, they said it was shameful that the home of a once deputy governor of the state and a serving speaker of the house of assembly should still be battling with basic education in this 21st century.

The GICF thanked the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II (JP), Aketekpe, Agadagba, for his fervent prayers with those of believers of the gospel for the growth and prosperity of the kingdom.

They also called on all stakeholders to join hands together irrespective of their differences to lift the kingdom to greater heights.

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