The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Media, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, has lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his administration’s progressive stance on education.
He particularly thanked the Governor for his deliberate inclusion and encouragement of recognised private schools within the framework of the state’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.
Speaking at the End of Session Thanksgiving Mass of Maris Schools, Amachai, Okpanam, within the Delta State Capital Territory on Sunday, Comrade Egugbo described Governor Oborevwori’s approach as a masterstroke in human capital development.
He noted that building a greater Delta State requires a synergistic relationship between public institutions and private educational investors.
According to Egugbo, the Governor’s guiding philosophy that “nothing is good enough, but the very best” for Delta children is being felt across both public and recognised private school systems throughout the state.
He noted that by treating private schools as critical partners rather than competitors, the administration is effectively widening access to qualitative, functional education for all Deltans.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori understands that every child in Delta State, whether sitting in a public classroom or a private academy, represents the future of our state.
”His administration’s open-door policy, regulatory support, and creation of an enabling environment for private educational operators are proof of a leader focused on absolute excellence.
“From what we saw this morning with the effective coordination of the Holy Mass, from the readings to the rendition of hymns and songs by the Maris Schools choir, it is evident that Governor Oborevwori’s encouragement of private schools is truly preparing children for future challenges,” Egugbo, who initiated the establishment of Maris Schools, said.
He highlighted how the administration’s strategic blueprints provide immense encouragement to grassroots educational institutions, noting that private schools play an indispensable role in meeting the educational needs of growing communities, easing the pressure on public infrastructure while maintaining high academic and moral standards.
Expanding on the administration’s development blueprint, Egugbo emphasised that the Governor’s support for private education perfectly mirrors the core pillars of the M.O.R.E. Agenda, which stands for:
M – Meaningful Development: Ensuring infrastructural growth and standardising educational facilities across the state.
O – Opportunities for All: Widening access to quality learning environments for every Delta child, regardless of whether they attend public or private institutions.
R – Realistic Reforms: Formulating fair regulatory frameworks, providing robust curriculum oversight, and creating an enabling environment for private educational operators to thrive.
E – Enhanced Peace and Security: Guaranteeing a safe, stable atmosphere that allows schools to operate securely and businesses to invest in the future of the state.
”When the government ensures security, provides robust basic infrastructure, and maintains fair regulatory policies as encapsulated in the M.O.R.E. Agenda, private investors are empowered to build institutions that mould disciplined, competitive, and God-fearing future leaders.
”We are witnessing a holistic transformation where the standard of education across the board is rising significantly; this is expected because both the Governor and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., are passionate about education and place a high value on it; it is worthy to state that through the assistance of Governor Oborevwori and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, school fees have been heavily subsidized at Maris Schools, making high-quality education virtually free in comparison to the current economic climate.
“The quality of values placed on education by the Governor and his Deputy is evident in the behaviour of the pupils and students of Maris Schools (comprising Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools); they are not only intelligent, but they are also respectful and God-fearing.
“We are grateful to God for sustaining Maris Schools, and to our parents, we thank you for believing that Maris Schools will give your children the best in quality education and moulding of character.”
The media aide called on all proprietors of private schools, educational stakeholders, and parent-teacher associations across Delta State to reciprocate the Governor’s goodwill by strictly adhering to the state’s rich educational curriculum, maintaining affordable standards, and continuously investing in top-tier teaching talent.
In the Homily he delivered during the celebration of the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Andrew Mozia commended Maris Schools for preparing children for future challenges.
The Priest said, “We appreciate Maris Schools for teaching the children morals to help them grow in the right way and with the fear of God; it is our duty to train these children to be better people.
”The readings of today reflect on how evil came about; we have one God, and everything that He made is good.
‘Jesus gave them the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds, which shows that the devil came to steal and destroy; in making an effort to remove the bad ones, there is a tendency to remove the good ones, so God is saying, ‘Allow them to grow together; the word of God will change them.’
“Let us have compassionate hearts; you are not in a position to judge or condemn; strive to be among the good, contributing your own quota toward the good of society.
”We should be careful with our way of life; if you are among the evil ones in society, turn over a new leaf.
“God is a just God; He is giving you enough time to repent; there is a level you reach in life where you should not contribute to the evil of society, engage in spiritual activities and pray the rosary every day.”
The Administrator of Maris Schools, Mrs. Daphne Jikeme, a retired educationist, noted that it is a termly event for pupils, students, teachers, management, and parents of Maris Schools, Amachai, Okpanam, to thank God for His goodness.
