Rivers to partner stakeholders for educational development

File: Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

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The Rivers State Government has pledged partnership with ‘Bookville World,’ organisers of the Annual Bookville Reading Competition aimed at improving the reading culture and education in general.

The assurance was given by the Head, Quality Assurance Department, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr Chinedu Wodu while speaking at the finals of the competition in Port Harcourt

Represented by Dr Pamela Ighor, she said the ministry and the state government are passionate about education and inculcating reading habits in children across the state.

“The ministry of education and the Rivers State Government is concerned about quality education because now we know that education is not just about passing examinations, it’s beyond that and then if we find people who partner us and share our vision, we are happy to partner them.

“I want you to know that the ministry of education is super-proud of you. We like people that collaborate with us. We know that education is about creating critical skills. Reading is a skill and these days children don’t read again, so when we see a body that’s helping us to awaken children up to let them know that they have to read, we are happy to be part of that body, “she said.

She congratulated the winners and urged them to continue with the reading culture.

Three pupils were declared winners of the 2025 Annual Bookville Reading Competition organized by Bookville World for pupils in upper primary and early secondary.

The three winners who were announced at the finals of the competition, emerged out of a total of 21 that qualified for the finals.

The winners are King-David Umoren of Teko Secondary School who emerged first and was awarded a cash prize of N150, 000, a laptop, pack of books, 80-hours of French Lessons at Alliance Française in Port Harcourt, back to school items, among others.

Samuel Odiba of Olive Shoots International School, Port Harcourt who clinched the second position received N100, 000 cash prize, a laptop, 80 hours of French Lessons at Alliance Française, back-to-school items, a pack of books, among other items.

Similarly, Tamunoseimiebi Harmony, also of Teko Secondary School who came third received a cash prize of N80,000, a laptop, pack of books, back-to-school items and other gifts.

Addressing contestants, parents and coaches at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, Bookville World, Nkem Asoka, said the competition, open to children between ages 10 to 12 years, seeks to promote reading as both a lifestyle and lifelong activity among children.

She said, “We hope that by participating in this competition you, our dear contestants, will be inspired to continue reading beyond the competition; that you will come to the realization that reading not only broadens your horizon and perspective but enables you to walk and live in the confidence of your empowered minds.”

Asoka commended parents, teachers and coaches of the contestants for guiding them through to the finals.

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