Delta: NAPPS Holds 18th State General Meeting, Swears-in New Executive

By Daniel Dafe

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Delta State Wing, has held her 18th State General Meeting, alongside the swearing-in of the newly elected executive members in the state to pilot the activities of the association for the next four years.

Present at the occasion that held yesterday at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, were the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, represented by the Chief Inspector of Education (CIE), Oshimilli South Local Government Area, Mrs. Joan Nwajei, the Director, Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education, Oburo Onyeabu Peter and the first state president, Rev. (Dr.) Felix Mikpoyibo.  

Delivering his valedictory speech, the outgoing State President, Dr. Ochuko Akpeme, who also is the South-South Vice-President of the association, said that the achievements of his administration include the re-branding of NAPPS in the state, tour round all local chapters, increase in the number of council chapters, reduced harassment and intimidation of some government agencies through multiple taxation and organization of capacity building programs.

Speaking further, he hinted that NAPPS under his administration became an integral part of relevant educational committees of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, West African Examination Council (WAEC) and other relevant examination bodies.

Continuing, he opined that NAPPS in the state is now ranked as one of the best state wings despite the fact that Delta was the last to join NAPPS in the country.  

On his part, during his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Deacon Monday Ifoghere, described their swearing-in as the dawn of a new day in NAPPS, Delta State, as he urged all chapter executives and members to cooperate with the newly sworn-in State Executive to enable them achieve their set vision.

According to him, his administration will ensure that there is fairness, transparency, team work, as he promised that they will proactively deal with issues.

Furthermore, he vowed to lead the new executive to engage illegal schools and multiple revenue collectors who are bent on frustrating school owners out of business in the state.

He continued: “We are determined to put an end to the lingering court case between NAPPS and some few members of the defunct APSON at the Federal High Court in Warri.”

While promising to synergise with the state government in tackling the challenges of the association, he promised to achieve the dream of his predecessors to build a befitting secretariat for NAPPS in the state.   

Continuing, he called on all aggrieved members over the results of the election that saw them coming in to put bitterness aside and join hands with them to build a better association.

He added: “There is no victor and no vanquished; we have all won.”

Those to serve as members of the state executive of the association in the state are: Deacon Monday Ifoghere, State Chairman; Comr. Onodarho Austin, Vice Cairman ; Mr. Ejeh Eric Enariezi, Gen. Sec.; Pst. (Mrs.) Ugboboghene Imade Ruth, Welfare; Mrs. Uwadiegwu O. Jane, Assist. Welfare Director; Mrs. Ogunboyinbo M. Dorcas, Fin.Sec. and Mrs. Okoh O. Rosemary, Assist. Fin. Sec.

Others are Dcn. Osasuwa Chuks, Treasurer; Mr. Akraka A. Cletus, P.R.O. and Dr Ochuko Akpeme, Exofficio.

The position for the Assistant General Secretary was declared vacant.

At the said event, awards were presented to a total of 40 persons for their contributions to the growth of NAPPS in the state.

The list includes: Rev (Dr.) Felix Mikpoyibo (First NAPPS Delta State President, 2012-2015); Chief (Dr.) Ochuko Akpeme (2nd NAPPS Delta State President, 2015-2019);  Chief Igbogine  (3rd Vice Chairman 2012 -2015); Hon Emuebie S.E. (2nd Vice Chairman, 2012-2015); Hon. Erhimu N.E.(Elder Statesman, NAPPS Delta State.); Late Mama Stella Pessu Quebec (Mama NAPPS, Outstanding State Mother); Deacon Monday Onoharhigho Ifoghere (State General Secretary 2012-2015) and Mrs. F. A Okogwu (Elder State Mother).