By: Daure David
In a landmark moment for education and heritage in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially commissioned the newly reconstructed Okrika Grammar School, restoring one of the region’s most historic institutions to its former glory.
Founded in 1940 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) under Bishop A. M. Gelsthorpe, Okrika Grammar School has long stood as a beacon of academic excellence and leadership. Its inaugural principal, Mr. Ifediora Oli, welcomed 60 pioneer students, including notable Okrika indigenes such as His Majesty King S.P.U. Ogan, Ado XIII, and Hon. Justice Jotham Fiberesima (JP), the school’s first Senior Prefect.
Over the decades, the school produced a distinguished roster of alumni, including former Rivers State Governor Chief Rufus Ada-George, Sir Gabriel Toby (former Deputy Governor), and Hon. Justice Sika Aprioku. Yet despite its storied past, the institution fell into disrepair, suffering over a decade of abandonment and neglect.
Governor Fubara’s intervention marks a turning point. As part of his people-centered approach to governance, he prioritized the rehabilitation of the school, transforming it into a modern, cutting-edge facility equipped to meet the demands of 21st-century education.
Commissioned in March 2025, the revitalized Okrika Grammar School now features upgraded classrooms, laboratories, and administrative blocks, all designed to foster academic excellence and community pride. The transformation has been hailed by educators, alumni, and residents alike as a symbol of hope, heritage, and progress.
“This is more than a renovation—it’s a revival of identity,” said one local elder. “Governor Fubara has given our children a future and honored our past.”
The restoration of Okrika Grammar School stands as a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to educational development and cultural preservation. It is a project that resonates deeply with Rivers people, many of whom see it as a reflection of the Governor’s leadership ethos and a reason to rally behind his continued tenure.
Photos released by the state government show the dramatic transformation from crumbling structures to a vibrant, fully equipped learning environment.
As Rivers State looks ahead, the rebirth of Okrika Grammar School serves as a powerful reminder: when leaders invest in legacy, they build a foundation for generations to come.
