MAYOR OF PHALGA. DR. KALAGBOR, DELIVERS INSPIRING KEYNOTE ADDRESS, RECEIVES FELLOWSHIP AWARD.
The Administrator and Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government, Dr. Samuel B. Kalagbor, DSSRS, delivered a powerful and inspiring keynote address at the 3rd National Conference of the Association of Educational Management and Policy Practitioners (A’EMAPP), held at the University of Port Harcourt.
His presentation, centred on “Ethical and Values Education: Re-Engineering for Sustainable National Development.” He highlighted the transformative power of ethics and values in shaping individual behaviour and promoting sustainable national development. His address was intellectually stimulating and deeply aligned with the theme of the conference.
Dr. Kalagbor emphasized the foundational role of ethics and values in building responsible citizens,fostering ethical leadership, social responsibility, good governance, political stability, and sustainable development. By referencing the 1999 Constitution, Dr. Kalagbor reminded the conferees of the importance of exhibiting national ethics, particularly discipline and integrity in both public and private life. He further stressed that ethical and values education must go beyond theory and translate into practical, impactful action across all sectors of society.
Dr. Kalagbor linked ethical and values education to the broader goal of sustainable development, underscoring the need for Nigeria to adopt inclusive and future-focused policies guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He cautioned that corruption remains a major threat to progress and reaffirmed the urgency of values-based reforms in education and national leadership. He also emphasised the need to give priority to marginalised and vulnerable populations through equitable access to services and opportunities.
Despite numerous challenges, ranging from poor curriculum design to cultural and political resistance, Dr. Kalagbor remained optimistic. He drew inspiration and lesson from country-specific examples such as Finland, South Korea, Norway, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Canada, Austria, Turkey, and Kenya to buttress his assertions. These countries have successfully integrated ethics and values education into their national frameworks for sustainable national development. He highlighted the importance of continuous teacher training and professional development, curriculum reforms, community participation, and the integration of human rights and global citizenship education into Nigeria’s national development agenda.
He concluded his policy recommendations with a call, among others, for interdisciplinary teaching methods, ethical mentorship, adoption of technology, and the establishment of effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks to re-engineer ethical and values education in the country. Citing practical examples such as academic integrity, respect for constituted authority, and whistleblowing, he advocated a national culture rooted in ethical conduct. He also called for urgent and collective action, asserting that Nigeria’s future largely depends on the values instilled in its youths.
The keynote address was not only an academic engagement but also a moment of personal honour. In the presence of distinguished guests and colleagues, Dr. Kalagbor was inducted into the prestigious fellowship of A’EMAPP. The ceremony became especially memorable when he was decorated by his beloved wife, Dr. Victoria Osaruchi Sam-Kalagbor, herself a Fellow of A’EMAPP.
Earlier, the conference was declared open by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, who thanked the association for organising the conference during the 50th anniversary of the University. The welcome address was presented by the National President of the Association, Prof. John Undie. The conference was attended by notable educational leaders, administrators, managers, and academics.
Signed.
Office of the Administrator and Mayor of Phalga.
Wednesday, 23rd July 2025.
