News

First Lady Poised To Accelerate Development Of Cancer Centre

Published

16 years ago

October 19, 2009

The First Lady, Hajiya Tuari Yar’ Adua is determined to accelerate development of the Abuja International Cancer Centre in order to take cancer treatment to the next level.

The FCT Minister, Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero dropped this hint on Tuesday while receiving the Vice President of Global Business Development and Managing Director of Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston Texas, USA, Mr. Mitch Latinkic in his office.

The Minister revealed that the design of the Centre is ready while the bill of quantity would be ready in three weeks to enable the real construction begin in earnest.

Senator Aliero disclosed that the construction and equipping of the Centre would be undertaken simultaneously because of the desire of the First Lady to record concrete achievement for the benefit of Nigerians especially those afflicted with the dreaded disease.

According to him, the whole effort of the First lady is for the Abuja International Cancer to be a Non-Governmental Organisation to give access to all classes of Nigerians irrespective of their social standing to benefit from its services at ease.

His words: “The Abuja International Cancer Centre would be private sector driven as the funds so far realised for the project were from well-spirited individuals, corporate organisations and international donors” .

He called for their continued support and understanding to ensure that this lofty dream is realised to the glory of God and greater benefit of the humanity.

Responding, Vice President of Global Business Development and Managing Director of Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston Texas, USA , Mr. Mitch Latinkic who said the delegation was in Nigeria on assessment visit of the Abuja international Centre lauded the foresight of the First Lady in establishing the Cancer Centre.

He assured that the delegation would help where necessary especially to make an impact in prevention of Cancer disease which is dreaded in nature.

Meanwhile, the FCT Administration has destroyed over two hundred shanties harbouring criminals and drug peddlers in Mabushi District of the Federal Capital City, Abuja .

The operation was carried out at the weekend by the Ministerial Joint Task Force recently constituted by the FCT Minister, Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero to rid the City of illegal structures, shanties, street hawkers, beggars and commercial motorcyclists.

The suspected criminals and hard drug peddlers on sighting members of the FCT Ministerial Task Force escaped into the nearby bush.

It was observed that most of the shanties earlier removed by Ministerial Task Force were rebuilt to the greatest astonishment of the members; while in some cases they moved inward into the bush to erect additional shanties.

The Minister thus, lamented that the people are not cooperating but the operation would continue until they are tired and move out of such places with their illegal structures.

His words: “The FCT Administration would continue to discharge its statutory responsibility by maintaining the Abuja Master Plan in consonance with vision of its founding fathers as there would be no compromise” .

Senator Aliero reiterated that all black spots in Abuja must be adequately covered to save the residents of the trauma being experienced in the hands of the few undesirable elements who use such places as cover to perpetuate their illegal activities.

He warned that the war against illegal structures and criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory is total and vowed that the operation would be a continuous one until Abuja is sanitised; insisting that no nooks and crannies of the city would be spared.

The Minister added that “they (crooks) have a chance to repent and get re-absorbed into the society or move out of the Federal Capital Territory as the FCT Administration is committed to get rid of them” .

Senator Aliero repeated the earlier call made to the allottees of undeveloped plots and those with abandoned, uncompleted buildings within serviced areas of the City including foreign missions to commence or completed the development of such properties.

“Accordingly they have been given six months grace period ending December 31, 2009 to commence/complete their development or face withdrawal/revocation their title documents”, the Minister stressed.

He insisted that there is no going back on that policy because the affected property owners/foreign missions have been given enough time from the previous FCT Administrations to date.

Senator Aliero remarked that alternative plots may however be made available to the Foreign Missions whenever they are ready to commence development as the government cannot condone non-development of property in the heart of city.

Justice Awaji, Abuja

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

5 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

5 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

5 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor