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NLNG Gives BMSH N34m Heart Machine
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has donated hospital equipment worth over N34,034,000 ($221,000) to the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt.
The equipment which includes a 3-D Aloka Echocardiogram Ultrasound machine, a Quinton Q-Stress ECG Tread-mill machine and Life Window Cardiac monitors were handed over to the management of the hospital by the General Manager, External Relations of NLNG, Ms Siene Allwell-Brown at a ceremony in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Speaking at the occasion, Allwell-Brown noted that the provision of the equipment was necessitated by the need for quality medical facilities in the state raised during a visit on Governor Chibuike Amaechi in 2008 by the management of the company.
She emphasized that the concern for quality health care delivery which is the fundamental goal of the state government enabled the company to intensify effort to provide the facilities for the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, which is serving as one specialist hospital of repute in the state.
Speaking earlier while receiving the equipment, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker called for deliberate partnership of the multinationals operating in the state with the government in providing quality healthcare delivery to the people .
According to the Commissioner, NLNG activities has gone beyond mere corporate social responsibility having shown good faith with the Rivers State Ministry of Health in reasoning together to provide the needed facilities in the hospitals, stressing that the Bonny General Hospital has almost been taken over by the company via its support and up-grade programme to a very high standard.
He commended the company for taking another initiative to donate the heart diagnosis machines which would help reduce oversea trip for medical treatment, emphasizing that NLNG has remained the state’s dependable partner unlike other corporate organizations in the state. He said the company should be satisfied with the contributions made in the State’s health sector, on the strength that a gift to health is a gift to life and a gift to all, noting that the donation was a boost to the hospital which has already obtained post graduate accreditation from the West African College of Surgeons in O & G, radiology, anaesthesia and family medicine which is meant to increase skills and grow the hospital into an undergraduate medical training institution.
In his welcome address, the chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Bernard Aprioku expressed gratitude to the NLNG for the equipment which would enhance the activities of the hospital in providing the best of services especially in helping the hospital to gain full accreditation of the West African College of Medicine. He said this was important in the face of existing monthly statistics of 2,400 anti-natal cases, 6,413 out patient cases, 1153 admissions and 249 surgeries.
The event was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Anthony Nwaido, Chief Medical Director of the hospital Management Board, Dr. Rogers Weli, the Community Relations Manager of NLNG, Mr. Andy Odeh, Government Relations Manager of NLNG, Dr. Kudo Eresia-Eke, amongst other heads of department of the Hospital.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene