Opinion
The Scourge Of Malaria
One of the health problems of Nigeria is the scourge of malaria. Malaria is a deadly disease that has claimed many lives in Nigeria. The problem of malaria has given serious concern to the authorities in the country. Meanwhile, malaria has been identified as the leading cause of death in Nigeria. And currently about one hundred and ten million Nigerians are said to be suffering from the disease. This was made known recently by the Director of Information and Culture, Anambra State, Mr. Godwin Uche Nwafor. He was speaking at a workshop organised for journalists in the State by Support to National Malaria Progainme with the theme: “The Role of Journalists in Malaria Control”. Mr Nwafor said the. statistics represented 97 percent of the over 149 million population that included 30 million children aged under five and 8 million pregnant women. He pointed out that about 132 billion naira was spent annually in’ form of treatment costs, prevention and loss of man hours.
As a matter fact, this is a very serious statistics for the country. We are aware that malaria is a tropical disease and Nigeria is prone to the disease. We are also aware that the main vector of the disease is mosquito ‘We should therefore lay emphasis on the prevention of the disease by taking adequate measures in this direction.
Earlier, the representative of the National Roll Back Malaria Programlne, Dr Olayemi Shofolu announced that about 300,000 children died from malaria attack every year in Nigeria. Dr Shofolu announced this recently while visiting the former Ekiti State Governor, Mr Segun Oni in Ado-Ekiti. He described malaria as a deadly killer which must be eradicated in the country. Dr Shofohi said that the deadly disease was responsible for the death of more than eleven percent of pregnant women in the country annually stressing that fifty percent of Nigerians were vulnerable to the killer disease. He appealed to the three levels of government in the country to pool resources to eradicate malaria in the country. Responding, the former Governor said his government had already commenced the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets to boarding schools and pregnant women. He emphasized that the government would partner with the National Roll Back Malaria Programmes in the country. In case, as already noted, malaria is a leading killer in Nigeria. We should therefore take all necessary measures to eradicate the disease in the country.
However, in its own contributions towards eradicating the disease, the Rivers State Government recently distributed more than one million insecticide treated mosquito nets to households in the State. Revealing this at a seminar on. malaria control in Port Harcourt recently, the Director, Malaria Control Unit, in the State Ministry of Health, Dr Justina Jumbo decried the under utilisation of the nets by beneficiaries. She stressed that this had hampered the campaign against malaria parasites in the State. Dr Jumbo adds that the State Government, plans to partner with patent medicine vendors to fight the disease. Beneficiaries of the insecticide treated mosquito nets should make efforts to use the nets as directed by the Ministry of Health. The nets are distributed to check the parasites being introduced into the body system as a result of mosquito bites. It should be noted that these parasites cause the death of millions of people in Nigeria and indeed Africa. Those who have got the insecticide treated mosquito nets should therefore not hesitate to utilize them. The nets are distributed to save them from mosquito bites and early death. We have since gathered that some beneficiaries of these nets sell them at the markets to make money instead of using them. This is a condemnable behaviour. The nets are distributed to save them from mosquito bites and early death following mosquito bites. Why then will they sell them to make money? Beneficiaries therefore advised to stop the habit and make use of the insecticide treated mosquito nets to Save them from imminent death.
In a similar effort to control malaria in the State, the Rivers State Government decided to collaborate with a Cuban Company to build a malaria control factory in Port Harcourt. Speaking when the Cuban Abassador to Nigeria Mr Elio Savou Oliva visited him at Government House in Port Harcourt recently, Governor Amaechi said since the partnership had blossomed into an agreement he was confident that in five years malaria would be eradicated in Rivers State. He assured the Cuban Ambassador that his government was prepared to fulfill its part of the agreement so that there would be reduced cases of malaria in Rivers State. He stated that the Port Harcourt malaria control factory when completed would produce about six million cubic litres of vector insecticides for malaria control.
Also speaking, the Cuban Ambassador Mr Oliva said they were in a special mission to the state to collaborate with the 8tate Government to fight the deadly vector and malaria parasites. He stressed that Cuba was ready to assist the State Government to eradicate malaria by building the malaria control factory adding that the factory would be first of its kind in Africa. The Ambassador said, this represented the first major cooperation between Cuba and Rivers State Government. We welcome the cooperation between the Rivers State Government and Cuba to fight the disease and the malaria vector. Evidently, the factory when completed will go a long way in checking malaria in this part of the world. The Rivers State Government should therefore not relent in this.
Nevertheless, malaria is a deadly tropical disease whose vector is mosquito. A definitive cure therefore means killing all the mosquitoes in our region. We should therefore wake up to the challenge of malaria.
Dr Mann Tolofari, a Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, Abuja.
Dr Mann Tolofari
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
-
Sports23 hours ago
Eagles B Players Admit Pressure For CHAN Qualification
-
Niger Delta21 hours ago
NDLEA Intercepts 584.171kg Hard Drugs In Bayelsa … Arrests 559 Suspects
-
Rivers22 hours ago
Four Internet Fraudstars Get Different Jail Terms In PH
-
Business20 hours ago
Food Security: NDDC Pays Counterpart Fund For LIFE-ND Project
-
Business21 hours ago
PH Women Plan Alternative Stew, Shun Tomato High Prices
-
Foods/Drinks23 hours ago
What To Know About Your Menu
-
Niger Delta21 hours ago
Ex-IYC President Lampoons Atiku’s Presidential Ambition … Declares It Negative Impact On N’Delta
-
News22 hours ago
Tinubu Never Stopped 5-year Visa For U S. Citizens – Presidency ?