News

Amaechi Seeks Fresh Polio Immunisation Nationwide …As Rotary Immunises 2billion Children

Published

12 years ago

April 18, 2014

Comptroller, Nigerian Immigration Services, Apapa Port, Mrs Taiwo Olayemi, Commissioner, Lagos Ports Authority Police Command, Mr Kayode Aderanti (right) and other officials during a visit by the Police Commissioner to the immigration office, Apapa Port last Wednesday.

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi has called for intensified anti-Polio drive in the Northern part of the country.
He said current statistics reveal that the North is still beset with the disease which often attack children at infancy, noting that there are not much cases in the South because of the heightened awareness.
Governor Amaechi while speaking when the Rotary Foundation Trustee Chairman and past Rotary International President, Rotarian Domg Kurn Lee led other Rotarians to pay him a courtesy call at Government House yesterday, in Port Harcourt, declared zero tolerance for Polio in the state.
With the current success recorded in Polio reduction nationwide has bouyed Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi to call for a fresh Polio immunization campaign across the country.
Already, in Rivers State, the governor has directed the state Ministry of Health to ensure that children are vaccinated in the state to eradicate Polio.
The state chief executive, who noted that the Nigeria Governor’s Forum(NGF) considers immunization as an essential in the eradication of Polio, thanked Rotary International for been part of the fight to end Polio in the country, and enjoined them to intensify their campaign more in the Northern part of the country where the cases of polio is very high.
“The last time you came here, I stressed there is need to establish more Rotary Clubs in the North becuase the fight against Polio should be in the North than in the South. We have had one or two occasions where we have had cases of suspected polio in the South; that was only in Edo”.
He said that Polio cases are more in the North than in the South, especially Yobe and recently Taraba.
He added that,” the petition therefore is to start a fresh Polio immunization campaign again” since immunization is the only answer to the menace.”
The governor warned of the conswquences of contacts from outside the country, stressing that in Rivers State, “ for every child that is born needs to be immunised from Polio’’.
He commended Rotary for the humanitarian work they are doing to fight the menace, while enjoining them to sustain the good works.
Earlier, the Rotary Foundation Trustee Chairman and past Rotary International President, Rotarian Domg Kurn Lee noted that Rotary’s number one priority project is Polio eradication, and thanked Governor Chibuike Amaechi, his wife and the government of Rivers State for the numerous support to Rotary Foundation to eradicate Polio.
Rotarian Domg Kurn Lee, who pointed out that Nigeria is still Polio endemic country, expressed the hope that Rotary will end Polio in Nigeria as well as from the list of Polio free countries.
Meanwhile, not less than 2 billion children have been immunized Worldwide against the polio virus by the rotary Club International.
The Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair and Past Rotary International President, Dong Kuru Lee, who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, also said that the end of Polio is in sight in Nigeria.
Dong Kurn Lee said that the club is working hard to certify Nigeria as a Polio-free nation, stressing that the club takes the issue of Polio seriously.
He commended members of the Rotary Club District 9140 for their level of hospitality, and urged all to join hands with the club to eradicate Polio in the country.
The Rotary International Foundation Trustee Chair also administered Polio vaccines to some children at the Igwuruta Health Centre as well as unveiled of “End Polio Now, Billboard of Sir Emeka Offor at Igwuruta/Airport roundabout.
In his address, the District Governor District 9140, Rotarian Charles Onianwa said that Polio eradication has been Rotary International’s first priority goal and project for many years.
Rotarian Onianwa said that the club has done very well as far as immunization against polio is concerned.
“We have gone so far. We have immunized over 2 billion children and endemic polio is gone,” he said.
The District Governor also said that the District 9140 is faced with the problem of provision of good water, stressing that the District’s inability to access District grant fund was hampering the provision of water to its catchment areas.
He called for a review of the embargo placed on the District to enable it access funds.
Also speaking, the Rotary Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor, said that the efforts of the club has led to gradual reduction of Polio cases in the country.
Offor, however, said that a lot needs to be done to make Nigeria Polio free.
It would be recalled that Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the three countries left to be certified polio-free.

John Bibor

News

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

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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