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Ebola: NUJ Lauds FG, RSG For Tackling Disease …Decries Health Workers’ Strike In Rivers
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has commended the federal and Rivers State governments for their dogged efforts that saw the eradication of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state.
The commendation is coming even as the union has decried the three-month old strike embarked upon by primary healthcare workers in Rivers State, insisting that the consequences of the strike may be more dangerous than the EVD.
Chairman of NUJ in the state, Mr Opaka Dokubo, who spoke when he led executive members of the union to pay a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker in Port Harcourt, specifically thanked the state Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for providing the needed resources that helped to fight the disease to a stand-still.
Dokubo said, “We have come as a union to you to take our message to the Chief Executive Officer of the state, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, that as journalists, who have watched this event, we have come to thank His Excellency and the good people of Rivers State for the dogged way you fought Ebola to a stand-still. It is very easy to criticize and continue to criticize. Today, we feel pleased and very happy, and we know that this is how the people of Rivers State feel.
”We are very pleased and happy the way you went about this fight against Ebola and conquered it. We can only say thank you. We wish to commend you on this effort and without reservations, say you have done well. We also acknowledge the effort of the Federal Government as well, and indeed, we say the Federal Government did very well in this fight against Ebola.
“As you always said, we cannot relax because of this achievement; so, we urge you to do more. How the Ebola came to Rivers State is unfortunate, but all that is history now. The reality of the fact is that Ebola was here and you fought it,” Dokubo said.
He regretted that the regular immunization of new born babies has not been carried out government-owned primary health centres in the state in the last three months due to the strike embarked upon by primary health workers, and called on the 23 local government councils in the state, who are responsible for the welfare of the primary health workers to wake up to their responsibilities before it is too late.
The NUJ chairman said, “The issue of public health emergency is very much present with us. In fact, it is something that we fear we have no alternative but to raise alarm. Since July, primary health workers have been on strike. What this has translated to is that from July to September, immunization has not taken place in Rivers State, and that means that we are seating on a keg of gun powder.
“The challenge presented by this lack of immunization is more dangerous than Ebola. So, we want to call on His Excellency to get the LG chairmen to look into the issue. I am aware this is the responsibility of the local government councils; I want to call on the council chairmen to look into it. This issue must be settled and settled fast. They must sit with the health workers; settle the issues that have to be settled and get them back to work with immediate effect. We cannot afford to have another crisis in our hands,” Dokubo added.
Responding, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker regretted that the campaign set up by the state government to achieve 100% in immunization is almost collapsing due to the action of the primary health workers.
Parker, however, thanked the NUJ for coming out to commend the state government shortly after the eradication of EVD in the state, but said Nigeria cannot claim to be free from the outbreak of the dreaded disease until Liberia and Sierra Leone become free.
He said, “I must really thank you for coming out soon after this battle to commend the government of Rivers State, the governor of Rivers State and the Ministry of Health that put this together. NUJ should be accepting commendations too because your members went with us wherever we went to. I am happy that you came. I am happy that the people of Rivers State got out of this danger that came to us.
“A lot of time, we are quick to condemn and criticize, and we let go the commendations. I believe that this government would have done better if my Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, had gotten all the commendations that are due him. We assure you that we will continue to be at alert. Until Ebola is clear in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the outbreak is not over in Nigeria. What we have done is that we have come back to our pre-preparation stage,” Parker added.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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