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RSG Recommits To Care For HIV/AIDS Patients
The Rivers State Government has restated its commitment to facilitate treatment, and provide care and support for victims of the dreaded Human Immune Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as well as fast-track programmes to stave-off stigmatization and encourage reintegration through sensitization and capacity building.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Theophilus Odagme, who gave the reassurance on the sideline of “Health In Danger” stakeholders’ roundtable organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Port Harcourt, last week, explained that pragmatic measures, strategic structures and functional centres have already been put in place with experts to provide counseling services, conduct testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS patients.
Odagme emphasized that the state government, through the Ministry of Health and the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), has for decades been collaborating with the Society for Family Health (SFH), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other international donor agencies and funding partners to scale up testing and access to vaccines for the treatment of HIV/AIDS across the state.
The commissioner expressed excitement at the interest shown by the ICRC and the Nigerian Red Cross in efforts to bridge not just the manpower and infrastructure but also technical deficit through well-articulated intervention measures to reduce the negative impact of an almost broken-down healthcare system.
He noted the readiness of the government to strengthen the capacity of SACA to deliver on its mandate by effectively and efficiently driving aggressive implementation of policies and programmes to combat the spread and prevalence of HIV/AIDS while reducing the burden of the disease on the state and its economy.
Odagme encouraged the people of state, especially those who may be vulnerable to the virus, to voluntarily visit any of the designated centres for counseling, testing, treatment and care from healthcare givers and professionals dedicated to providing such services to promote quality healthcare delivery in the state.
The commissioner praised the sterling records of impeccable voluntary humanitarian services, particularly in responding to emergency healthcare needs of victims of armed conflicts and violence across the globe, and hoped that the ICRC would deploy its huge resources, both human and material, to ensure that the challenges endangering sustainable healthcare delivery in the state are brought to the barest minimum.
In her remarks, the Head of Delegation, ICRC Office in Port Harcourt, Dorsa Nazemi-Salman, said that the international humanitarian organization decided to establish presence in the state because of its importance in the overall development of the country.
She said that recent cult-related violence in the state required concerted efforts of government and neutral institutions with reputation for providing unblemished emergency humanitarian services in the healthcare sector to reduce to burden of insecurity on the socio-economic growth and stability of the state.
The ICRC operations arrow-head in the South-South praised the foresight and doggedness of the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration to invest heavily in efforts to mitigate the consequences of the risk factors in the present socio-economic realities by partnering with all stakeholders to restore peace and confidence in the state.
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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