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Wike Tasks Monarchs On Peace, Security
The Rivers State Governor Chief Nyesom Wike, has challenged traditional rulers in the state to ensure peace and security of their domains.
Speaking while declaring open the 103rd Quarterly meeting of the State Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt yesterday, Governor Wike urged them to check crimes, cultism and other social vices in their domains.
The governor assured them that the days of unwarranted assaults on their stools were over, adding that instead, “we will continue to hold you in high esteem, as custodian of culture and tradition of our people”.
He reiterated the resolve of his administration to better the welfare of the people, recalling that since inception of the present government, over 100 kilometres of roads in both the rural and urban areas have been rehabilitated and constructed.
In the words of Wike: “Nothing can stop our resolve to provide better welfare and progress of our people”.
He noted that the government will give urgent attention to employment and other economic opportunities to enhance the lot of the teeming youth in the state.
Wike had earlier described traditional rulers as, partners in the administration and governance of the state, while responding to the request of the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Dandeson Jaja, to upgrade the auditorium, library and resource centre of the Council to modern standard.
The governor promised to revamp facilities in the council, but reminded the royal fathers that each request would be addressed in stages due to the financial crunch facing the state.
Earlier in his speech, Chairman of the Council and Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Jaja, had commended the governor for the zeal and quest to transform the state despite distractions from the opposition.
The Opobo monarch drew the attention of the governor to the plight of some traditional rulers who have faced threats to their lives, and urged the state government to redouble its efforts in curbing crimes.
Calling on politicians to desist from making inflammatory statements that could overheat the polity, the State Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council said it was high time they contributed in moving the state forward.
He appealed to the State Government to improve the facilities in the Council office by upgrading its library and resource centre to aid in the preservation and research of the rich heritage of the people.
Jaja also called for the renovation of the Council auditorium, which had been abandoned for many years by the past administration.
The Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, has teamed up with a renowned hospital group in Port Harcourt, the Meridian Hospitals, which is in partnership with the Pilgrims Health Foundation, to carry out a one-day medical outreach last Tuesday.
The free treatment scheme took place at Oromenike Government Girls Secondary School in D-Line, Port Harcourt, with over 100 persons accessing free treatments, including free eye-glasses and booking for eye surgeries.
Other areas of treatment included general health consultations and treatment; blood pressure and sugar level testing; malaria testing and treatment; free prescriptions; preventive health talks focusing on hygiene, maternal health, and nutrition.
The scheme was conducted under the theme: ‘Bringing Healthcare to the Community.’
Newsmen who visited the venue of the scheme found that enthusiastic beneficiaries had thronged the area as early as 7a.m. After setting up, the medical team began attending to the patients.
Mr. Jerry Onwuso, a 63-year-old patient, who was first to see eye doctors and got eye glasses and drugs, told newsmen that he was pleased with the medical intervention.
He made it clear he did not pay any money to get all the treatments and glasses, and pleaded that the scheme be sustained.
Another patient, Loveth Sam, expressed satisfaction with the scheme and appealed to the sponsors to continue to increase the benefits.
Throwing some light on the scheme, Mr. China said he worked in Meridian Hospitals as a Lab. Scientist 19 years ago, but resigned because he could not bear to see patients struggling for life because they had no money to pay for treatment.
He said he came back to help extend free medical treatment to the less privileged.
Sources said China was always having issues with the hospital authorities when he would insist on critical patients being allowed to be treated first, with or without money.
Years later, China, who now goes by a brand name, the Mayor of Housing, returned to the Meridian Hospital headquarters to support free medical scheme.
He also went the next day to the headquarters of Meridian, after the one-day medical outreach, to give cash gifts and palliatives to workers he met when he worked there but had remained in service since he left.
He encouraged them to continue to give their all to humanity through the hospital. The Mayor of Housing called most of them by name and a cloud of emotions descended on them during the reunion.
Appreciating the gesture, the Founder and Chief Medical Director, Dr. Iyke Odo, said China had always manifested hard-work, ambition, and impulsive giving.
According to him, the then young bright boy was full of humanity, kindness, love, and made friends easily, adding that “not everybody that gives is a giver. The difference is that givers are given to give.”
Dr. Odo used the opportunity to call on governments to review Nigeria’s health insurance system and make it work in Nigeria to save lives.
He said it was sad watching critically sick persons abandoned because they did not have money for treatment.
He also condemned harsh tax and electricity tariffs whereby facilities like his now pay N12 million instead of N500,000 few years back.
He wondered why hospitals were being made to pay tariffs like oil companies, citing many other countries where medical facilities were placed on low rates and tariffs so they could charge moderate fees from patients.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
