News

Malnutrition: Mrs Wike Hails UNICEF’s Collaborative Efforts

Published

9 years ago

October 3, 2016

The Rivers State
Government in conjunction with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), recently organised a two-day Zonal Nutrition Summit for South South States of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Delta, with the theme, “Leveraging In-Country Resources for Better Nutrition Outcomes-Key to Sustainable Development”.
This is even as the wife of Rivers State Governor, Justice (Mrs.) Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike has commended UNICEF for its collaborative efforts in tackling malnutrition and other nutrition related diseases in the South South.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the summit in a keynote address in Port Harcourt, Mrs Wike lauded UNICEF for establishing a head office in the South-South and for playing a leading role in championship the cause of addressing the issue of malnutrition and providing the platform for concerted collaborations with stakeholders in the zone.
“I appreciate all the efforts of our development partners especially UNICEF who work over-time to ensure that Rivers women and children thrive and develop to their full potentials”, she said.
She said the Nutrition Summit was aimed at raising the awareness of critical stakeholders on the need to prioritise nutrition and appreciate care for women and children in the four South-South States, adding that the summit is timely, given that malnutrition and related diseases continue to be problems of great public health importance in Nigeria and globally, with escalating records of stunted growth in children especially and micronutrient deficiencies in women.
Mrs. Wike regretted that Nigeria has the highest number of stunted children under the age of 5 years in Sub-Saharan Africa and the second highest in the world with 37% of Nigerian children classified as stunted and 18% wasted.
She expressed delight that the Rivers State Government has in the past one year successfully controlled Lassa Fever and Cholera outbreaks and continues to prioritise public health issues in the state, emphasising that the ongoing construction of four zonal hospitals in Bori, Degema, Ahoada and Etche towns and the development of the framework for the Universal Health Insurance Scheme will grant more Rivers people and residents access to quality healthcare services and protect lives especially at the rural areas.
She promised to include the issue of malnutrition and other related issues as topical points on “RivETHNICS on Radio”, a public education and character building radio programme initiated by her office, which is aired on five radio stations every Saturday in the state.
In his remarks, the UNICEF Chief of Rivers Field Office, Mr. Wilbroad Ngambi thanked the Rivers State Government for working with UNICEF to organise the summit, a gesture which he said reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the nutrition of Nigerian children is improved upon.
He said the theme of the summit is timely, as it is in line with the global development agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, which clearly stated that “by 2030, end of all forms of malnutrition, including achieving by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons”.
Ngambi said UNICEF is committed to working and supporting the State in the South South and indeed the whole of Nigeria to achieve this agenda, and hinted that 11 million children representing almost 37% of Nigerian children are ravaged by malnutrition and other nutrition-related ailments.
The UNICEF Chief, therefore, threw this poser, among others for the participants to ponder on: “can there be any greater inequality than children deprived of the rights to live and learn fully, so that they may reach their full potential?”
On her part, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Onimim Jack said the Ministry of Agriculture is giving priority attention to ensuring food security in the State and promoting good nutrition among Rivers people and residents.
She said instead of concentrating on producing particular food crops, “we ensure that farmers produce a little of everything and to make sure we have our own”. Mrs. Onimim disclosed that the state is prepared to mark the World Food Day and the World Food Day Fair slated for 24th October, 2016 and 27th October, 2016 respectively.

Donatus Ebi

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