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Niger Delta

Multiple Environmental Pollution Raise Health Concerns In N’Delta – Expert

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8 years ago

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An environmental expert and Neuro-Physiologist in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Leelee Zitte says the spate of pollution ongoing in the Niger Delta may be responsible for the rising health challenges in the region.
Zitte, in a chat with The Tide, last Monday, in Port Harcourt, said that the soot problem, burning of tyres, gas flaring and oil pollution have increased life-threatening: ailments, and sought for urgent study and steps to curb the menace.
“There is need for a scientific study”, Zitte said, adding “these pollutions can have some effect on the body and it has to be looked into holistically”.
He insisted that the accumulative effects of gas flaring and oil spillage over the years have altered wildlife presence, crops’ yield and life-span of the people; insisting that there was need to carry out a scientific evaluation to ascertain the level of damage.
“Take for instance, the issue of soot and gas flaring, it can cause lung diseases and asthma … It can equally affect the reproductive system of the body” the Neuro-Physiologist asserted.
He, however, noted that the soot being witnessed in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state cannot be totally linked to illegal refineries, emphasizing that it could be a combination of many sources.
“There is burning of tyres, there is gas flaring, there are industrial wastes. So, it can be a synergy of two or more sources to magnify the problem,” he said.
Zitte also blamed sabotage and negligence as major factors responsible for the rising environmental degradation in the region.
He picked holes in the current waste management method as it lacks modern procedure and at the same time worsens environmental state of the region.
Zitte observed: “Everything we call waste has a use. So, for me, waste is an expression of ignorance”.
The university don recommended that the state should adopt sorting of waste from source, as he explained: “things we are throwing away are what can make us rich. The knowledge to use what we waste is what we need”.
Wike Orders Lecturers’ Probe Over Sexual Harassment, Sorting
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has directed the governing councils and heads of state-owned tertiary institutions to set up committees to investigate reported cases of sexual harassment and sorting against lecturers.
This decision was reached after a meeting the Rivers State governor held with the chairmen of the Governing Councils, Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, noted that the institutions involved include: Rivers State University, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt, Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology and Rivers State School of Nursing.
The statement added that all the affected institutions were expected to report back to the governor on the outcome of their investigations.

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Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

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7 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.
The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.
It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.
In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.
She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”
According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.
Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.
She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.
The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.
In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.
She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.
Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.
Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.
The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.
Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.
Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.
Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.
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Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River 

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7 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong  Offiong,  has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.
Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.
The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.
“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.
“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.
Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.
He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.
Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.
He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.
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Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

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7 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.
The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.
Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.
According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.
Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.
Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.
Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.
The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.
Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.
The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.
Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.
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