News
Mosquitoes, Termites Terrorise UPTH
Patients on admission at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and visitors alike are now groaning over repeated attacks by mosquitoes and termites which feed fat on them while in the hospital.
Investigations show that many, who spend long hours in the hospital, especially in the night hours, risk ailments sequel to mosquito and termite bites.
Some patients and visitors, who spoke to The Tide, yesterday, said the hospital needed urgent attention to avert a degeneration of the situation to serious health crisis.
The Tide reports that in almost all the departments and units, the situation is also the same.
But when this correspondent visited the hospital, it was noticed that power supply was an added necessity.
Nurses at the male surgical ward were seen at night using rechargeable torchlight to attend to patients.
When one of the nurses was asked why the place was in darkness, she said “Oga, go inside, and find out from the management”.
Investigations revealed that on the walls in every part of the hospital, smears of blood were common features.
It was discovered that from the Orthopaedic Ward to the Endoscopy and Labour wards, the story was the same.
The same situation was noticeable at the Urology, Ante-Natal, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and other wards visited, including the reception of the hospital and areas around the Chief Medical Director’s Office.
An adolescent whose daughter was admitted at the Orthopaedic Ward expressed happiness that his daughter had been discharged as they would escape further mosquito invasion.
“You come to the hospital with a particular ailment, and the mosquitoes add malaria to it, and make your treatment complicated,” he said.
His daughter was also happy about her discharge due to the battle against mosquitoes and termites.
He also stressed that inmates of the wards were good customers to hawkers of electric bats used in trapping and burning mosquitoes and termites, with some buying up to three.
The Tide gathered that each bat sells for N2,500.
A middle-aged woman and her visiting relations and friends described the experience as a “fight to the finish”.
She felt sorry that her fractured leg was yet to be operated upon after a week on admission, but showed strong readiness to face the invading parasites.
An inmate at the Urology Ward said no patient could survive it against mosquitoes’ invasion without procuring the electric bats, a Chinese product.
His sibling, who gave his name as Eugene, displayed the thick stockings covering her feet.
He said all precaution had to be considered to beat the mosquitoes and termites to the game.
Bethel Toby
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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