Niger Delta

Don Faults Rivers APC’s Planned Congresses

Published

6 years ago

September 11, 2019

A University teacher , Dr. Gift Worlu has faulted the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to conduct congresses in Rivers State when there were still contending issues, describing the move by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as putting the cart before the horse.
Worlu, a senior lecturer, Department of Management at the University of Port Harcourt Business School, spoke during a life radio programme monitored by The Tide in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital
Recall that the APC’s NWC recently appointed a five-member executive caretaker committee for Rivers chapter of the party to oversee the party’s affairs in the state, even as it rolled out a timetable for the party congress.
But Worlu, who is a member of the APC, described the decision of the party to conduct a congress when there were still issues in the Rivers APC as a wrong step, saying, “I want to believe that the leadership of the APC must have thought through all the issues before reaching the decision to hold a congress at this time.
“But as an individual, and if I were to decide for the party, I will think that this is a step in the wrong direction. So, I want to err on the side of the people who think that this decision is coming at the wrong time and may not be the best decision for the party at this time,” he stated.
He explained that the issue of reconciliation should have been uppermost in the minds of the party’s leadership, especially as the party did not field candidates in the 2019 general elections in the state.
“After the 2019 elections, I would have thought that the first thing that the party would have done would be a postmortem of the election to find out what went wrong concerning the APC at the state level and even the federal.
“The national leadership of the party would have come to Rivers State to find out what went wrong? Why is it that the APC did not have candidate in the last election? Why didn’t we win and so on?
“We (APC) didn’t have candidate but at the end of the day, the party adopted the governorship candidate of the AAC, Engr. Biokpomabo Awara, and a lot of things happened. “So, I expect the NWC to have initiated that reconciliation. Maybe the party did not do that probably because there is no clear executive on the ground in the state”, he said.
On the task before the caretaker committee of the APC in Rivers, the don said “My concern will be that they have a responsibility which is to ensure that they carry out their assignment in a manner that is democratic and accommodates the yearnings and aspirations of party members. That they carry out their assignment is such a way that at the end of the day the party will come out better than it is now.”

Dennis Naku

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

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

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

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.