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Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra Get Covid-19 Vaccines

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Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra state governments last Wednesday, took delivery of the first batch of Oxford-Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The vaccines for Enugu State, which arrived the Enugu airport about 2:50pm, through Allied Air, were received on behalf of the state government by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. George Ugwu, and heads of Development Partners in the state, such as World Health Organis-ation (WHO) and UNICEF, among others.
Speaking to newsmen, the Enugu State Health Commissioner, Dr. Obi, said that the state government feels highly delighted that the long-awaited vaccines have arrived the state.
Dr. Obi said that the state’s health sector is grateful to the Federal Government, its agencies especially the NPHCDA, the Enugu State government, its Development Partners, and all those that have made it possible, stressing that “seeing and touching is believing”.
He stressed that it was a thing of joy that one of the measures for stemming the tide of COVID-19 has arrived Enugu State, adding that “the contingents to receive Enugu State’s vaccines are all on ground”.
The Health Commissioner therefore encouraged the people of Enugu State that “this is real; this is a measure against COVID-19; it is here to stay and our people should embrace these measures that are being used to stem the tide of COVID-19”.
Disclosing that the Enugu State government has provided the needed logistics for administering the vaccines, such as health personnel, security and storage facilities, the Commissioner advised residents of the state not to relent in strictly observing other precautionary measures for the containment of the pandemic such as use of facemasks, washing of hands with soap and running water and observing of social distancing.
He, however, revealed that vaccination will take place in four phases, explaining that the first phase will be administered effectively to health frontline workers, elderly people with underlying illnesses, and some key stakeholders in the state, among others “as already identified and announced in the news”.
Dr. Obi assured that all those who are qualified to receive the vaccines will be vaccinated at the end of the four phases, pointing out that “it is free of charge”.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ugwu, reassured that the agency is ready and has the necessary cool-chain equipment to deliver the vaccines to the citizens of the state.
By: Canice Amadi, Enugu
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NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

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The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.

He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.

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Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

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A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.

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Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

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The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.

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