Niger Delta
Mrs Imoke Flags Off De-worming Exercise
A total of ninety thousand children in Cross River State between the ages of 2- 17 years are said to have so far benefited from the de-worming exercise flagged-off by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Obioma Liyel-Imoke.
Performing the de-worming exercise at the three designated centres of Yakurr, Akpabuyo, the Ogoja Local Government Headquarters, the governor’s wife explained that five thousand de-worming tablets have been given to each local government chairperson and their primary Health Care Co-ordinaors.
She charged them to make sure every child in their community is de-wormed, pointing out that the de-worming exercise was made possible through the collaborative effort of one of her initiatives, as FAC (A state Fit For A Child), UNICEF, State Ministry of Health and that of Women Affairs.
Mrs Imoke disclosed that the state has declared an aggressive war on parasitic worm infestation in children by carrying out a campaign against worms through a six month periodic de-worming exercise, stating that this was part of the effort by asFAC to make sure Cross River is fit for a child.
According to her, one of the cardinal objectives of asFAC is to look after the children in the state as well as make sure they grow well, eat well, even while in the womb, stay alive and stay healthy enough to enroll in school.
Towards this end, she said the state government has made primary education free in the state to enable every child acquire basic education.
The governor’s wife noted that worms are detrimental to children’s health, their cognitive development, education as well as a brighter future for them.
She explained that worms deprive children of essential nutrients, leaving them malnourished, tired and unable to concentrate or attend to school activities.
“It also makes them physically stunted and retarded mentally,” she said, expressing optimism over the gains of de-worming, and promised to carry the war against worms to every part of the state.
Speaking separately, the chairmen of Yakurr, Akpabuyo and Ogoja local government areas, respectively pledged their readiness to assist in carrying out the campaign to every door-step in their communities to enable parents bring out their children for de-worming.
They also used the occasion to thank the Governor’s wife for the HIV test kits distributed to each local government area to enable everyone know his/her HIV status.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Edet Ikpi, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry of Health, Dr Phillip Obaji, said according to World Health Organisation (WHO), the high rate of death is more among children between the ages of 5 and below and pregnant women.
He attributed the high infant and maternal rate to lack of blood caused by worms.
The commissioner enumerated the kinds of worms to include tapeworm, roundworm, and hookworm and noted that children with worms usually have protruded stomach, are hungry and forgetful.
Also in her speech, the commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ekama Awara, emphasised the commitment of the present administration in encouraging immunisation for proper growth of children in the state.
She thus urged parents to key into the de-worming exercise by getting their children de-wormed.
The governor’s wife also extended the fight against worms in children to the military at 145BTN Nigeria Army, Eburutu Barrack and the Nigeria Police Force Area Command, Otop Abasi, which were distributed points for both Military and Para-Military formations.
She explained that the reason was to ensure that every segment of the society is covered by the de-worming exercise.
She assured that this segment of the society will always be carried along in every Government House activity.
The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has called on all court users to collaborate with the state judiciary in its fight against corruption.
Okungbowa made the call on Friday during a special court session held in Benin to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.
He commended the “Bail Is Free Campaign Organisation” for its continued support of the judiciary’s efforts to rid the system of corruption.
The opening ceremony provided an opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on the achievements of the past legal year and to outline goals for the year ahead.
According to the Chief Judge, key focus areas in the previous year included capacity building, administration of criminal justice, and staff welfare.
As the new legal year begins, Okungbowa emphasised the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the discharge of its duties.
In recognition of exemplary service, ten members of the state judiciary received the Chief Judge’s Award for being outstanding ambassadors of the institution.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, Mr. Idemudia Osifo, urged the Edo State judiciary to continue upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and judicial independence.
Osifo praised the judiciary for its industry, resilience, and steadfastness under the leadership of the Chief Judge, and also highlighted several persistent challenges.
He noted that many courts in Edo State still operated in dilapidated conditions and lacked modern facilities needed for effective justice delivery.
He lamented the prolonged duration of many court cases, which continued to erode public confidence in the system, and stressed the urgent need to improve the working conditions of judicial officers and support staff.
“The safety of judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and witnesses must be ensured”, he said.
The NBA urged the judiciary to invest in ICT infrastructure to enhance justice delivery, reduce delays, and increase transparency.
It also pledged its commitment to promoting access to justice and defending the sanctity of the legal profession.
As the new legal year begins, the association urged the judiciary to uphold the noble ideals of justice, fairness, and independence.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, on the occasion of his first year coronation anniversary.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori lauded the monarch’s dedication to peace, unity, and the cultural advancement of Asaba.
He described Obi Azinge as a revered traditional ruler and academic whose leadership over the past year has brought renewed pride to the Asaba Kingdom and inspired confidence in traditional institutions across the State.
Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate Your Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, the Asagba of Asaba, on the joyous celebration of your first coronation anniversary.
“Your reign has already demonstrated a deep commitment to the values of peace, inclusiveness, and development.
“As an accomplished academic and respected traditional ruler, you have brought honour not only to the Asaba Kingdom, but also to the entire Delta State.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s support for traditional institutions and assured the Asagba of continued partnership in advancing the interests of the Asaba people.
He wished the monarch long life, wisdom, and a peaceful and prosperous reign.
Obi Prof. Azinge ascended the throne as the Asagba of Asaba in 2024, succeeding the late Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, and has since been recognised for his efforts in promoting cultural heritage, peace and community development.
By: Albert Ograka, Asaba
The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to tackle the challenges of epileptic power supply to the health sector.
The State Governor, Umo Eno, stated this in his keynote address during the state launch on Friday in Uyo, saying that the project would be in collaboration with the EU.
According to the Governor, the project is to strengthen the state’s vision of universal, reliable and sustainable energy access for all communities, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Enyaenyi, stated that Akwa Ibom State has taken bold steps to domesticate the Electricity Act 2023 through its own Electricity Policy (2024) and Electricity Law (2024).
He said those two instruments mark a turning point in its journey toward a fully-fledged Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market (AKSEM), one that is state-led, private-sector-driven.
According to him, it will be inclusive in all ramifications and acutely focused on developing and sustaining the all-important off-grid sub-sector of the State Electricity Market.
“Electricity is not just a commodity, it is the foundation of healthcare, education, security, and prosperity.
“By establishing a credible electricity market and regulatory framework, we are creating a platform where on-grid and off-grid solutions can coexist, complementing each other to deliver reliable power to all sectors, including our hospitals and health centres”, Eno said.
The Governor further said the project would provide clean, reliable solar energy to healthcare facilities across the state; enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He added that it would reduce dependency on diesel and improve environmental sustainability; create local jobs and build technical capacity in solar maintenance and energy services.
Eno commended the state steering committee for taking up the important responsibility.
He said the committee, drawn from both the Ministries of Power and Health, would serve as the vital bridge between policy, implementation and progressive community outcomes.
“Let me assure our development partners, the EU, NTU International, and the REA, that the Akwa Ibom State Government will provide all necessary supports to ensure that this project becomes a model for sustainable energy access in healthcare, not just in our State but across Nigeria.
“This launch is more than a ceremony, it is a statement of intent”, he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Power, Mr. Robson Iniobong, said electricity is the very thing that guarantees and announces the functionality of every other sector.
Iniobong stated that the Governor had prioritised his interest in power and health sectors to provide quality services to the people.
In his remarks, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, said the project would establish solar mini-grids at approximately 19 Public Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Ogiehor added that the solar project would also reach the state central cold store, with a view to positively impacting healthcare delivery and boosting economic activities.
“Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of about 75 small businesses located within these facilities”, he said.