The Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board (RSPHCMB) says it will commence Supplemental Immunization activities on Saturday, May 3, 2025, to vaccinate children from 0-5 years across the State.

The State Health Educator, Dr. Diana Babbo, who stated this during a sensitisation meeting with Media Advocate for Health, Rivers State, on the update of immunization exercise in Rivers State, said the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) is a re-enforcement of the routine immunization at the health facilities.
According to her, it is aimed at boosting polio immunisation against the circulating variance of polio virus currently threatening the total eradication of polio in the country.

She further stated that there are four pillars of polio eradication, namely routine immunization (administered on babies in the health centre), supplemental immunization activity (supplements to boost the babies), surveillance (searching for children that have weakness in their legs or some oart of their bodies), and outbreak response.
The Health Educator noted that the Novel Oral Polio Vaccination Type 2 (NOPV 2) will be administered to children under the age of 0-5 years, which targets a specific polio still in existence in communities and capable of causing paralysis among the stated categories of children, despite the country being certified a polio-free nation.
Dr. Babbo further stated that this year’s NIPDs will address the high number of unresolved non-compliance cases in the State.
She debunked what she tagged a false rumour by mischief makers which claimed that the vaccines are responsible for the development of autism in children.
She said, “vaccines are not known to be responsible for the development of autism. We’re just hearing that. The truth is that one cannot know everything.
“That aspect that has been found, have we looked into other aspects, such as genetically modified foods, drinks, and milks that our children are taking?
“Have we also looked at genetic compatibility between couples before we now say vaccines are causing x, y, z things?
“Are we looking at the environment where these things are happening, what they are peculiar to?
“It must not be peculiar to all the families, there could be something also that’s happening around that we have not known. Research is evolving, let us not accuse our precious vaccines that have succeeded so far in my knowledge, to keep as many sicknesses at bay.
“The reason we do not have small pox in our world today, apart from the lab (a bio-lab) is because we vaccinated to the point where we were able to move small pox totally out of existence from human beings. We can succeed with that same pattern with all kinds of viruses”.
She stated that the connection between autism and vaccination could merely be coincidence.
Babbo, therefore, urged all parents, churches, and school owners to avail their children/wards the opportunity to be vaccinated against polio the stated exercise.

Sogbeba Dokubo

The book “Managing Projects Successfully: Efficient Strategies for High Impact Delivery” was launched in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

Speaking during his opening remarks the Chairman of the occasion Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, Registrar General and CEO of the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), described the book as “interesting” and mentioned that CIPMN will recommend it for project management professionals.

“I think the book is interesting and I also think the author have the passion for think to be do right in the project management industry.

” This textbook is one of the textbook CIPMN is going to recommend for project management to obtain” Mr Mbadiwe said.

In his keynote address Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), praised the book as a “beacon for those who strive for excellence in project execution.”

Prof Zeb – Obipi who was represented by Prof Zaccheaus Awortu Jeremiah of the department of Haernatology and blood transfusion sciences (RSU) said that in our fast – evolving world where innovation speed and impact determine success, the ability to manage projects effectively is no longer a luxury adding that is it an imperative.

He emphasized the importance of effective project management in today’s fast-evolving world.

“The book has been well-received and is seen as a valuable resource for project management professionals, students, and leaders”

The VC urge every reader to embrace these principles not just guidelines for project management but as a philosophy for professional excellent.

The chief book review Engr. Prof. Asinyetogha H. Igoni of RSU reviewed the book positively, highlighting its structure and content.

According to him the book have 24 chapters, divided into Part 1 and 2 with 208 pages.

Earlier the author’s of book Dr. Nwosa described the book as a “master class in real-world project delivery” shaped by years of practical experience and reflective learning.

Security agencies have initiated discussions with communities in Rivers State to safeguard pipelines and other critical national assets situated in their domain.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced this development in a statement in Port Harcourt.
Adepoju stated that the talks were necessary to ease tension in the State.
He disclosed that the state’s Sole Administrator, retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, had directed security agencies to collaborate closely with local communities to protect critical infrastructures.
According to him, security agencies participating in the initiative include the Police, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“These engagements with the communities aim to foster collaboration between security agencies and local stakeholders for the protection of critical national assets”, Adepoju explained.
He stated that the discussions commenced on April 25 between security operatives and community representatives in Abua/Odual, Emohua, Tai, Ogu/Bolo, Okirika and Eleme Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“During the dialogues with the community stakeholders, we addressed prevailing security issues and the general welfare of the residents.
“These discussions are essential in enhancing synergy between the communities and security agencies to protect vital infrastructure for the benefit of the national economy.
“The engagements also sought to identify challenges facing the communities beyond security, which will be communicated to the government for necessary attention , he stated.
The Commissioner of Police stated that during the meeting with stakeholders in Tai LGA, residents requested the rehabilitation of the Soghai Farm and creation of job opportunities.
Other issues raised by the people of Tai included insufficient staffing at health centres and schools in Bunu, Seme and Nonwa communities.
In Ogu/Bolo LGA, Adepoju reported that residents demanded the construction of a befitting police station, youth empowerment and employment initiatives, and an end to frequent robberies and kidnappings on the waterways.
“In Okirika LGA, stakeholders identified armed robbery as a major concern in the area and requested an increased police presence.
“They also called for the establishment of modular refineries, JAMB CBT centres, vocational training for youths, empowerment schemes for women, and the rehabilitation of the Daka Market”, he stated.
Adepoju further noted that during the engagement in Eleme LGA, residents expressed concerns over persistent electricity shortages and alleged criminal activities by herders in the area.
According to him, the people of Eleme also appealed to security agencies to intensify patrols and undertake a mop-up operation to remove illegal arms.
“In Emohua, community stakeholders appealed for adequate funding for local security outfits and the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres.
“In Abua/Odual, residents urged the Sole Administrator of the State to initiate infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, healthcare facilities, potable water systems, and youth empowerment programmes”, Adepoju concluded.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso