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NGF Approves Quarterly Campaigns For Polio Eradication …Rivers Target 90% Eradication
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has approved quarterly campaigns on poliomyelitis eradication in the 36 states of the country, the Chairman of the Forum, Governor Chibuike Amaechi, has said.
Amaechi who made the disclosure at the inauguration of the campaign last Saturday in Port Harcourt, said that the next campaign would take place in November.
He explained that the governors decided to accord priority to polio eradication because Nigeria was listed among polio endemic nations.
Amaechi said: ‘At the inception of this administration, polio and general immunisation coverage was 72 per cent but currently, the coverage is 75 per cent and 87 per cent, respectively’’.
The governor said the state was targeting 90 per cent coverage, adding: “ There is still a lot of work to be done, although government has built, equipped and commissioned Model Primary Healthcare Centres across the state for use by its citizenry.
“Our people are advised to use these facilities for all services and interventions, including immunisation as this will ensure attendant decrease in morbidity and mortality, especially among the vulnerable groups-children and women,” he said.
The governor urged the state’s ministry officials to ensure that the campaign was given the desired seriousness, not withstanding that the state still maintained zero status on polio infection.
“Though Rivers State is polio-free, Rivers people still travel outside and as such are prone to this deadly disease. For this reason, polio campaigns must be given the attention it deserved. The Ministry of Health supervising polio eradication campaigns should not see this as a mere road show, because it is the right of every child to have polio vaccination free of charge in Rivers,’’ he said.
Dr Godwin Mpi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health described as ‘a good omen’, the decision of the NGF to address the problem of polio in Nigeria.
Mpi said, “what had continued to drag back polio eradication in the past years, is lack of political will, but with the recent position of the governors, Nigeria will soon eradicate polio’’.
The Permanent Secretary said the choice of the theme, “Men Against Polio’, was selected, due to the significant role men play in society, noting that emphasis would be shifted to the role of women, youths and community in future campaigns.
Dr Akuro Okujiagu, the State’s Director of Public Health, urged nursing mothers in the state to always take part in the polio vaccination exercise, adding that the vaccine was potent and free.
Mrs Ladid Nasuru, a nursing mother who attended the event, told newsmen that she resolved to bring her children out, due to the problems faced by children who failed to take the vaccination.
“Some children who were not given this polio vaccination end up crippled and at times suffer all manner of disorder,” she said.
Our correspondent reports that Amaechi had in a broadcast to Rivers people said that the crusade against polio was an initiative of the NGF to eliminate the poliomyelitis scourge in Nigeria.
Rt. Hon Aamaechi said the first quarter programme tagged,”Men Against Polio” is targetted of the men folk whom he said ,”wield tremendous influence in decision-making both at homes and in our communities, especially in matters of health.”
The Rivers State Governor said so far immunisation coverage to curb the disease is between 75 to 87 percent but stressed that the ultimate target is to achieve 90 percent hence the need for the citizenry to support in achieving the target.
He lamented that the country was still battling with preventable polio virus. In order to address the menace, he stated that the Governors’ Forum has decided to take up the challenge to raise awareness and take proactive measures to check the spread of the viral disease.
He remarked that,” the Rivers State Government will show increased commitment in the fight against polio as well as the control, reduction and elimination of other childhood diseases”.
The governor while calling on the citizenry to avail themselves of the opportunity of immunising their children free of charge, said the state government has built and equipped new Model Primary Health Centres to help provide the services in the local areas, and called on the various local council chairmen to help drive the scheme in their domain.
He used the opportunity to commend Rotary International, UNICEF, WHO and the Bill and Mellinda Gates Foundation and other bodies that have lent support towards the drive to eliminate the scourge.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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