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World Cancer Day: UPTH Offers Free Cancer Screening
As part of measures to sensitise the public on the health implications of cancer, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) is offering free screening for prostrate cancer.
Also all other forms of cancer would be screened at very reduced costs.
The Chief Medical Director of UPTH, Prof Aaron Ojule stated this in an interview shortly after a team of Rivers State Government officials and their federal government counterparts led by Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari concluded a pre-good governance tour of the cancer screening centre of UPTH.
Prof Ojule said the free screening exercise is part of activities to mark the world cancer day today with the theme: ‘ The Spell Damaging Myth and Misconception about cancer”.
He said that the free screening exercise will hold at the cancer screening centre of the UPTH, Choba throughout today.
According to the CMD, the screening for prostate cancer is free because somebody denoted all the consumables that would be used for screening while screening for all the other cancers would be at very minimal cost to patients.
Prof Ojule enjoined members of the public to take advantage of the free cancer screening to know their status, noting that it is very important for all to know their cancer status as there is the possibility of a successful cure if detected early.
‘The problem we have it that people wait until it is late before they come here for treatment’, he said.
The CMD also used the opportunity to call on the federal ministry of health to expedite action on the construction of the chemotherapy Centre at the UPTH to facilitate the treatment of cancer patients within the state and the South-South, stating that this would help save lives and scare foreign exchange.
Meanwhile, the UPTH has said that it would hold a rally today and a talk on Wednesday to create more awareness on the ailment.
Coordinator of the newly established Onchology Centre, UPTH, Dr Rollings Jamabo, who said this in a chat with The Tide, disclosed that the rally would start at 8am from Rumuokwuta and terminate at Rumuola Junction in Port Harcourt.
Jamabo, who is also head of surgery Department, UPTH, added that this year’s celebration of World Cancer Day is expected to address some falsehoods about cancer.
According to him, “ people say things about cancer that are not true. They infer that cancer cannot be cured and that cancer is contagious”.
He said there would be talks and tests on the commonest forms of cancer, including cervical, breast, prostate, liver and pediatrics cancers.
Jamabo said the essence of the talks and screening is to dispel the myths and make early diagnosis of cancer possible, stating that early diagnosis is key to curing cancer.
He further said that for the purposes of the celebration , the first 100 persons to present themselves at the Onchology centre for screening would have it free while subsequent attendees would receive the test at subsidized rate.
Jamabo, however, pointed out that the screening would not be for those whose cases have already manifested, and enjoined Rivers people and residents of the state to avail themselves of the opportunity to reduce the spate of cancer epidemic in the state.
Tonye Nria-Dappa
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