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Aluu 4: Omuokiri Bounces Back
Barely five months after four students of the University of Port Harcourt were allegedly murdered at Omuokiri, Aluu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, resulting in the near total break-down of law and order in the area, peace and normal social life have finally returned in the community.
The Tide investigations reveal that normal social activities have gradually started picking up in the community as a result of the restoration of peace in the area.
The four students who were allegedly murdered in cold blood on October 5, 2012, include Chiodika Lordson (Theatre Arts), Ugonna Kelechi Chibuzor (Geology), Mike Lloyd Toku (Civil Engineering) and their friend, Tekena Erikena.
Our correspondent who visited Omuokiri community, Wednesday, reports that many people were seen to be going about their normal businesses without any form of molestation and fear, while new buildings were seen springing up in all directions in the community.
Work on the rehabilitation of the UNIPORT Aluu Road was on-going, as workers of the construction company handling the project were seen on their duty posts just as commercial bus and taxi operators made the most of the busy atmosphere to maximize profit.
Cosmetics stores, mechanic workshops, among others were visibly experiencing a beehive of activities as businesses transactions were at their peak, according to residents.
Investigations also revealed that there was no presence of heavily armed security operatives in the community as was the situation immediately after the killing last year.
Some residents of the community who spoke to The Tide said normalcy has finally returned to the community but regretted that some people who left the community were yet to return as a result of fear of arrest and harassment by police and the JTF.
Mr Best Frank, a fast food operator in the area said the community now enjoys relative peace devoid of any form of intimidation, adding that both indigenes and strangers now live in harmony in the community.
He commended the state government and the various security agencies for ensuring that peace returned in the area, which according to him was marred by students unrest and disturbances following the incident.
Also speaking, Mr Uche Nwobisike, an auto mechanic in the community while corroborating the views of Mr Frank said the only challenge facing residents was the slow pace of businesss in the area.
In their views, some students of the university who reside in the community including Ahukama Joy, Kadara Fred and Chioma Menajo, said that relative peace and tranquility has returned in the area.
They, however, regretted the ugly October 5, 2012 incident that occurred in the community and urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the inhuman act are brought to book.
In his remarks, Mr Emmanuel Dick, a resident of the community, confirmed that although some level of peace has returned in the area, some of the residents who deserted the community in the aftermath of the incident were still skeptical to return.
According to him, the people of the community were noted for their peaceful and hospitable nature, especially to strangers, adding that what happened last year was strange to the people.
He commended the state government for the award of the contract for the reconstruction of the road linking the community to the university, adding that both strangers and the indigenes now live as one big family.
Responding to the situation of things in Omuokiri, the deputy registrar, Public Relations Officer (PRO), University of Port Harcourt, Dr Williams Wodi said the university has not received any complaints from either the students or staff residing in the community, adding that the management of the institution met with the community on the need to sustain peace shortly after the incident.
The UNIPORT spokesman said that Aluu community has been the second home for both students and staff of the institution, adding that the incident was not a call to arm between the university and the community
The Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, has teamed up with a renowned hospital group in Port Harcourt, the Meridian Hospitals, which is in partnership with the Pilgrims Health Foundation, to carry out a one-day medical outreach last Tuesday.
The free treatment scheme took place at Oromenike Government Girls Secondary School in D-Line, Port Harcourt, with over 100 persons accessing free treatments, including free eye-glasses and booking for eye surgeries.
Other areas of treatment included general health consultations and treatment; blood pressure and sugar level testing; malaria testing and treatment; free prescriptions; preventive health talks focusing on hygiene, maternal health, and nutrition.
The scheme was conducted under the theme: ‘Bringing Healthcare to the Community.’
Newsmen who visited the venue of the scheme found that enthusiastic beneficiaries had thronged the area as early as 7a.m. After setting up, the medical team began attending to the patients.
Mr. Jerry Onwuso, a 63-year-old patient, who was first to see eye doctors and got eye glasses and drugs, told newsmen that he was pleased with the medical intervention.
He made it clear he did not pay any money to get all the treatments and glasses, and pleaded that the scheme be sustained.
Another patient, Loveth Sam, expressed satisfaction with the scheme and appealed to the sponsors to continue to increase the benefits.
Throwing some light on the scheme, Mr. China said he worked in Meridian Hospitals as a Lab. Scientist 19 years ago, but resigned because he could not bear to see patients struggling for life because they had no money to pay for treatment.
He said he came back to help extend free medical treatment to the less privileged.
Sources said China was always having issues with the hospital authorities when he would insist on critical patients being allowed to be treated first, with or without money.
Years later, China, who now goes by a brand name, the Mayor of Housing, returned to the Meridian Hospital headquarters to support free medical scheme.
He also went the next day to the headquarters of Meridian, after the one-day medical outreach, to give cash gifts and palliatives to workers he met when he worked there but had remained in service since he left.
He encouraged them to continue to give their all to humanity through the hospital. The Mayor of Housing called most of them by name and a cloud of emotions descended on them during the reunion.
Appreciating the gesture, the Founder and Chief Medical Director, Dr. Iyke Odo, said China had always manifested hard-work, ambition, and impulsive giving.
According to him, the then young bright boy was full of humanity, kindness, love, and made friends easily, adding that “not everybody that gives is a giver. The difference is that givers are given to give.”
Dr. Odo used the opportunity to call on governments to review Nigeria’s health insurance system and make it work in Nigeria to save lives.
He said it was sad watching critically sick persons abandoned because they did not have money for treatment.
He also condemned harsh tax and electricity tariffs whereby facilities like his now pay N12 million instead of N500,000 few years back.
He wondered why hospitals were being made to pay tariffs like oil companies, citing many other countries where medical facilities were placed on low rates and tariffs so they could charge moderate fees from patients.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
