Rivers

RIVSACA Inaugurates C’mittee In Ekpeye

Published

12 years ago

September 18, 2013

The Rivers State Agency
for the Control of AIDs (RWSACA), has inaugurated a seven-man Kingdom AIDS Committee (KAC) in Ekpeye, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The inauguration is in accordance with RIVSACA’s new approach to institute sustained community ownership of HIV response by empowering such communities to the level where they can recognise their HIV/AIDS problems, develop their own interventions and implement same using community resources.
Executive Director of RIVSACA, Dr Chimezie Okeh stated that Nigeria has the second highest burden of HIV in the world after South Africa.
Dr Okeh, also noted the factors driving the epidemic in the country. These include sexual promiscuity, marital infidelity, high rate of casual sex, stigmatisation of infected people, poverty and ignorance as well as harmful cultural practices.
According him,” these problems are occuring in the communities, they are the problems of the communities and, therefore, the communities are most suited to solve them.Communities, therefore, must rise and drive HIV prevention and impact mitigation.
“It is for this reason that the RIVSACA is undertaking this initiative to empower communities to take charge of HIV response in their localities in the spirit of self-help with or without government support and participation,”.
The terms of reference of the KAC, include: driving the HIV/AIDS response, coordinating activities of the Community Action Committee on AIDs (CACAs) through clan level coordination meeting.
Others are receiving and reviewing reports of CACAs with the Local Action Committee on AIDs (LACAS) setting programe priorities for CACAs in council, leverage resources and organize fund raising activities.
In the same vein, His Royal Majesty in council is expected, among other things to provide overall leadership for HIV Prevention and Impact Mitigation in the area as well as receive and review reports for policy decision.
The traditional rulers are also required to mobilise resources for HIV response activities and also support LACA by ensuring that it is properly funded by LACA council and His Royal Majesty and Council.
RIVCASA had prior to the inauguration embarked on an advocacy visit to the Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Robinson O. Robinson and his council of Chiefs to sensitise them on HIV Prevalence in Ekpeye Kingdom and how to check the trend.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

17 hours ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

18 hours ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

18 hours ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.