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Dame Amaechi, UNICEF Hold Ebola Sensitilsation Campaign
A Non-Government Organization, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) founded by the wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Dame Judith Amaechi, in collaboration with United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday held a sensitization forum on dreaded Ebola virus ahead of the September 22, 2014 school resumption date across the country.
The NGO, who also collaborated with the Rivers State Ministry of Health drew participants from teachers for selected nursery and primary schools and women leaders in the 23 council areas of the state.
In her address, founder of the NGO and wife of the governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, said it was necessary to sensitize the teachers and mothers on Ebola virus ahead of schools’ resumption due to the peculiar nature of the children.
”Our growing concern is on the safety of our children whenever they return to school. This growing concern to mothers and parents has become very worrisome, especially on how to keep the children safe from the virus”, she said.
Mrs. Amaechi, who was represented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Caroline Nagbo, said it would be disastrous to families if children contract the virus.
She enjoined women to redouble their effort in sanitizing their environment as a surest measure of preventing the disease.
“I initiated a door-to-door campaign on environmental sanitation. The objective was to inculcate and imbibe a culture of cleanliness, good hygiene and healthy living to prevent outbreak of the dreaded disease at home”, she noted.
She warned against stigmatization against suspects of the virus, adding that suspects may evade medical examination if they are ignored by the society.
Chief of Field Office, Enugu, UNICEF, Charles Izuku said it was necessary to handle children’s safety as top priority in an effort to check the Ebola virus due to their vulnerability and susceptibility to the infection, and pledged UNICEF’s determination to partner the body in effort to stamp out Ebola.
On his part, Dr Yahaya Disu of Ebola Prevention and Control Centre said the virus has been curtailed in the state, and added that the centre has consulted with general hospitals in the state to resume treatment of all patients irrespective of the illness,
Disu, who joined in the call against stigmatization, said it would become a barrier against the fight on the virus, if not properly handled.
In his presentation, an occupational health nurse, Mr. Alozie Enyinnaya, called for caution as the virus has the capacity to hide in the semen of affected persons even after treatment.
The state health education officer, Dr. Doris Nria, stated that the Rivers State Government has provided the health workers and medical personnel all logistics needed to combat the virus, and dismissed rumours that doctors in the state are ignoring to treat patients for fear of Ebola infection.
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