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Apara Kingdom Gets New Monarch

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12 years ago

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Following the demise of the eze
Oha Apara III of Ekinigbo Clan/Apara Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Kesiorlu Royal House, has coronated a new Paramount Ruler, Chief Gift Eziwhuo Johnson to replace the late Sir Eze S.N. Wali.
The coronation ceremony which took place at the Palace of Late Eze S.N. Wali in Rumuigbo Community last Tuesday attracted several chiefs, Owhor holders, youths, women and top government functionaries including the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Sir Tony Okocha and a Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor, Mr. Alex Wele among others.
The Chairman of the Kesirlu Royal House, Prince Kenneth Wali in an address presented at the occasion on behalf of the royal family said it was the prerogative of the royal house to coronate a new King whenever the stool was vacant in order not to create a vaccum, stressing that the Eze Oha traditional stool was hereditary.
He also went down memory lane to buttress his point, stressing that the historical background of the stool spanned several years, beginning from 1925.
Prince Wali further explained that the rightful person to occupy the stool must come from  Obogha’s linage, as the first son of Kesiorlu, and expressed delight that the new Monarch, Chief Gift Johnson had come of age to occupy the stool of Eze Oha Apara IV.
He said it was wrong to play politics with the tradition of the people. The address was also signed by Ojiowhor Chinda Wali, Mr. Chidi Wakpa and Elder Godpower N. Worlu Wobo.
All those who spoke at the event lauded the emergence of Chief Johnson as the new Paramount Ruler and pledged their loyalty to his administration.
In his response, Chief Johnson thanked the Chiefs, Owhor holders and all those who made his coronation a success, saying, it was by the grace of God that he was chosen as the new King.
Speaking with newsmen in his Palace, Chief Johnson said the process that brought him to the throne was based on the truth as his people told the world the truth to pave the way for his coronation.
According to him, his coronation was a new dawn from the Ekinigbo Clan and the Apara Kingdom at large.
He said since it was the truth that brought him to the throne, he would always abide by the truth and ensure that the truth always prevailed, assuring that he would never disrespect or disobey the throne.

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Rivers

100 Days: UPTH CMD Harps On Brain Drain, Anti-Corruption

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6 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Godswill Orluwene, has identified brain drain and corruption as critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.
 Orluwene, who made this known during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, in Choba, declared that his administration is tackling both issues headlong as part of efforts to reposition the institution.
He noted that the stewardship session was aimed at rendering account of his leadership and setting a transparent benchmark for performance going forward.
“This 100 days is to render stewardship and give account of our activities, while we tackle corruption headlong within the system”, he said.
Addressing concerns over the exodus of medical professionals, the CMD said, poor working conditions have contributed significantly to brain drain, but that ongoing reforms are beginning to address these challenges.
He expressed optimism in the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that, Government is repositioning the health sector, especially in remuneration and infrastructure.
On corruption, Prof. Orluwene stressed, “We have taken decisive steps to block all financial leakages and ensure accountability in our operations.”
He disclosed that a staff verification exercise exposed irregularities, stating that “Out of over 4,000 staff on the payroll, only about 2,000 presented themselves for verification.
“As a result, over 1,000 salaries have been stopped due to discrepancies identified during the exercise.”
Highlighting policy reforms, the CMD said, feeding of patients has now been standardized at ?5,000 for three meals, while other charges have been reviewed downward.
On infrastructure, he said “The Accident and Emergency Department was in a poor state before, but today it has undergone massive renovation.”
Speaking on power supply, he revealed: “With the solar power project on ground, UPTH will soon enjoy 24-hour electricity supply. Our goal is to make UPTH a hub for medical tourism in the near future.”
By: King Onunwor
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Rivers

Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

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6 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has revealed that it will consider new proposals by the University of Port Harcourt to engage its staff on refresher training and a state-wide database initiative for vulnerable persons, to ensure efficient service delivery and data-driven planning in the state.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, disclosed this when she received a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by a Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, which also include some of his PhD students, during a courtesy visit to her office, Friday.
She described the visit as “timely to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice”, and assured the visiting team that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for staff and a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.
She added that the ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership, noting that with collaborative effort, social work will achieve greater impact and professionalism in the state.
Earlier, Prof. Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek collaboration to strengthen the existing partnership between the university and the ministry.
He proposed four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for ministry staff, a one-month certificate programme on social work for staff, development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, and strengthening of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.
The UNIPORT Professor noted that the proposals are aimed at improving case management and welfare response across the state.
The courtesy visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing willingness to collaborate and review the proposals.
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Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

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6 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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The Fishermen Association of Ogoloma Community has commended the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of local fishermen.
The Association made the commendstion during a courtesy “thank-you” visit by members of the association to the council chairman, following the distribution of fishing equipment aimed at boosting productivity and livelihoods within the riverine community.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Tobin expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their show of appreciation, noting that their success remains a top priority of his administration.
He stated that the empowerment initiative through the provision of fishing canoes, nets, and hooks was designed to enhance economic activities and improve living standards in Ogoloma and other parts of Okrika.
“I am encouraged by your visit and your progress so far. This administration is committed to supporting our local fishermen to thrive. There will be a second phase of the human capital development programme, and we will do even more to uplift the fishing community,” the Chairman assured.
The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, stressing that empowering local industries such as fishing is key to sustainable economic growth in the region.
Responding on behalf of the Association, its spokesperson, Elder Kaizer Kiniminabo, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the council boss.
He acknowledged the impact of the empowerment programme on the fishermen’s productivity and welfare.
“On behalf of our matron, Hon. Linda Stewart Somiari, and Hon. Royal Ateke, we express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his magnanimity and commitment to the well-being of fishermen in Ogoloma. We pray for the continued success of his administration,” Kiniminabo stated.
As a token of appreciation, the association presented gifts, including dry fish and other locally sourced items to the chairman, symbolizing their gratitude and support.
The visit highlights the growing collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders in fostering development and economic empowerment across Okrika Local Government Area.
By: Michael T. Abraham
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