News
RSG Defends RSUST’s Medical School Plan
The Rivers State Government says the planned establishment of a Faculty of Medicine at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) was aimed at boosting the manpower development in the health sector.
The state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike gave this indication on Monday while speaking at the First International Malaria Colloquium 2016, organized by the Centre for Malaria Research and Phytomedicine, University of Port Harcourt in conjunction with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine held in Port Harcourt.
Wike said the medical school, when operational, will engage in special area of medical needs of residents of Rivers State, and appealed to other higher institutions in Nigeria to go into further research and proffer solution to the Health issues of the people.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the New Rivers Vision of his administration was committed to the provision of quality, accessible and affordable health care to all residents of the state, and promised to partner with organisations interested in the good health of the people.
“Government has over the years made deliberate effort to control malaria scourge in Nigeria through the establishment of Malaria Control Units (MCU), at ministries of Health across the country,” he stated.
He explained that the Malaria Control Unit of the Rivers State Ministry of Health has distributed about 7,553,371 Long Lasting Insecticidal Treated Nets to over 105,007 households in the state between 2008 and 2016 to check the malaria scourge.
The state chief executive commended the University of Port Harcourt for establishing the Centre for Malaria Research and Phytomedicine, and giving it the International platform to enhance research work.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Ndowa Lale, who was represented by Prof. Anthony Ibe, said the centre was set up in 2001, with the mandate of identifying, evaluating and reviewing government policies as it concerns the scourge of malaria and its elimination.
In his address, Director Centre for Malaria Research and Phytomedcine, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Chijioke Adonye Nwauche, said the forum will afford the centre the opportunity to provide new insights share ideas and make possible recommendations that will be a bench mark for future research in malaria and healthcare delivery.
He noted that given the national focus on malaria elimination, the centre needs to build human capacity in the diagnosis and effective management of malaria in the state, while commending the university authorities for their support towards achieving set objective.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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