Rivers
rsg To Eradicate TB With Free Test, Treatment

Today is World Tuberculosis Day and the Rivers State Government through the Ministry of Health has commenced free screening and treatment scheme for patients and members of the public.
The programme is to raise awareness and at the same stamp out the diseases among the populace especially those in densely populated areas and the theme of this year’s celebration is” Unite to End TB”.
World Health Organisation(WHO) report in 2016 reveal that about 10.4 million people are infected yearly, while about 1.8 died from the disease. Despite global incidence of decline,it still kills many people as HIV/AIDS.
The disease starts with cough and body heat and discomfort and later affects the lungs. Those with long term cough are advised to screen for TB.
In Rivers State this year camapiagn is being focused on Oyigbo local government Area according to State Programme Manager for Tuberculosis and Leprosy, Dr Kingsley Alerechi due to its position as border local government area and has a large population.
Speaking at Oyigbo Central Mosque where ministry officials attended Jumaat Service to enlighten the muslim population, Dr. Alerechi said faith based organisations as churches and mosques need to educate their faithfuls on the dangers of Tb.
The State TB Programme Manager said religious bodies play key role in informing members on the dangers of contracting TB and how it can be cured.
The ministry officials later visited Oyigbo Komkom market where they distributed educational materials to the market women.
Deputy State TB Programme Manager, Helen Nyeche, urged the women to avail themselves of the free test and treatment that will be provided at Afam,the council headquaters.
On his part, Chairman of Oyigbo Main Market,Sunday Ikechukwu, commended the State Ministry of Health for bringing the awareness campaign to the area.
He promised that the traders will be mobilised to take advantage of the free test and treatment today.
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PR Professionals Must Rebuild Public Trust – Eze Gbakagbaka

The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor