News
Immunise Your Children, Wike Tells Mothers
Rivers State Governor Chief Nyesom Wike has explained that the government resuscitated the Task Force on Immunization to ensure that the State attains universal coverage in the state.
Governor Wike who disclosed this while speaking at the Flag-off ceremony of the first round of the Immunization Plus Days (IPDs) at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Churchill Road, Port Harcourt, therefore appealed to all mothers to immunise their children
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the governor stated that in line with the health policy of the government towards the provision of affordable and accessible healthcare services to the people, efforts would be intensified to ensure that the immunization exercise is taken to all the nook and cranny of the state including areas with difficult terrain.
“All we are saying is that, this immunisation exercise must reach every child, we must involve all the Schools, Churches and every child living in Rivers State must be reached and immunised, so that we can recover back all the missed opportunities, Some local government areas have recorded missed opportunities because of some reasons, difficulties and terrain, especially in places like Bonny, Opobo, ONELGA and Ahoada.” the Governor stated.
Governor Wike who emphasized the importance of routine immunization exercises for children expressed the commitment of the government to ensure that “our children and their mothers are in good health.”
The governor commended all the partners especially WHO, UNICEF and Rotary International for their contribution towards the eradication of polio in the State and urged parents to take full advantage of the Immunization Plus Days by ensuring that their children are vaccinated.
In his speech, the chairman of the occasion and Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Healthcare, Dr. George Opuda stressed the importance of immunization in the life of children and urged mothers to always make their children available for immunisation exercises to eradicate polio in the society.
Dr. Opuda lauded the partners and donors for their contributions which have ensured the achievements so far recorded in the primary healthcare programme.
Also speaking, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Hon. Christian Chiokwa represented by Barr. Aminayanasam Fiberesima pledged the commitment of the Council to always create the enabling environment for Health related issues and other endeavours to thrive.
He said that the council would partner with the state government, international partners and donor agencies to ensure that the gains already recorded in the eradication of polio in the state is not only sustained but also improved upon.
In their separate goodwill messages, the representatives of WHO, UNICEF and Rotary International restated their resolve to remain supportive to the state government’s effort towards the total eradication of polio in the State.
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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