Connect with us

Rivers

Dialogue, Best Option To Resolve Kanu’s Case – BOYSM

Published

on

A socio-political  group mobilizing  support for change for better Nigeria, Buhari/Osinbajo Youth Support  Movement (BOYSM) has expressed  solidarity with Ndi-Igbo, saying that dialogue remains the best option to resolve the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled  leader of the  Indigenous  People of Biafra (IPOB).
The co-ordinator General of the group, Comrade Emeni Ibe stated this in  Port Harcourt during a press briefing  to mark the celebration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s recovery from sickness and return to Nigeria after  medical  treatment in London.
Ibe observed  that incessant  confrontation  with the  Federal  Government  could not  resolve  the issue  because  as he puts it, “the use of  the gun does not  solve any problem”.
“We are in solidarity with Ndi-Igbo, we will work in synergy with them and we are  also working with  the government to ensure peace, he  said, pointing out that the government cannot  make any   meaningful progress, without a peaceful  atmosphere.
Calling  on all Nigerians irrespective of their political  or religious affiliation to support  the Buhari-led  administration, the BOYSM coordinator noted that the President  was aware  of the predicaments of Nigerians as regards to the economic recession and solicited for more understanding and patience by the people.
The group commended Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for his performance while holding brief for President Buhari, pointing out that the President  acknowledged the patriotic sacrifices of Nigerians for which  he assured of his  unwavering commitment to the advancement  of the collective interests of all.
He thanked God for responding to the prayers of Nigerians during Buhari’s medical  tour and for bringing  him back in good health,  saying  that the BOYSM would  continue to stand  by him with unflinching  support  and loyalty as he continues to pilot the affairs of the nation to greater heights.
According to him,  the President’s change   mantra places high  premium  on the  dignity  and integrity of  the country and the wellbeing  of Nigerians,  adding  that BOYSM as  a non-government socio-political  organisation  is supporting Buhari in the  flight against corruption,  indiscipline, impunity, nepotism  and other social  vices  afflicting the society.
The major  objectives of the group include, to  support  the good policies of this administration  in its  fight against corruption, terrorism, crude oil  theft,  pipeline  vandalisation and  to promote  youth  empowerment and  good governance at all levels of government.

 

Shedie Okpara

Continue Reading

Rivers

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

Published

on

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
Continue Reading

Rivers

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

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

Rivers

Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

Published

on

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
Continue Reading

Trending