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RSG To End Malaria Scourge By 2020 …Plans Peace, Reconciliation Initiative For Communities

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Rivers State joined the rest of the world to celebrate the World Malaria Day yesterday with the aim of becoming a malaria-free state by the year 2020.
Speaking to newsmen, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Mrs Caroline Wali, revealed that the prevalence rate for malaria in the state was 7.2% while  the national average was 45 per cent, stating that the state had made significant progress in malaria control in recent times despite the challenges.
With the year’s theme, “End Malaria for Good, what is your role, Wali said  this year’s theme  speaks to everybody to do a re-assessment of their roles in a bid for a malaria-free Rivers State.
Every citizen of the state  has a role to play to eliminate malaria in the state, Wali revealed saying that Nigeria accounted for 32 per cent of the global annual estimate of 627,000 malaria deaths, which is approximately about 200,640 deaths and stressed the need not to downplay the negative impact of the disease.
In her words, “ today, we join the rest of the world to celebrate their success stories and the various strides made in the various intervention areas, and also remind all stakeholders of the commitment to achieving the target of providing, at least, 80 percent of targeted population with appropriate preventive measures by 2020.
The permanent Secretary further urged all partners and stakeholders to rise to the occasion of playing their roles, saying ‘ be an advocate for malaria eradication by playing your roles of sleeping under the insecticide treated net, taking intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) during pregnancy, get tested and treated at the first signs of malaria, treat malaria with Arteminsinin Combination Therapy (ACT) and maintain a clean environment”.
In his opening remarks at the grand finale of the celebration at the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology, the Director, Public Health in the ministry, Dr Nnanna Onyekwere noted that so much resources had been spent on malaria eradication, expressing optimism that Nigerian and indeed, Rivers State would achieve the set target by the year 2020.
Onyekwere said the health personnel alone can not make this happen. It requires the concerted efforts of everyone to achieve this target, and so we all must play our roles.
Meanwhile the member representing Opobo/Nkoro constituency in the Rivers State House of assembly, Hon Adonye Diri, has regretted that despite government investments in healthcare sector, recent statistics show that Rivers State has been listed as one of the malaria endemic states in Nigeria.
He stated this during the celebration of World Malaria Day in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Diri said the world malaria day which is observed globally ever April 25, as part of efforts to control the malaria scourge should be seen as an opportunity to eliminate the epidemic in the  state.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government says it would partner for a state-wide reconciliation programme with a view to ensuring genuine and lasting peace in the state.
Special Adviser to the state Governor on Conflict Resolution, Chief Okori Abelekum disclosed this yesterday in Port Harcourt at the Mediation and Community Reconciliation workshop for community leaders in conflict affected communities in the state.
Abelekum, said that the new vision programme of the present administration was to ensure a peaceful state where everybody will live in peace.
The Special Adviser also stressed the need for the people to key into the vision of the administration by making their contributions towards the development of the state.
According to him, the workshop, which has the theme, ‘ Mediation and Reconciliation” was aimed at building local capacities for peace-building, indentifying the root causes of conflicts and  enabling community leaders to activiely play their role of building sustainable peace in society.

Lady Godknows Ogbulu & Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol

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