News
‘Healthy Society, Key To Wealthy State’ …As Banigo Felicitates With Dame Patience Jonathan
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo says the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration’s commitment to reduce the disease burden of the Rivers people was unequivocal.
Banigo disclosed this during the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Medical and Surgical Outreach Programme at the General Hospital Degema to celebrate the 2017 NMA, Rivers Physicians Week.
Represented by the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Degema Local Government Council, Mrs. Okorite Carrie Adiele, Banigo said government has invested heavily in the health sector because of its belief that a healthy society ultimately translates to a wealthy society.
She said the Wike-led administration has revived secondary health care, which was hitherto left to decay and strengthened routine immunization services, which have translated to impressive indices, noting that the well being of the Rivers people is a top priority of the NEW Rivers Vision Powered by the visioner himself, Governor Nyesom Wike.
On his part, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Chike Princewill, who thanked the NMA for partnering with the Rivers State Government to provide the free medical programme, said his ministry allowed the NMA to use its facilities because they have been tested and trusted over the years.
He said henceforth, all organizations willing to carry out medical outreach programmes must seek and get the necessary approval from the state Ministry of Health before embarking on such programmes to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of the Rivers people.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Branch of the NMA, Dr. Datonye Alasia said as part of the celebration of the Physician’s Week annually, his association usually carries out medical missions.
He said this year the NMA decided to come to Degema and expanded the scope of the medical outreach by including surgeries, eye care, dental services, general check for cardio vascular diseases and other medical checks.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo has felicitated with Dame Ibifaka Patience Jonathan, wife of the immediate past President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan as she celebrates her birthday.
In a statement in Government House, Port Harcourt, Banigo described Dame Jonathan as a courageous woman and a proud daughter of the Niger Delta, who has continued to contribute towards the socio-economic and political development of Rivers State.
She said “as the First Lady of Nigeria, Mama Peace as she is fondly called, gave Nigerian women a sense of belonging by being a strong advocate of the rights of women through, her vigorous pursuit of the affirmative action which translated to more women holding greater positions of trust in the country”.
Banigo said despite being hounded by detractors and political opponents’ Mama Peace has continued to demonstrate a rare courage in the face of tyranny.
While wishing Dame Patience Jonathan many happy returns, Banigo prayed the Almighty God to continue to bless and keep her in good health.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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