Rivers

NGO Harps On Children With Special Needs’ Empowerment

Published

8 years ago

December 13, 2017

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Lifeline Organisation for Children Empowerment (LOCE) has appealed to parents, owners of private schools and the Rivers State Government to empower children with special needs to enable them attain full potentials in life.
The Executive Director, LOCE, Ngozi Chukwuka Obiyo made the call during the 2017 International Day of Persons With Disabilities’ celebration, with the theme: ‘Transformation Rewards Sustainable Resilient Society for All’ in Port Harcourt, recently.
She noted that if all relevant stakeholders would pay attention to children with special needs and integrate them into all programmes in the society, everyone would live happily without having any ill-feeling of neglect or discrimination by members of the society.
“Lots of barriers have been placed on persons with special needs both from home and the society. These barriers are classified as both parental and societal rejection, lack of education as a result of unfriendly environment, lack of appropriate health support and early intervention programmes, among others.
“When these barriers are removed and they are empowered, they will participate in societal life and their communities will benefit from them,” she added.
She called on the society to have change of attitude towards people with special needs by putting to an end the stigmatisation they suffered.
“When kids with disabilities are admitted into schools, when they learn together with their peers, and their peers learn to accept and play with them as part of their existence, then they are developed in such a way that they manifest their God-given potentials. This is why LOCE is closing the gap by bringing kids with special needs to play with the other kids.”
She commended LOCE in ensuring that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 became a reality, and also expressed gratitude to LOCE partners, sponsors, friends, volunteers and families, who contributed their resources and talents to make Play, Learn And Grow (PLAG)Season (4) a huge success.
Similarly a development practitioner and a participant of PLAG Season 4 Mrs Egondu Esiwoke said December 3rd had been set aside annually for the World International Day celebration for People with Disability.
She enumerated some of the things done by LOCE as giving medical support for the musculoskeletal challenged children (Surgery and Physiotherapy); providing life skill; building the child’s self esteem; organising capacity building for parents and guardians of physically challenged children on good parenting skills, among others.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

3 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

3 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

3 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.