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The Rivers State Inter-ministerial Committee on Covid-19 would partner the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in the disposal of healthcare waste in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, stated this, yesterday, when a NESREA delegation, led by its South-South Director, Mr Jacob Ayuba, paid a courtesy visit on the Inter-ministerial Committee in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Nsirim, who is the chairman, stated the committee’s readiness to partner with the agency in ensuring that healthcare wastes, which are products of the fight against the Coronavirus, were properly disposed to prevent further infection of the virus.
According to him, the committee “will be willing to partner with NESREA in designing enlightenment materials that would sensitise our people as it relates to the guidelines on disposal of infectious wastes”.
Responding to commendations by the NESREA boss to Rivers State regarding the successful model of checking Coronavirus infection, Nsirim explained that the success recorded thus far by the state was the manifestation of the visionary leadership of the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
“His Excellency is a very visionary leader: he was the first to close borders in the country, he was the first to sign Executive Order, and just a few days ago, he signed another Executive Order, which will now set up border patrol for the state, to compliment the efforts of security agencies.
“As a government, one can proudly say that we are really putting in our best in the containment of the virus”, he said.
Nsirim, however, explained that the committee would need a guide regarding what assistance the agency requires of the committee.
“We’ll wait for you to give us content in this direction, so that in the next one week or so, we would be able to develop radio/TV jingles, and maybe fliers that we’ll begin to give out to all the various stakeholder groups in the state. That is one assurance we’re giving you. We’ll also say to you that as a committee, we’re open for more ideas in this direction. Whatever ideas you have as an agency, you can bring forth to us”, he said.
Assuring the agency of the state government’s support, the commissioner said, “His Excellency has shown, as a leader, that he’s a man that is dear to our lives, a patriot. He’s giving all federal agencies in this state all the support they require. I’m sure NESREA will not be an exception.
“We thank you for coming, and we’re looking forward to working together to make Rivers State safe, because His Excellency’s goal this period is to make Rivers State safe for everybody living and doing business here”, the information boss stated.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the South-South Director, NESREA, Mr Jacob Ayuba, had explained that the reason for their visit was to commend the committee and the state government over steps taken so far to prevent Coronavirus infection in the state, and to compliment efforts being made with guidelines for healthcare waste disposal.
“On behalf of my Director-General (DG), who had directed us to visit the relevant stakeholders, of which you’re the main contact organisation/committee, that is serving to ensure that Covid-19 does not spread, I want to commend your effort and the good job you are doing.
“He said we should come and commend you, and also encourage you to do more. In whatever area the agency can assist, we will. This is because, from our mandate, we want to ensure that all necessary regulations and laws are complied with, especially when it comes to sanitation issues”, he said.
Ayuba added that, “as a committee, you have done a good job from the statistics we’ve received, that the spread is not as expected. We thank you for your efforts. If not for your efforts in awareness campaign and the effort of His Excellency, the governor of the state, we wouldn’t have recorded the present feat.
“That’s why the spread has not been increasing. We want to thank God for you on the field, because without you, we couldn’t have achieved this feat the state has achieved.
“The purpose we’re here is just to let you know the guidelines…. We have a draft of the regulation of healthcare waste, a regulation that is national. It’s still in draft form… With the Covid-19 ravaging the whole world, the agency felt we should quickly come out with some guidelines, seeing what has been happening around us”, he stated.
He further stressed that in disposing infectious wastes arising from Covid-19, “…we observed that these healthcare wastes have not been properly disposed of. We also found out that most of the healthcare waste managers are not properly kitted with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It’s for this purpose that the agency came up with a draft on safety infectious waste, coupled with another guideline that is very germane too”.
In addition, Ayuba noted increasing manufacture of hand sanitizers by those who are not knowledgeable in the chemical components therein, adding that because of their lack of skills, some have come up with inflammable sanitizers that have proven to be hazardous.
“Consequently, we felt that people using chemicals as disinfectants should be properly guided both in usage and handling, and at the end of the day, how they dispose of these wastes arising from using.
“It has to be properly discharged in a container, not just being discharged anyhow. This is why the agency came up with specific guidelines on how these healthcare wastes can be properly disposed of”, he said.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a copy of the guidelines for healthcare waste disposal to the commissioner.
Other members of the Inter-ministerial Committee present were the Commissioners of Environment, Dr Igbiks Tamuno, and his Chieftaincy and Community Affairs counterpart, Barrister Olisaeloka Tasie-Amadi.
The NESREA delegation also included the state Coordinator, Mr Jonathan Dajal; Head, Air Pollution Control and Sanitation, Mrs Ibiene Iwuoha; Head, Public Affairs, Mrs Bio Ikuru; Head, Air Pollution and Vehicular Emissions, Mr Ernest Uwakwe; and Scientific Officer, Mr Chinedu Kelechi.
Dennis Naku
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
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.
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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