Connect with us

Featured

COVID-19: Oil Majors To Establish 30-Bed Treatment Centre In Bonny.

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has expressed delight over the decision by three multinational oil companies to collaborate  in establishing a COVID-19 Treatment Centre in Bonny Local Government Area of the state.

The companies are the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas company,  NLNG,  the Shell Petroleum Development Company,  SPDC,  and The Exonn Mobil Producing Unlimited Company.

The decision for the  upgrade and equipment of the Bonny General Hospital as a Treatment Centre  was taken on Monday at a meeting called at the instance of Governor  Wike at Government House, Port Harcourt.

 

The proposed Treatment Centre is expected to be prepared and equipped within the next four weeks.

Governor Wike said the meeting was called to address the situation in Bonny where  some tests conducted so far and with briefs from the state Ministry of Health paints the  picture of the area becoming an epicentre of the pandemic.

The governor stated that the highest number of people testing positive are oil workers which accounts for 60 percent of  cases recorded so far.

He said the situation has vindicated his position on the need for oil companies to cooperate with the state government to fully implement the COVID-19 preventive protocol.

 

“Nobody is against anybody carrying out oil exploration activities. All I have always argued is that if you are bringing people from outside the state which is like an interstate movement,  there  is need for us to know so that we are able also to take precaution and make sure that they follow the  protocol put in place by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control(NCDC).

“Nobody will want to to stop oil exploration  because that is the mainstay of the economy of this country.  But people have to be alive before you can use the revenue.  If you make the money from the oil sector and human beings are not there what will be the essence of making the whole money.  Money  is to be used to advance economic life but man’s well-being is more important.

 

“So we felt that there is need for us to work together so that we will be able to reduce this pandemic in the state.

The governor also urged the oil companies to provide basic hygiene items like hand sanitisers and  water at strategic places in Bonny communities.

On the issue of denial pervading the community, the governor promised to engage the traditional institution and community development committees to enlighten their people on the reality of the pandemic.

Governor Wike said government might consider a possible lockdown of Bonny  after due consultation with the  Amanyanabo of Bonny.

 

On the Bonny-Bodo road project,  Governor Wike frowned at the lack of interest shown by the federal government in releasing its counterpart funding when NLNG are fulfilling their own part of the agreement.

He said such treatment of issues concerning the Niger Delta that sustains the country financially is unacceptable.

The Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Ltd,  Tony Attah appreciated the bold measures taken by the governor in dealing with the pandemic and pledged the company’s continued support.

 

The Deputy Managing Director of SPDC, Simon Roddy, pledged that his company would support all measures taken by the government to keep the state safe.

In his own remarks, the  Executive Director of Exonn Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Udobong Ntia also  said they are fully committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

The Commissioner for Health,  Professor Princewill Chike said some results of samples collected in Bonny show presence of COVID-19 and that the lack of Treatment and Testing Centre posed a  serious threat.

Featured

Rivers Open To Blue Economy Investment -Fubara

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
Fubara stated this while providing investment details to industrialists during the 3rd Nigeria-Indonesia Forum in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
He said that, as the oil and gas hub of Nigeria, Rivers State stands as the best investment destination for good economic achievement.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, enumerated the vast opportunities Rivers State holds to potential investors in the marine and blue economy, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, health, transportation, amongst other sectors.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria-Indonesia Commercial Association and the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) for its continuous support to keep Rivers State at the peak for investors.
“Your decision to convoke this business forum is indeed apt. It will provide a robust platform for discussions in the areas of health, education, trade, investment, energy, environment…Vast opportunities exist in agriculture and agro-based industries, marine resources and blue economy, hospitality and tourism, transport, petroleum and other natural resources such as clay, raffia palm and textile with promising labour”, he emphasized.
He urged participants to use the forum to build partnerships for mutual economic benefits for both Rivers State and Indonesia.
“I am optimistic that this Forum will explore the investment opportunities in the State as well as harness them for our mutual benefits. I assure you that doing business in the State is strengthened by the enabling environment provided by the State Government to potential investors.
“I encourage you all to engage actively in discussions, share your insights, and learn from one another and create new collaborations and explore the investment opportunities in the State. Your ideas would no doubt spark the next big innovation or partnership that will drive meaningful change in our economy,” he stressed.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Ussra Hendru Harahap, gave insight into the Nigeria-Indonesia dynamic similarities and that Rivers State is host to Indonesia’s biggest investment in Nigeria.
He further indicated that Indonesia and Nigeria can mutually benefit from the diverse use of palm fruit and other businesses as he urged participants to explore new grounds for business development and expansion for both Indonesia and Rivers State.
The President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Sir Mike Elechi, said the aim of the business forum is to provide more business opportunities to the people of Rivers State in view of attracting more business opportunities that will expand and promote commercial activities and investments in the State.

Continue Reading

Featured

Tinubu, Buhari Mourn Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Iwuanyanwu

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt commiserations to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away, yesterday.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.
President Tinubu condoled with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss.
The President in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has expressed rude shock over the demise of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The former Chairman, South East Governors Forum described Iwuanyanwu’s death as “ a big disaster and colossal loss to the Igbo nation”.
He said Chief Iwuanyanwu sacrificed so much in the advancement of Igbo cause but regretted that he exited at a time his fatherly counsels were most needed.
Senator Orji who said Iwuanyanwu was a personal friend, said he was highly devastated by the news of the departure of the late Igbo leader.
The former Senator representing Abia Central, a statement by his former Chief Liaison Officer , Hon. Ifeanyi Umere, said the death of Iwuanyanwu, had added to the pain of the loss of some other Igbo leaders who excited in the recent times.
He said that Iwuanyanwu would always be remembered for his patriotism, sacrificial leadership and passion for the Igbo cause.
Senator Orji condoled with the family of the late Ohanaeze helmsman while praying God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal repose in heaven.
Iwuanyanwu’s death was announced by his son Jide Iwuanyanwu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, yesterday.
According to the son, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announced the demise of our Patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged aged 82.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu, before his death, was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, lady Princess Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren including Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Managing Director Champion Newspapers.
“Details of the burial will be announced later by the family after due consultation.”

Continue Reading

Featured

Nigeria Capable Of Providing Good Healthcare System -German Consul-General

Published

on

The German Consul- General, Weert Börner, has said that Nigeria was capable of providing a good healthcare system, rather than encouraging promotion of medical tourism.
Börner said this during the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) yesterday, in Lagos while highlighting Germany’s role in enhancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
He listed some of his country’s areas of support to include Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
According to him, there are discussions on how the COVID-19 pandemic still influences the SDG achievement and the challenge to overcome the gap and its impacts.
“I can assure you that Germany was very impressed how Nigeria handled the pandemic, especially Lagos State, with Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
“We have been increasing our support to modernise Nigeria’s health sector.
“I can assure you the German government is not a government promoting medical tourism to Europe. We think that’s not a solution.
“The solution is to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria.
“And there is no tourism needed in the future to get good treatment because we think that Nigeria is capable to have its own good health care system,” he said.
To support the health sector, Börner said that the German government has been training medical personnel, offering scholarships to medical students and has active presence of German companies in Nigeria’s health sector.
The envoy also said that Germany offers annual scholarships for both master degrees and PhD students globally through the German Academic Exchange Service, (DAAD).
“And in 2023, for the first time ever, among sub-Saharan African nations, Nigeria ranked number one.
“The number of Nigerian scholarship receivers went up within 13 years from just 200 to 1,600. So that’s a big success for your country, but I think also for the world,” he said.
Börner emphasised that vocational training was a traditional strength of the German system, noting that it was cooperating with the government and the private sector, citing training for solar energy engineers in Nigeria.
The consul-general stressed the need for best practices and strengthened cooperation to actualise SDGs in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
The Africa Social Impact Summit is a multi-sectoral platform dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Summit organised by Sterling One Foundation, United Nations and the Lagos State Government has the theme: “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa.”

Continue Reading

Trending