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RSG Set To Flag Off Judicial Institute For Magistrates, Judges’ Training, Wike Assures
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has hinted that the state would soon become a centre for the training of magistrates and judges in the country.
The governor said this would be possible when the foundation stone for the National Judicial Institute would be laid during the next round of inauguration of projects in the state.
Wike gave the hint while speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting the Rumuola and G.R.A. Junction flyovers, and the Ezimgbu Link Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital, last Saturday.
The governor pointed out that the State Executive Council would soon meet to determine the specific projects that would be lined up for the next phase of inauguration, and those to invite as special quests to perform the functions.
“Frankly speaking, it’s not going to be road infrastructure alone, it will involve health, schools and other humanitarian areas.
“We believe that the Chokocho-Igbodo Road in Etche and the Oyigbo Road are key projects we think will be included. And then, we are also going to lay foundation for the Judicial Institute that will train our magistrates and judges.
“We will also lay foundation stone for the liaison office for the Federal Judicial Service Commission, which they have approved and should be sited, for the South-South region, in Port Harcourt.”
Speaking about the flyover projects just inspected, Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work that has been delivered.
He noted that from what has been seen, it was still reassuring that the projects would be ready for inauguration by the end of September, 2021.
According to him, the contractors have completed the asphalting work on both the flyovers and the service lanes of the road, with attention now focused on building up barricades that would prevent the people from trading directly on the road.
“You were aware the last time we were here, we saw the Rumuola flyover, G.R.A Junction, Ezimgbu Road, Tombia Extension, we were told that by September, 2021, they would have handed over these four projects to us.
“And as part of our routine job, we still make sure we have to go round to see the extent of work done; whether the stage they are will rhyme with our plans for the commissioning of the projects.
“From what is seen, I believe that all will be completed by the end of the month. You can see the beauty of the projects, the way the places look like. Everybody appreciates them.”
Wike, however, frowned at the aftermath of street trading activities that deface the vicinity of the projects that are to be handed over to the government by the contractors.
He, therefore, vowed to set up a task force that will make it difficult for such trading activities to take place around those projects since the traders have continued to litter the area with refuse.
“You know, so many people would talk about hunger, but the mere fact that people are hungry does not mean that you should dirty the environment.
“When we allow you to do your trading, it doesn’t mean that in doing your trading, you should litter the entire place. It is your responsibility after doing the trading or whatever economic activities that you’re engaged in, you should be able to clean up the area.
“So, one is compelled to set up a task force not to allow hawkers. By Monday, we will set up a task force that will never allow hawkers on these major projects that have beautified Port Harcourt and changed its landscape.”
The governor solicited the understanding of all residents because it was the duty of government to keep the state clean in order to promote good health.
According to Wike, it costs the government huge sum of money to rid the streets of refuse, adding that the people cannot be tolerated with their unhygienic activities.
“Everybody has to bear with us. It is our job to keep the place clean. I mean, some of these people come from neighbouring states, they litter the whole place, and in the evening, they take off.
“It is the government that suffers in spending a lot of money to clean them up”, he added.
The Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, has teamed up with a renowned hospital group in Port Harcourt, the Meridian Hospitals, which is in partnership with the Pilgrims Health Foundation, to carry out a one-day medical outreach last Tuesday.
The free treatment scheme took place at Oromenike Government Girls Secondary School in D-Line, Port Harcourt, with over 100 persons accessing free treatments, including free eye-glasses and booking for eye surgeries.
Other areas of treatment included general health consultations and treatment; blood pressure and sugar level testing; malaria testing and treatment; free prescriptions; preventive health talks focusing on hygiene, maternal health, and nutrition.
The scheme was conducted under the theme: ‘Bringing Healthcare to the Community.’
Newsmen who visited the venue of the scheme found that enthusiastic beneficiaries had thronged the area as early as 7a.m. After setting up, the medical team began attending to the patients.
Mr. Jerry Onwuso, a 63-year-old patient, who was first to see eye doctors and got eye glasses and drugs, told newsmen that he was pleased with the medical intervention.
He made it clear he did not pay any money to get all the treatments and glasses, and pleaded that the scheme be sustained.
Another patient, Loveth Sam, expressed satisfaction with the scheme and appealed to the sponsors to continue to increase the benefits.
Throwing some light on the scheme, Mr. China said he worked in Meridian Hospitals as a Lab. Scientist 19 years ago, but resigned because he could not bear to see patients struggling for life because they had no money to pay for treatment.
He said he came back to help extend free medical treatment to the less privileged.
Sources said China was always having issues with the hospital authorities when he would insist on critical patients being allowed to be treated first, with or without money.
Years later, China, who now goes by a brand name, the Mayor of Housing, returned to the Meridian Hospital headquarters to support free medical scheme.
He also went the next day to the headquarters of Meridian, after the one-day medical outreach, to give cash gifts and palliatives to workers he met when he worked there but had remained in service since he left.
He encouraged them to continue to give their all to humanity through the hospital. The Mayor of Housing called most of them by name and a cloud of emotions descended on them during the reunion.
Appreciating the gesture, the Founder and Chief Medical Director, Dr. Iyke Odo, said China had always manifested hard-work, ambition, and impulsive giving.
According to him, the then young bright boy was full of humanity, kindness, love, and made friends easily, adding that “not everybody that gives is a giver. The difference is that givers are given to give.”
Dr. Odo used the opportunity to call on governments to review Nigeria’s health insurance system and make it work in Nigeria to save lives.
He said it was sad watching critically sick persons abandoned because they did not have money for treatment.
He also condemned harsh tax and electricity tariffs whereby facilities like his now pay N12 million instead of N500,000 few years back.
He wondered why hospitals were being made to pay tariffs like oil companies, citing many other countries where medical facilities were placed on low rates and tariffs so they could charge moderate fees from patients.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
