Rivers

Group Warns Against Stigmatising People With Cleft Lips

Published

4 years ago

December 8, 2021

An international charity organisation, “Smile Train”, has warned families against stigmalision of children with cleft lips.
The organisation said this at a national cleft south-south zonal meeting in Port Harcourt.
The meeting has as its theme “prospect problems and challenges of cleft lips in South South.
Zonal coordinator of the organization Dr Benjamin Kejeh said the zone also handled over 7000 cleft operation within the last three years.
Kejeh who is a surgeon at the University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital (UPTH) said the deformity which can be treated has nothing to do with witchcraft. Adding that operation can be carried out at some specialist centres in the zone
He particularly said the University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital (UPTH) has been fully equipped by “smile train” to undertake operation of children with cleft lips free of charge.
The experts who said the deformity is not life threatening regretted that some families are feeling reluctant to bring their children out for treatment.
He listed factors responsible for this to include ignorance about the existence of treatment center poverty, religious belief amongst others
He said “Smile train” has organised training programs for medical Doctor across the African country with a view to equipping them with necessary skills to handle the treatment of children with cleft lips.
He however said that many well placed Nigerians as well as the state and Federal Government are not helping in the course of ensuring that people with these diseases are given treatment.
Kejeh stressed the need for households with these cases to come forward as the treatment is free for now.
Speaking on the partnership between the group and UPTH, he said the partnership started since 2018, stressing that 367 cases were handled.
He described last year as the worst noting that only 41 cases were handled.
Also speaking Dr Benjamin Odal said 39 cases of cleft palate operations were carried out at the University of Benin Teaching hospital adding that out of the number 29 were female while nine were male.
Aly Dr,Okonkwo Chinedu said 200 operations were done in Cross River State.

By: John Bibor & Excellent Omehoma

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.