Metro
Breast Cancer Campaign Goes To Schools
Breast cancer campaign is now having a new fillip as the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State chapter in conjunction with Engraced Life Foundation has taken their enlightenment programme to schools.
Their first port of call was Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Rumuokwuta. To the surprise of many, the devotion hall of the school was filled with selected teenagers between 13 to 16 years who were given lectures, talk and screening on breast cancer.
Since last year September, NAWOJ and Engraved Life Foundation have teamed up together with women lawyers in Rivers State to spread the awareness on breast cancer.
Today in Nigeria, cancer ailment is taking its toll on the population. Globally it is the second leading cause of death and it can occur at any age.
Last Friday, at GGSS, Rumuokwuta, young female students were excited, as they paid rapt attention as different speakers took time to educate them on ways to prevent the deadly disease.
The young students who took turns to ask questions after the lecturers, were excited when free Bra and pads were given out while many got a free breast cancer screening including the female teachers.
NAWOJ Chairperson, Susan Serekana, Wikhana told them that breast cancer affects 90 percent of women, especially women of conception age.
Said, Serekana,” we have gone to many communities and we have seen sorry situation. The challenge is that many fear to come out. A lot feel they will be victimised.”
Also speaking at the event, the Founder of Engraced Life Foundation, Ethel Olomo who is a cancer survivor used her experience to encourage the girl folks not to take their health for granted.
For instance, she urged them to always look out for signs or symptoms on their bodies, especially their breasts and private parts.
According to her, once they observe any strange feeling like lump or other tell tale signs of cancer, they should tell their parents or report to hospitals immediately.
She regretted that lack of awareness, poor health seeking behaviours,low level of non-governmental investments, funding gaps amongst other factors militate against the fight on cancer scourge in our society.
She therefore called on government at all levels to partner with the organisations and commit adequate resources to reduce cancer deaths and provide better quality life for patients and survivors.
Comrade Boma Omubo Pepple of the Rotary International was on ground with his team to pep the young girls to ensure they do not hide any ailment they observe on their bodies.
“Ensure you have mentors, talk to your teachers, aunties about whatever you observe on your bodies. Cancer kills ,”Omubo-Pepple emphasised.
World Cancer Day is celebrated annually and this year’s theme is Close The Care Gap”.
The NAWOJ chairperson said the campaign in schools was part of the cancer awareness programmes being carried out by the two organisations to save millions of preventable deaths by raising awareness and education about cancer, while pressing governments and individuals to take action against the disease especially as one third of cancer cases are preventable.
She hinted that soon the event will be taken to schools in the rural areas, “ that is where so many people are ignorant, but we will reach out to them”.
She expressed hope that all the activities lined up for this year’s celebration would lead to reduction of the ailment.
On her part, founder of Engraved Life, Olomo urged government at all levels to partner with organisations and commit adequate resources to reduce cancer deaths and provide better quality life for patients and survivors.
By: Kevin Nengia
Metro
NSCDC Uncovers Illegal Oil Bunkering Site, Arrests Five Suspects
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Rivers State has uncovered an illegal oil bunkering site at Odagwa Community in Etche Local Government Area..
Spokesperson of NSCDC, Olufemi Ayodele said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad made the discovery of about 10 illegal refineries with an estimated 500,000 litres of crude oil contained in about 50 illegally constructed reservoirs following intelligence.
He stated that the NSCDC will continue to fight against crude oil theft, illegal mining, illegal dealings in petroleum products, amongst others across the country.
“The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi has reiterated over time that all acts of economic sabotage would be fought to a standstill as suspects arrested would face the full wrath of the law irrespective of their sponsors,” he said.
In tandem with the Commandant General’s, order, a Special Intelligence Squad was set up, as they were charged to be thorough and results- oriented in their operations.
He noted that the success of the special squad was “based on credible intelligence, the CG’s SIS swung into action and uncovered 10 illegal local refineries in a forest located in Odagwa Community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State where five suspects were caught in the act of illegally refining of crude oil”.
While conducting reconnaissance operations across the large thick forest, about 10 different cooking pots of 50,000 litres capacity were seen with one big pumping machine, Receiver Tanks, 25 rubber hoses used for pumping crude oil and many long galvanised pipes with unqualified litres of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil stored in six large reservoirs and other 20 smaller reservoirs dug in the ground.
The suspects arrested have now been handed over to the Rivers State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution are Favour Chukwu (M), 29 years, Desmond Umeh (M), 25 years, Godwin Amos (M), 22years; Bineace Galion (M), 38years; and Goodnews David (M), 23 years.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commandant, Basil Igwebueze has condemned the unrepentant act of unscrupulous elements who tapped into the oil well head of Heirs Energies and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) located around Imo River 2 Oil and Gas Field at Odagwa in Etche, through different channels, inserted their galvanised pipes and siphoned crude oil while processing same within the premises without remorse.
The Rivers State NSCDC Commandant thanked the Commandant General for the commissioning of the Special Intelligence Squad that has been working relentlessly across the States of the federation to combat the menace of illegal dealings in petroleum products, crude oil theft, vandalism of railway lines, amongst others.
“The uncovering of this massive illegal oil bunkering site is a landmark achievement and an indication that the NSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of all critical national assets and infrastructure will continue to combat crude oil theft with renewed vigour even as we work in synergy with sister security agencies to salvage the nation’s economy from saboteurs”, Igwebueze said.
“Let me reassure you that thorough investigation has commenced to unravel those behind the scene while all suspects arrested in connection with this act of vandalism and crude oil theft would be charged to court of competent jurisdiction and their sponsors or cartels would be trailed and brought to book without compromise,” he added.
Metro
Scavengers Make Fortunes From Refuse In Rumuokoro, Others
It is now strange to throw away plastics and used can drinks around Rumuokoro and Eneka axis of Obio /Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The trend now is to keep them while waiting for one of the numerous scavengers to come around the neighbourhood and pick them.
The dumpsite at Rumeukiini and Rumuchiorlu are busy 24 hours with scavengers picking, selecting and bagging what was once considered trash.
They even go as far as washing old rubber slippers and used plastic items for recycling. And for most residents, it is better to wait for the scavengers than for one to go and discard one’s waste.
One of the dealers in these waste materials, but who preferred anonymity spoke to The Tide Metro, saying the business has been booming in the past five years.
Another of the scavengers, who spoke to The Tide Metro gave his name as Musa Alani. He said it has been his means of livelihood for some years now.
Alani deals on plastic wastes. He picks, washes and packs old discarded soft drink bottles for recycling. The recycling plant is outside Port Harcourt and he has to pack many bags before going to sell to the company.
Jane Obi ,a lady who now collects old plastics from her neighborhood told The Tide Metro that she went into the business because of lack of job. She sells some of the old plastic bottles to women who produce liquid detergents and herbal drinks.
Asked whether the bottles are safe to be used for such business, she said they are washed before using.
A resident of Rumuokoro, Esama Esele corroborated the view of Obi, explain that most of the bottles end up being used as containers for herbal beverages.
Esele expressed fear that the business may pose health hazard if government agencies like the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) fails to intervene in regulating consumables produced under unhygienic conditions.
On his part, Abiodun Abo said the trend of using discarded used plastic bottles is not new, and has provided means of livelihood for some people.
Abo said, “There has been no report that somebody has died using old plastic bottles. Many women who used to sell herbal beverages like Zobo wash them before usage.”
For Mr. Abe Anulu, there should be outright ban on the usage of recycled plastic bottles. “There is need for the state environmental officers to begin to monitor how these people pick and use these bottles. It may cause health problems in the future.”
Metro
Firm Plans Hose Manufacturing Facility, Marks 21st Anniversary
An oil servicing firm, Fairtex Group, rolled out drums last weekend to celebrate it is 21st anniversary.
The ceremony was held at its new headquarters, in Elelenwo in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, of Rivers State where the firm acquired a massive parcel of land to build its new automobile fluid testing and hose manufacturing facilities.
It also used the event to unveil its “Equip 2026” to provide roadmap for its new diversification plans.
From a one room apartment in Ogbunabali 21 years ago, the firm has grown over the years with specialty in oil tool servicing and haulage to providing oil servicing solutions.
According to its Chairman/Executive Officer(CEO), Mr. Jacob Idungafa, the company has achieved its 2023 vision and hence, plans to diversify into automobile fluid testing and hose production for oil and chemical industrial uses.
Already, he disclosed that the company has begun talks with some South African and German firms on the setting up of a automobile jack system capable of providing jobs for the host community and impact on the nation’s economy.
The hose production is going to be a joint operation with a French firm, Aeroflex, as staffers will be sent abroad for training.
Since commencing operations in 2003, the firm has established branches in 14 countries in Africa that include Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Angola and Cote d’Ivoire.
“One unique thing is that in all of these, we have not taken any loan facility from the banks. We are prudent and resourceful, “he said.
Idungafa said further, “We are not competing with anybody. We are just beginning and there is a lot to do.”
So far, he stated that it has achieved the Vision 2023 with the acquisition of land, addingthat Equip 2026 is to serve as a launch pad for greater future for the firm.
Some staff who spoke at the 21 st anniversary praised the commitment and hard work of their CEO, saying his steadfastness has helped the firm in the path of growth over the years.
Manager, Foreign and Local Procurement, Brightness Sambo said since she joined the company, she has learnt a lot in management and networking.
In her word, “You don’t have to see the immediate results because the future is certain…We are aiming to go outside Africa.”
Human Resources Manager of Fairtex, Ngozi Ndukwe thanked God for the company and the milestones it has achieved over the years, saying “Where there is a vision, the vision does not die and with God’s grace, we are headed somewhere.”
The firm’s Principal Accounting Officer, lbaraibim Ogolo said since she joined the company, she has grown in her professional competency, describing the CEO as a role model and hardworking personality.
Highlights of the 21st anniversary included a thanksgiving service at Just Jesus Assembly, Port Harcourt, a party at the company’s new site, special performance by staffers and cutting of the anniversary cake by the Managing Director and other guests.
By: Kevin Nengia
-
Oil & Energy4 days ago
NNPCL Lists Transparency, Accountability, Others, As Transformation Drivers
-
News4 days ago
Trafficking: Beware Of Fake $900 Jobs, NAPTIP Warns Nigerians
-
Focus4 days ago
Reminisces On Tributes To Mrs Adeline Ndalu Jaja
-
Nation2 days ago
Ododo Applauds Security Agencies Over Rescue Of 43 Bus Passengers
-
Opinion11 hours ago
Good Friday: Timeless Message Of Sacrifice, Redemption
-
News6 hours ago
Ohanaeze Urges S’East Govs, Security Agencies To End Insecurity In Igboland
-
Sports4 hours ago
Onigbinde Not Sacked – Chairman
-
Education4 days ago
Bill To Increase UBEC Funding Passes Second Reading