Rivers

PUMS’ll Impact Rivers Positively, Nwanosike Assures

Published

4 years ago

February 25, 2022

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Engr Samuel Nwanosike, has noted that the presence of PAMO University of Medical Sciences trainee doctors in Ikwerre LGA would impact positively on the lives of his people and the entire state.
He made the statement, last Wednesday while granting audience to a delegation of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at his office in Isiokpo.
The PUMS’ delegation was in Ikwerre Council headquarters for an advocacy meeting with the chairman of Ikwerre LGA in order to galvanise his support to PUMS’ trainee doctors whowould soon be in area for a free medical outreach.
Nwanosike averred, “We believe that the presence of these trainee doctors would impact on us positively because as they are getting this training, somehow too, at a particular stage they will be posted to some of the local facilities around here to try their hands before will now exit.
“So, in that way, they are also offering service to our people and reducing the stress of manpower that we have”.
He promised the PAMO University students of safety while undergoing the free medical outreach.
While saying that medical doctors from the Rivers State Ministry of Health would be added to the trainee doctors for guidance, Nwanosike noted that the free medical outreach would be done at Model Health Centre, Adanta, Isiokpo, and Model Health Centre, Omagwa, in order to reach out to good number of people.
He revealed that he would construct a befitting residence in Isiokpo that would accommodate the student doctors during the period of the programme.
Nwanosike used the opportunity to commend Rivers StateGovernor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for awarding free scholarship to Rivers sons and daughters to study Medicine and Surgery at PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, saying that it was already rubbing off on the citizens of the state.
A Professor of Community Medicine who is on sabbatical at PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Prof Emmanuel Aguwa, while narrating why the delegation of PAMO University was in the area, asserted that PAMO University was a new university and one of the three universities in Nigeria that only train medical doctors and other allied professionals.
He described the students’ free medical outreach in Ikwerre LGA as a win-win situation, stressing that both PUMS and Ikwerre LGA would benefit immensely.
“So, what we come today is to get the political will. We can’t do anything without this entry behaviour. We must go through the right way by coming to you, sir, and the deputy chairman because without your supports nobody can do anything here”, Aguwa said.
The Director of Academic Planning, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Prof Ngozi Odu, who is the leader of the delegation, used the opportunity to eulogise Nwanosike for his unprecedented achievements.
She said, “I would want to take this opportunity as well to commend you on the tremendous good work you are doing in Ikwerre Local Government. It’s actually unprecedented. You just stand out and we want to say God will continue to guide and protect you and direct your footsteps so that at the end of the day your legacies would outlive each and every one of is that are here today. The work you are doing for your people is something that even in your old age it will be ringing a bell upon generations unborn”.
On her part, a Public Health Consultant and Lecturer at PUMS, Dr Chidinma Opara, reiterated that the foresight Wike has in investing on Rivers indigenes was turning to huge manpower for the state.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

Rivers

Rivers Police Uncovers Firearm Concealed In Loaf Of Bread

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command has foiled what appeared to be a criminal operation and recovered an illegal firearm ingeniously concealed inside a loaf of bread during a routine security operation in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the operation formed part of intensified crime prevention measures directed by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at strengthening internal security and curbing criminal activities across the state.

The Command disclosed that the breakthrough occurred along Azikiwe Road by Red Cross Junction, Port Harcourt, when operatives on routine stop-and-search duty intercepted a vehicle and carried out a detailed screening of passengers and their belongings.

During the search, officers reportedly discovered a Browning pistol carefully hidden inside a loaf of bread allegedly belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a male resident of New Road, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, who was travelling in the vehicle.

Police said the unusual concealment method immediately raised suspicion, leading to the suspect’s arrest and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm.

Preliminary findings, according to the Command, revealed that the recovered pistol had no visible serial number, creating concerns over its source and possible intended use.

Investigators further quoted the suspect as allegedly admitting ownership of the weapon and stating that he purchased it in Okrika at the rate of N800,000.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that criminal elements continue to adopt increasingly deceptive methods to evade security checks and law enforcement surveillance.

He urged residents of Rivers State to remain alert and security conscious, stressing that the discovery of a firearm hidden inside an everyday food item underscores the need for heightened public vigilance.

The Police Commissioner also cautioned members of the public against accepting, transporting or keeping items whose contents are unknown, noting that such actions could unknowingly aid criminal activities.

The Command, therefore, called on residents to sustain collaboration with security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, insisting that effective policing remains dependent on active community participation and collective responsibility in building a safer Rivers State.

King Onunwor

Rivers

Okrika LG Flags-off TAPP Empowerment Programme, Phase II

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

As part of efforts to enhance his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development across the Local Government Area (LGA), the Chairman of Okrika LGA, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, has officially flagged off the second phase of the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway (TAPP) Programme.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the LGA’s Council Secretariat, marked another milestone in the council’s drive to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents through targeted empowerment initiatives.

The event attracted key government officials and stakeholders, including the Secretary to Okrika Local Government Council, Hon. Oforiokuma Kwani; the Special Adviser on Empowerment, Hon. Adokiye Ogbogara; members of the Empowerment Committee; and other council officials.

In a symbolic presentation during the ceremony, the Empowerment Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Ibanichuka, presented a specially designed photo frame and a commemorative photo book showcasing the achievements and impact of the first phase of the programme.

The committee also unveiled and presented the official branded polo shirt and fez cap for Phase II of the empowerment initiative to the Chairman.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman commended members of the Empowerment Committee for their dedication, transparency, and commitment in implementing the programme.

He noted that the success recorded in the first phase had encouraged the administration to expand the initiative in order to reach more residents and create greater economic opportunities.

According to the council boss, the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway Programme was conceived as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing poverty, stimulating local enterprise, and equipping youths and entrepreneurs with the resources and skills needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

He disclosed that under Phase II of the programme, about 400 business owners and traders across Okrika would receive cash grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.

The intervention, he said, is expected to boost small-scale enterprises, enhance household incomes, and stimulate economic activities within the local economy.

Tobin further revealed that hundreds of youths would benefit from sponsored vocational and technical skills acquisition programmes in various fields, including scaffolding, fashion designing, welding, makeup and gele artistry, Total Glam, and several other vocational trades considered relevant in today’s economy.

The Chairman emphasized that the initiative goes beyond financial support, stressing that the programme is designed to build human capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and create a pathway for sustainable wealth creation among beneficiaries.

“Our vision is to empower our people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. We believe that when individuals are economically empowered, families become stronger, communities become more prosperous, and development becomes sustainable”, he stated.

He urged prospective beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by applying themselves diligently to the skills training and utilizing the grants responsibly to achieve long-term economic growth.

Tobin also reassured residents that his administration would continue to implement people-oriented policies and programmes aimed at improving living standards and expanding opportunities for all segments of society.

Observers at the event described the TAPP initiative as one of the most impactful empowerment programmes undertaken by the present administration, citing its focus on entrepreneurship development, youth engagement, and poverty reduction.

Meanwhile, the main empowerment event has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during which beneficiaries are expected to receive cash grants and vocational training support packages.

Since its inception, the TAPP has emerged as the flagship empowerment programme of the Okrika Local Government administration, touching lives across communities and reinforcing the council’s commitment to inclusive growth, economic prosperity, and the overall welfare of the people of Okrika.

The commencement of Phase II is expected to further consolidate the gains of the programme, while opening new opportunities for hundreds of residents seeking economic advancement and self-sufficiency.

Michael T. Abraham

Rivers

Urban Development Ministry, Others Strengthen Collaboration On Building Safety

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Amairigha Hart, has said the Ministry has intensified efforts to improve the safety of buildings through stronger collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Amairigha, who said this at a strategic inter-agency meeting held in Port Harcourt, weekend, disclosed that the collaboration is aimed at establishing a unified operational framework to prevent overlaps and ensure coordinated action among agencies involved in the built environment.

Stressing the importance of collaboration in preventing structural failures and building collapses, the Commissioner said the regulatory and emergency response agencies must work together to ensure strict compliance with approved building standards and due process at every stage of construction.

He commended the prompt response of the Federal Housing Authority and NEMA to the recent building collapse along Peter Odili Road, describing their swift mobilisation as crucial to ongoing rescue efforts.

Providing an update on the incident, Hart disclosed that search, rescue and evacuation operations were still in progress.

He added that technical teams were carrying out a controlled demolition of the remaining lift shaft and stair core to prevent a secondary collapse and safeguard rescue personnel as well as neighbouring properties.

The Commissioner further emphasised that collaboration among agencies should go beyond emergency situations, noting that proactive monitoring and enforcement are essential to preventing future construction-related disasters.

The meeting ended with participants harmonising operational information and agreeing on measures to strengthen supervision, compliance monitoring and joint inspections of ongoing and future construction projects across Rivers State.

The resolution is expected to enhance coordination among state and federal agencies and promote safer building practices in the state.

King Onunwor