As part of efforts to check the trend of measles in the State, the Rivers state Government says it will be carrying out mass vaccination beginning from October 12th to 18th in the State.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh  stated this in a press conference to announce the kick-off of the  State Integrated Measles Mass Vaccination Campaign.

According to her, apart from the Mass vaccination, mop- up exercise will also be carried out between 19th and 20th October, 2024.

Oreh said the campaign is targeted at children between ages of nine months to under five years.

The commissioner who noted that measles are highly contagious, said the aim is to reach the children directly in their communities through schools and religious institutions.

She observed the downward trend in vaccination coverage in the state, hence she said,it is the urgency for the campaign.

“For 2024, the data that we have so far is 46 percent, last year, it was 67 percent, so you can see that it has reduced drastically.

“Measles are highly contagious disease, therefore , achieving  high vaccination coverage is crucial for protecting our children, preventing outbreaks and ensuring their adequate growth and development”.

Oreh, noted that the government was concerned about the health of children of the state and the need to protect their future that’s why it is making the vaccines available.

“We are committed to making vaccination accessible to all children that are eligible by leveraging our community structures, using venues like schools and religious institutions.

“We aim to maximize the reach and convenience for parents and caregivers so that we leave no child behind and our goal is to push the current coverage rate significantly and protect our community’s youngest members against this killer disease known as measles,” she stated.

While noting that the government in collaboration with her development partners have mobilised sufficient manpower and personnel to carryout the campaign in urban and rural areas, the health commissioner appealed to parents and all stakeholders especially community leaders to encourage their children and wards to participate in the exercise.

Warning against complacency on the side of parents, Oreh, noted that there is the need to close the gap between the first childhood  vaccination of the child and when they get to age nine months, saying,  “Some families would feel that the child is sufficiently covered and that is why we are carrying out this robust campaign to inform them that even though the earlier childhood vaccinations had been given, it is crucial that this measles vaccines are given at the age of nine months to protect the children”.

She said aside those that would be going from house to house, schools and religious institutions to administer the vaccines, parents can also take their the children and wards to the primary healthcare centres in the state to get them vaccinated.

The Rivers people in diaspora have commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for successful conduct of local government elections across the State.
The President of the group, Mr Churchill West Jack made the commendation in a press release made available to The Tide, stressing that the elections were fair and transparent.
He averred that the elections were described as the best local government elections in the State,  and urged those who won to be magnanimous in victory.
“Warmest congratulations to the newly elected chairmen and councillors of our dear State. We sincerely thank the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission ( RSIEC ) for standing firm and conducting the fairest and most peaceful election in the history of our State.”
To our humble governor, a man of few words with so much action, who has continuously shown that God prepared him for this moment, to save the good people of our dear State from the hands of greedy men.” Finally, we want to say a big thank you to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, the honourable speaker  of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Mayor of Port Harcourt, the chairman of Obio/Akpor, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, and many more for their doggedness, and resilience in fighting side by side with the governor to save the soul of the State.
God bless the governor and God bless the good people of Rivers State.”

Akujobi Amadi

The Forum of Ex-Governorship Candidates in Rivers State from 2011-2023 has scored the just-concluded Local council elections in Rivers State.
Chairman of the forum, Prof. O. T. Gillis Harry; Secretary, Hon. Chinesum David Godwin; and Publicity Secretary, Hon Deekae Richards, in a statement on Saturday said the election has demonstrated that it is possible to conduct elections across much of the country without relying on Nigerian security agencies.
“It highlights the notion that these agencies may be a significant barrier to achieving transparent, free, fair, and credible elections. Moving forward, the Civil Defence Force should be utilised for all our elections nationwide to ensure integrity and public confidence in the electoral process”, they stated.
The forum also described the elections as the most peaceful ever conducted in the State’s history.
In their words, “it is clear that love and integrity can guide our electoral processes, demonstrating that the fear of God can lead to a harmonious outcome. As the scripture says, ‘When the righteous rule, the people rejoice’, and today, we have witnessed that truth in action’.
They also observed that the absence of police during the election did not hinder the process, but rather highlighted the remarkable organization and coordination of the event.
Commending Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for their near perfect logistics, the forum noted that the early arrival of electoral materials across all three Senatorial Districts, covering all 23 local government areas was commendable.
They emphasised the need for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to sustain this positive momentum.
”The election has proven that good can indeed triumph over evil, and the collective effort of the people of Rivers State has been instrumental in achieving this peaceful outcome.
“Let us celebrate this milestone and continue to foster a spirit of unity and progress in our great state. God bless Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and God bless the good people of Rivers State”, the forum further said.
Congratulating the winners of the election, the Forum described the victories as a testament to the trust and confidence reposed in them by Rivers people.
“We urge you to hit the ground running, consolidate the good efforts of the Governor, and replicate his exemplary leadership in your respective Local Government Areas”, they charged the winners.
They urged the new leadership at the local government levels to improve the lives of the grassroots, and make a positive difference.
They also commended the Governor for what they called his “visionary leadership”.

Kevin Nengi